How To Get Connected to the Austin Tech Scene

Whether you are a startup seeking out financial resources, a developer looking to grow professionally, or a business leader interested in networking, there are numerous ways to get connected to the Austin tech scene.

Over the past two decades, Austin has evolved as a tech hub, drawing in both larger tech companies like Oracle and Google, as well as countless driven entrepreneurs and tech startups. This influx of tech-minded people has caused the Austin tech scene to flourish, and with it, a whole variety of organizations helping people to get connected, learn, and support one another.

Here are some of the top ways you can get plugged into the Austin tech scene:

1. Participate in events, meetups, and other groups for techies.
2. Join an office at a coworking space.
3. Take a class to up your technical skills.
4. Follow key news sources and join online communities.

Participate in Events, Meetups, & Groups for Techies

If you’re looking to get involved in the Austin tech community, attending events, meetups, and groups is a great way to network, collaborate, and learn from like-minded individuals in the vibrant Austin tech scene.

While LinkedIn Local Austin Networking, while not focused on just technology, is an active group that seeks to make those LinkedIn connections more than just electronic.

Join a Local Meetup

Not surprisingly, meetup groups exist for nearly every kind of technical discipline:

• EdTech Austin is a must-attend for exploring the intersection of technology and education.
• Open Austin is ideal for individuals passionate about open government/data and civic technology.
• Austin Chapter of Women Who Code (WWC) for women in tech in Austin, the 4,000+ member-strong WWC, is the largest community nationally and is dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers.
• Austin Women in Technology network with fun, successful, savvy, tech-minded community at events and other mediums.

Local software development (code-specific) groups include: 

• Google Developer Group 
• Austin on Rails Meetup

Software groups focused more broadly on bringing together all kinds of software engineers include:

• Austin Developer Community 
• Austin DevOps

If you’re looking for more of a party vibe, then Hiking With Geeks is the group for you. Their mission is to create opportunities for people in STEM careers to connect away from the screen and in nature.

Get Connected via Coworking Spaces

If it’s challenging to get away in the evenings, you can also connect to the Austin tech scene simply by choosing an office at one of the many coworking spaces around the city.

Austin has a whole host of options, but Capital Factory are our top three recommendations that cater to tech. Not only will you bump into like-minded people while brewing your coffee, but you can also sign up for office hours and mentorship.

If you’re a more established company or have other unique interests, there are numerous options in Austin. We encourage you to check out this round-up from Built In Austin.

Get Connected While Growing Your Skills

In the fast-moving world of tech, there is always more to learn. You can leverage your desire to improve your skillset to connect to others with similar interests.

Two well-known learning communities in Austin are General Assembly. While Galvanize focuses on offering courses primarily in software engineering and data science, General Assembly offers programs in web development, data science and analysis, user experience design, digital marketing, product management, and more. 

In both cases, instructional teams often come from top businesses and can share real-world experiences and insights. In addition to the courses and bootcamps, both have meetup groups, host happy hours, and offer other free local events.

Learn About the Austin Tech Scene From News Sources & Online Communities

By joining digital communities and following key news sources, you can tap into a wealth of information and opportunities in the Austin tech ecosystem.

Join a Digital Community

It’s undoubtedly no surprise that online communities are part of the way you can get connected to the Austin tech scene. Facebook Groups are a popular online forum, and the Austin Startups Facebook Group, with over 20,000 members, should be top on your list for participation. 

The ATX Tech Volunteers Facebook Group is also a great way to learn about opportunities to plug in and make a difference simultaneously.

Follow Key News Sources

• Austin weekly digest will plug you into the entrepreneurial community through events and curated content. 
• Austin Startup Reddit feed will help you get connected to the Austin tech scene.
• Austin Startups is a lead voice of the Austin startup ecosystem.

If you’re not particularly interested in startups, there are numerous other media outlets that keep a pulse on the tech scene at large. 

• Austin Business Journal, part of the BizJournals network, has everything from a Twitter feed to a daily news email. 
• 512Tech from the Austin American-Statesman shares leading news about Austin’s technology industry and the culture that surrounds it.
• Built In Austin is another way to stay current with the latest trends in the Austin tech scene.

Summary

There’s no shortage of ways to get connected to the Austin tech scene! Every group and media outlet has its own personality and focus, so find one that feels like it could be a fit and give it a try. There’s no substitute for personal connections, and even if it’s not the perfect match, putting yourself out there will help you find one that is.

Are you looking for a top tech company? InspiringApps has deep roots in the Austin community. We partner with inspired companies to develop award-winning apps that delight our clients’ customers and improve business outcomes.