austin Archives - Startup Economist

SX Sideways: More to Changing SXSW than Condensing the Weekends

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 by Paul O'Brien

For those unfamiliar, SXSW is rather unique in the world for being far more than a conference, trade show, or film or music festival — it’s an economic engine, a cultural touchstone, and, arguably, the defining force that made Austin a global hub for innovation and creativity. But in 2025, something felt… off. The conference,

Published in Conferences / Events

34 Comments

Your Conference Event is Boring. Here’s How to Fix It in Austin (Especially for SXSW)

Monday, 24 February 2025 by Paul O'Brien

So, you’re hosting an event during a conference or trade show, perhaps a meetup, a happy hour, or maybe even some speakers with engaging content hosted by a dynamic moderator (you are at least getting dynamic speakers, yes? God forbid you’re putting people on stage because they’re the VP or some such); I’m excited, send

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Published in Austin, Conferences / Events, Economic Development

19 Comments

Building Cities Out of Song; the Creative Engine of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Music, a primary cultural cornerstone, plays a transformative role in fostering creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking — traits essential for entrepreneurship and innovation. A 2019 study by the World Economic Forum underscored the symbiotic relationship between the arts and innovation, emphasizing that creativity spurred by artistic engagement improves problem-solving and decision-making. Similarly, the National Endowment for

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Published in Austin, Economic Development, Startups

34 Comments

Make America Texas Again

Tuesday, 12 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

The story of the Alamo is one etched into the American consciousness, a tale of courage and defiance against overwhelming odds that has inspired generations. In 1836, Texian and Tejano defenders faced off against the Mexican army in a siege that would ultimately result in their tragic defeat. But the Alamo’s legacy transcended that single

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Published in Economic Development, Industry

42 Comments

The Quantum Corridor

Thursday, 03 October 2024 by Paul O'Brien

For too long, cities across the U.S. have attempted to define their startup communities by adopting monikers like “Silicon Prairie,” “Silicon Hills,” or “Silicon Beach,” an approach that inadvertently undermines their efforts to establish distinct, innovative identities. By labeling themselves after Silicon Valley, cities unintentionally (and likely unwittingly) put themselves second to an established technology

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Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Regional Development

1 Comment

Marketing and Storytelling Manifest a Startup City

Friday, 23 August 2024 by Paul O'Brien

The explosive growth of specific cities throughout the world might be the best evidence of the impact of good old-fashioned marketing. Not advertising mind you, but marketing: understanding what you have, for whom, why they care, and delivering that to them. The last 25 years or so have witnessed the transformation of our world from

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Published in Economic Development, Industry, Insights / Research, Startup Ecosystems

10 Comments

What it Takes to Make Your City “Next” in Innovation

Friday, 29 September 2023 by Paul O'Brien

So, the guy who chose and loves Austin has some thoughts about the potential of Houston. I had a chance to sit with Chris Howard during their interview series when in Austin, for Forging the Future through Softeq, where we talked about how culture and distinction draws entrepreneurship, tech, and capital. How Houston is on

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Published in Economic Development, Startups

8 Comments