Startup Casa 2025

​Join us at Startup Casa, the second annual gathering in Austin—adjacent to SXSW—dedicated to recognizing and showcasing the dynamic Latino startup ecosystem.

​Hosted by Inicio, in partnership with Google for Startups, and additional support from J.P. Morgan, Living Cities and Cotto Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, this special day-long event offers a collaborative and festive space for meaningful connections and thought-provoking content. We invite Funders, Founders, Field Builders & Friends to spend the full day with like-minded innovators.

​Set in an outdoor venue in downtown Austin, this celebration features:

• ​An all-day pop-up Coffee Bar by Progeny

• ​An AI founder/investor/expert speed-dating session

• ​A Latina luncheon with a live podcast

• ​Three outstanding expert panels

• ​A CPG startup expo in a Mercado-like setting with games and activities

• ​The Inicio Icon Award ceremony

• ​An all-out "fiesta" with live music and a DJ to close the night

​Complimentary food & beverages will be available during portions of the day, with additional options for purchase.

​Join us to celebrate its impact, build connections, and help bridge the Latino and broader startup ecosystems for the benefit of all.

​Updated Agenda

​Casa Café Kick-off (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

​Location: Casa Café (Center of Venue)

​10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Casa Café by Progeny Coffee

​Experience the rich flavors of Progeny Coffee in a welcoming setting. Schedule meetings, connect with fellow innovators, or co-work in our pop-up coffee shop.

​10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | La Taquicardia Food Truck Available All Day

​Savor Latino-inspired dishes from an onsite taco truck.

​11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Cantina/Bars Available

​Multiple bars will be open throughout the Austin Garden venue.

​11:15 AM – 12:30 PM | AI Investor/Expert/Founder Mentor Speed Dating at Casa Café

​Welcome: Danny Navarro (Google for Startups)

​Engage in one-on-one speed networking between founders, investors, and AI experts. Pitch ideas, explore collaborations, and discover new opportunities.

​El Jardín (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

​Location: Stage 2 & Tables (Right Side of Venue)

​12:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Celebrating Latinas in the Startup Ecosystem

​Welcome: Monica Martens (Inicio) & Elvia Perez (Inicio)

​Podcaster: Lyanne Alfaro (Moneda Moves). Guests: Maria Jose Palacio (Progeny Coffee), Eneida Roman (Amplify Latinx), Jessica Salinas (New Media Ventures)

​A live recording of Moneda Moves, featuring discussions on Latina entrepreneurship and business.

​La Sala (2:00 PM – 4:15 PM)

​Location: Main Stage (Near Entrance)

​2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Panel #1: Startup Innovation & Policy

​Moderator: Lili Gangas (Kapor Foundation), Panelists: Miguel Algarin (Living Cities), Jesús Salas (Slauson & Co.), Maryam Janani-Flores (MJF Strategies, Former Chief of Staff-EDA)

​Explore the role local and federal governments play in accelerating Latino startup growth.

​3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Panel #2: Latino Startup Ecosystem Success & Learnings

​Moderator: Jennifer Garcia (LBAN), Panelists: Adrian J DeLeon (Innovare), Andres Morin (VamosVentures), Diego Barajas (Morgan Stanley)

​A discussion on successes, challenges, and future opportunities for regions scaling their Latino Startup Ecosystem.

​Startup Mercado (4:15 PM – 7:00 PM)

​Location: Across Venue

​4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | CPG Startup Expo

​Experience happy hour at a showcase of innovative CPG startups with product demonstrations and giveaways.

​4:15 PM – 7:00 PM | Interactive Plaza Activities

​Paletas & Fruteria Treats

​360 Picture Experience with Low-Rider Motorcycles

​Temporary Tattoo Station

​Lawn Games

​Crafts

​…and more!

​Fiesta en la Plaza (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

​Location: Main Stage & Across Venue

​7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | ICON Awards – Inicio ICON Award Keynote & Ceremony

​MC: George Ploss (Oracle NetSuite Startup Accelerator)

​Welcome: Danny Navarro (Google for Startups), Jorge Calderon (Inicio)

​Keynote: Julian Castro (CEO LCF & Former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development)

​Icons: Isabel Casillas Guzman (Former US SBA Administrator), Maxeme Tuchman (Co-Founder/CEO, Caribu-Sold to Mattel), Eduardo “Eddie” Medina (Co-Founder/COO, BetterUp)

​Recognizing visionary Latino startup leaders who are shaping the future of innovation. Hear their stories of perseverance, impact, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

​8:30 PM – 11:00 PM | La Fiesta - Salsa Lesson & Rumba

​Celebrate, dance, and continue connecting as a live Latin band and DJ bring the night to life.