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Past Event
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About Event

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.

Location
Inn Cahoots
1221 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Austin Gardens (Outdoor area-Main Gate)