From Lone Star to Tech Star: Texas' Triangle Transforms the Techscape with Thom Singer

Timecoded Guide: 

[00:00] Podcast begins - From Lone Star to Tech Star: Texas' Triangle Transforms the Techscape with Thom Singer

[01:23] Getting state government involved to forge Texas’ tech future

[08:11] Why the state of Texas appeals to entrepreneurs & innovators

[12:37] Fostering collaboration in the Texas Triangle to combine industry efforts

[16:38] What inspires young professionals & leaders to join ATC

[21:31] Thom’s own entrepreneurial ventures alongside Austin Technology Council

[26:00] The future of Austin & why Texas won’t ever be Silicon Valley

How are you forging the future with the Austin Technology Center?

Founded 32 years ago, the Austin Technology Center brings people together to economically drive the city through tech innovation. In Austin’s past, a perfect storm of community, affordability, talent, and opportunity came together to put them on the map in a big way, at the state and national level. Now, as tech continues to explode with change, including expansion in areas like AI, the ATC works with nonprofits, companies, and individuals to lead Austin toward an innovative, successful future.

“We are at a pivotal time. Things are changing drastically in the tech community. We're growing, AI is changing everything, we have to be looking at what changes are taking place in Austin and in Texas. We can't sit on the sidelines and wait for Houston or Dallas to say, we're gonna do this, come along Austin.”

What’s happening in Texas that interests founders and entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech industry have taken an increased interest in Texas over the years, and Thom believes that there’s so much more to it than the size of the state or the “cool” reputation of Austin. Throughout history, from the Wildcatters to the tech giants of today, Texas has proven itself as a pro-business state with a risk-taking culture. Thom says that as long as Texas has community, collaborations, and conversations, anything can be solved.

“Texas is traditionally a pro-business state. This didn't just start with Austin getting popular in the 90s, this goes back to the Wildcatters, right? They were risk takers and Texas has always been a place where risk takers could come take risks and thrive.”

How do we foster collaboration and communication between cities?

The Texas Triangle has its fair share of rivalries, especially when it comes to the tech industry, but Thom believes that the major cities of Austin, Houston, and Dallas would be so much stronger together. At the Austin Technology Council, Thom emphasizes how vital it is for the tech community to make waves in political and social movements happening throughout the state of Texas. The tech community has a massive voice, but they need to use that voice to rise up together and advocate for support.

“You can't live with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, because you miss what's going on around you. So, we have to be present in the now and then, we have to plan for the future. We're looking for those local entrepreneurs who want to have their voice in how we shape the future.”

What’s next for Austin?

The goal of the Austin Technology Center is to celebrate the past, be present in the now, and prepare for the future. When Thom looks towards the future for Austin and the Texas Triangle, he sees Texas coming together to solve problems and ignite innovation. Part of coming together involves getting the government involved at the state and local level, encouraging tech initiatives that will change the landscape of Texas and the world.

“My personal motto is community, collaboration, and conversations will solve all problems. We're not going to be the next Silicon Valley; we don't want to be the next Silicon Valley. Texas doesn't want to be California for lots of reasons. If we're going to forge the future, then Texas needs to come together.”