Whether you’re a creative soul, a music enthusiast, a foodie, or a serial entrepreneur, SXSW 2018 has something for everyone.
During SXSW 2017, 421,900 attendees, media and companies enjoyed over 2,000 music acts, 600+ trade show spaces, 400+ screenings, 200+ gaming spaces, 1,000+ parties, and so much more. In a survey by SXSW, 67 percent of the people attended with the intention of finding new business opportunities and 49 percent came to connect with existing customers. SXSW is the place to make new connections and get noticed by people who can help build your business.
One party that is on the list of “must attends” for startups and tech enthusiasts to network is Startup Night SXSW 2018 presented by the Kauffman Foundation in partnership with TechCo, as part of the annual Startup of the Year program. It’s here that 25 innovative and diverse startups from around the world will showcase their company for a chance to win a $1K cash prize from Launch KC and be fast tracked to the Startup of the Year semifinals competition at Innovate Celebrate 2018. And you could be one of them if you apply by February 12!
For a decade, TechCo has attracted some of the top startups to their Startup of the Year competitions including Uber, GrubHub, Groupon, Desk and LivingSocial, and helped get them noticed by top investors, influencers and media. In 2017, the judges at Startup Night SXSW included leaders from NASA, the Kauffman Foundation, Techstars, Indiegogo, and a healthy dose of investors from around the US – and we’re expecting another awesome group.
Startup Night SXSW 2018, presented by the Kauffman Foundation, brings together top investors, influencers, and leaders to network and connect with tech enthusiasts and founders under one roof to celebrate inclusivity and the entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Startup Night will be hosted right in the heart of the infamous 6th Street at Maggie Mae’s on Saturday, March 10, where 25 startups will pitch and showcase their latest innovation. Year after year, founders who attend this event meet someone they didn’t expect who can help build their business.
Startups Apply Today
If you are a startup interested in getting noticed at Startup Night SXSW 2018, there is still time to apply for this event, which is part of the annual Startup of the Year competition. The Startup of the Year program has been bringing early-stage startups together since 2006 and is one of the most inclusive competitions in the country, aiming to get companies noticed by investors, influencers and leaders.
We are looking for startups younger than four years old at the time of application, with no more than $4 million in funding, that have a live and viable product, and are, of course, innovative! Applications are only open until February 12 for SXSW consideration so apply today.
Come to Expand Your Network at Startup Night
We invite you to join us for Startup Night SXSW 2018 on March 10 from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Come meet the 25 startups while you network, mingle, and sip on signature cocktails throughout the night. Meet the founders during their showcase and learn more about their businesses. All tech enthusiasts, members of the media, and volunteers can RSVP HERE.
Startup Night Tip: If you’re a startup or leader of an organization, you have an opportunity to skip the long line to get into this event while also doing good for your organization and the world. When you RSVP, look for the Pledge 1% question and take the pledge!
Pledge 1% is an organization that helps businesses build a culture of giving back through time, profit, product and/or equity to their preferred philanthropy. If you join the movement today, you not only will be part of a larger philanthropic community, but you, along with current members of Pledge 1%, get to jump the line at SXSW Startup Night. Look for the special Pledge 1% member entrance.
Thank you to all of our SXSW partners: The Kauffman Foundation, Pledge 1%, Startup Arlington, Launch KC, American Airlines, The Case Foundation, StartCo, digitalundivided, BlackTech Week, Pipeline Angels, Global Entrepreneurship Network, ESTABLISHED, and iFundWomen.
Read more about our Startup Nights and SXSW on TechCo. Follow all the action on Twitter by following @startupofyear and #StartupNightSXSW and #StartupofYear