Approval Only - Scotch & Mixer @SXSW
Continue the week in style at this curated, approval-only, SXSW global mixer & startup showcase event at UK House in Downtown Austin.
This will be a chance to reflect on the lessons and opportunities of the conference so far and connect with 150 fellow VCs, LPs, Angels, Seed+ Founders and Ecosystem Builders from around the world.
Spaces are limited and are first-come-first-served so apply today to join this private event.
Enjoy the world-renowned Scottish hospitality, with great conversation with those with roots to a country rich in innovation.
Why Attend?
Access to a vetted room of founders, VCs, LPs, Angels, & ecosystem builders from around the world
Hear pitches from high-growth startups
Share reflections from SXSW so far
Catch up with friends and make new ones
Soak up the world-renowned Scottish hospitality
Enjoy a dram with a facilitated Scotch whisky-tasting
Agenda:
4pm - 5pm - AI Deep-Dive: ‘SafeTEA & Tech: Brewing up the future of AI’ hosted by the Department of Business & Trade UK.
Ready to dive into the thrilling world of AI with a transatlantic twist?
Join us for a session that explores how Uncle Sam and Cousin Britannia take on the AI revolution.
Hear from industry leaders from both sides of the pond discuss the potential outcomes created by AI tech, and how we can work together to adapt a safe and prosperous tech.
Moderated by Joanna McDaniel Burkey, former CISO for HP and Womentech's top 100 Executive Women in Tech to Watch in 2024.
* Food would be served at 5 pm.
5pm - 730pm - International Startup Pitch Showcase, Whisky Tasting, & Networking
During the evening there will be quickfire 2-minute pitches showcasing some of SXSW's hottest startups.
These businesses (view here) have been chosen to represent the very best of the startup scene, having been selected as part of a cohort from 80+ applicants.
With a wide range of industries including the following, there really is something for everyone:
AI
Cyber Security
EdTech
FinTech
HealthTech
Robotics
SaaS
In and around our pitches we will also be serving free whisky to attendees with a facilitated Scotch whisky tasting.
The evening will continue with international networking with fellow VCs, Angels, PE, LPs, Founders, and Ecosystem Builders.
A cash bar will be available to purchase other drinks through the evening and Scotch Whisky will be served with a facilitated tasting at the end of the pitches.
8pm - Late - British Music Embassy*
The party then continues as The British Music Embassy kicks off around 8pm.
Wrap up your evening with live music from some of the UK's top up-and-coming artists.
Click here for the BME SXSW 2023 'Highlights Reel' for a flavour of what to expect!
*Please note that the British Music Embassy is first come, first serve and priority will be given to SXSW badge holders. RSVPing does not confirm your entrance if the venue is at capacity or if you do not have a SXSW badge.
What you Need to Know:
When: Tue 12 March
Time: 4.00 pm - Late
Where: UK House, Downtown Austin (confirmation after sign-up)
Due to a capacity of 150, this event is first come first served. Apply today to join us and contact hello@foras.scot for more information/to inquire about +1s.
* By attending this event you agree to be photographed and filmed. Also, you agree that Foras may publish the footage for marketing purposes.
For this event, Foras is proud to collaborate with:
Department for Business & Trade (UK Government) - Driving UK business success and international trade, your gateway to growth and innovation.
Scottish Development International - Unlocking Scotland's global potential and attracting global investment to Scotland, fueling business growth and innovation on the world stage.
Scottish Enterprise (The Scottish Government) - Empowering Scotland's businesses to thrive, innovate, and ignite economic growth.
Wilson Sonsini - Strategic legal partner for navigating and guiding businesses through international markets and facilitating seamless expansion across borders.
Thorntons Law - Where legal expertise meets entrepreneurial vision.Trusted advisor for comprehensive legal solutions for startups/scaleups and expert guidance to navigate the legal landscape in the UK.
Johnston Charmichael - Premier choice for expert tax and accountancy solutions to accelerate your financial growth.
Airwallex - Unlock seamless business global transactions, save with 0% international fees, and manage expenses effortlessly with Airwallex's multicurrency support. Enjoy the flexibility of virtual and physical cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and ATM withdrawals - register for your Airwallex card today!
About Foras:
The term ‘Foras’ means growth, together, abroad, “for us”.
Foras is a non-profit that runs immersive international cohort experiences fuelling entrepreneurial ecosystem development across multiple industries and stages of business.
Mixing leadership peer connectivity, mindset expansion workshops, tailored business visits and investment opportunities, Foras showcases innovative Scottish businesses to international tech ecosystems, partnering agnosticically to connect the world for positive growth but also invite the world to set up their business and invest in Scotland.