by Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council (writing this with one foot in a breakfast taco and the other in a boardroom)
Welcome to Austin Tech… where your barista might be working on an AI startup, your Uber driver knows three VCs by name, and every meaningful conversation starts with “Are you going to that thing?”. This is your somewhat satirical Austin Tech Survival Guide.
Whether you arrived in the IMB/Motorola days or just unloaded your U-Haul from the Bay Area, there are some unwritten rules that will help you thrive in this weird and wonderful ecosystem. Here’s your unofficial (and only mildly sarcastic) survival guide:
1. Don’t name-drop… unless it’s your dog’s vet.
You met Elon once on the street? So did the valet, a mime on Sixth Street, and three bartenders. Cool story. In Austin, we care more about what you do than who you brushed shoulders with while holding a Topo Chico. Name-dropping only works if the person you’re referencing also active in the community and answers emails.
2. Never schedule anything during ACL, SXSW, or when UT is playing Alabama.
It doesn’t matter how urgent your roadmap is… half your team will be at a silent disco, and the other half will be emotionally invested in a game that the Longhorns might win this time.
3. You will be on a panel.
Even if you’re shy. Even if you don’t know what the panel is about. One moment you’re at a networking breakfast, the next you’re holding a microphone and trying to sound profound about “resilient infrastructure in an AI world.” Don’t fight it. Just speak slowly and say “intentional” and “innovation” a lot.
4. Invest in boots. Not for ranching… for networking.
You’ll eventually end up at an event where everyone is wearing cowboy boots and talking about quantum computing. When in Rome, wear Justin Ropers.
5. Don’t confuse “weird” with “unserious.”
Yes, someone pitched you a blockchain app while dressed like Willie Nelson. And yes, that idea might raise $10 million. Don’t underestimate the power of creativity, community, and cowboy hats. This city builds billion-dollar companies in flip-flops.
6. Know the difference between tacos and taco-shaped food items.
A real breakfast taco comes from a truck with no signage and a 20-minute wait. If it’s lukewarm, wrapped in tinfoil, and part of a “continental breakfast”—don’t trust it. Especially if the eggs are gray.
7. All business in Austin starts with: “Are you going to that thing?”
Nobody says the name of the event. You’re just expected to know. Could be a pitch night, a fundraiser, or a rooftop happy hour with a live goat. But if it’s hosted by ATC, it’s probably worth your time. Show up, shake hands, leave with a business card and at least one awkward story.
8. Be nice. Austin keeps score.
It might feel like a big city, but reputations move fast. That junior developer you ghosted? She now runs a fund. The guy you brushed off at a networking lunch? He’s your boss’s boss’s neighbor. Play nice. The tech karma is real here.
9. Get involved. Really involved.
Don’t just lurk. Join an association, volunteer for a board, or just keep showing up until someone says, “Weren’t you at the last thing?” That’s how doors open in Austin… through people, not platforms.
10. If you make it big, don’t leave.
Yes, a ranch in Wyoming is lovely. But this community helped you grow. Stick around, give back, and help make Austin even weirder and more wonderful for the next wave of dreamers. Real leaders show up and mentor others.
At the Austin Technology Council, we believe that success isn’t just about innovation.. it’s about showing up, building relationships, and being part of something bigger than your own company. Be a civic-minded entrepreneur and give back to Austin.
And don’t take yourself too seriously (like this Austin Tech Survival Guide – be a little silly and be real).
So come to that thing. You know the one. We’ll see you there.