Austin Next

Specificity isn’t just a design choice. It’s the differentiator when inches matter. Nick Tippmann, founding partner of TipTop VC, explains how vertical AI is rewriting the software industry by going deeper, not wider. From the transition beyond SaaS to the gray zone between foundational models and high-stakes applications, we explore how vertical AI can transform laggard industries and why Austin might lead the race.  Episode HighlightsWhat Vertical AI Really MeansSpecificity as the New MoatFounders, Not Just ModelsWhen General AI FailsSeed-Strapping Real or NotRewriting Pricing LogicVertical AI Talent MixRedefining TAM in Niche MarketsScaling without OverspendingWhat’s Next Austin?"Austin becomes a global hub for vertical AI winners with the rich combo of the enterprise SaaS lineage, the critical industries that are based here, the talent from the previous winners, the emerging talent from the universities, and more and more experienced operators and founders moving here for their second act"Nick TippmannTipTop VC -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Innovation does not scale on size alone. It accelerates on the connective threads of an ecosystem, from curated founder groups to open networks and through shared stories and honest champions. Brian Hall, incoming President of the Austin Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, joins us to explore what actually drives trust, access, and scale in a thriving tech hub.Episode HighlightsRole of Ecosystem Connective TissueFounder Forums and Peer AccountabilityThird Rooms vs Third SpacesDepth Over Volume in RelationshipsTime Scarcity in Founder SupportWhy Healthy Ecosystems ScaleNavigating Fragmentation in AustinGatekeeping and Startup AccessScaling Founder InfrastructureWhat’s Next Austin? “Healthy things grow. And that starts with an individual, but then it goes to the city and beyond.”Episode LinksBrian Hall: LinkedIn, X/TwitterEO Austin; Traverse Legal; TraverseGC; TraverseConcierge -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The $6 trillion chemical industry is on the verge of a revolution as biology moves from the doctor's office to the industrial zone. Veronica Breckenridge, Founder and Managing Partner of First Bight Ventures, is investing in early-stage bio manufacturing companies while building the ecosystem to catalyze their growth.  We discuss the tech powering the revolution, why Houston's first principles position the region to own the sector, and how Austin's innovation can help supercharge it. Episode HighlightsFirst Bight Ventures: Investing in Industrial BioDisrupting a $6 Trillion Chemical IndustryScaling Platform Molecules for Real-World ImpactCrossing Industrial Bio’s "Valley of Death"Houston’s Chemical Engineering AdvantageCapital Efficiency and Scale-Up StrategiesHow AI Is Accelerating Biotech DiscoveryBuilding Pilot Facilities and Collaborative EcosystemsUnlocking a Texas Bio Manufacturing HubWhat's Next Austin & Houston?"Texas should create a consortium...we're going to own bio-manufacturing" Episode LinksVeronica BreckenridgeFirst Bight Ventures -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

At a hinge point when tech leadership determines the balance of geopolitical power, deep tech investment has never been more critical to America's future. Jordan Blashek, co-founder of America's Frontier Fund, brings his perspective on innovation for national advantage. From investing in defense tech to the newly launched Endless Frontiers, we discuss Jordan's vision for rebuilding American strength through strategic innovation and how Austin finds itself right in the thick of this transformation. Episode HighlightsAmerica's Frontier Fund MissionDeep Tech Funding ModelsManaging Tech vs Market RisksDefense Tech Trends - M&A, Talent, Dual UseFamily Offices as Strategic InvestorsUS-China Tech CompetitionLaunching Endless FrontiersRebuilding American StrengthAustin as a True Power CenterWhat's Next Austin?"Arts and Culture...It means the storytellers are here. The most creative people are here. And when you combine that with the existing resources and things we have I think this city has no limits."Jordan Blashek: X/Twitter; LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

From cutting-edge chips to AI networks the disruption happening up and down the tech stack is upending invention and value. Everything is on the table. Tyson Tuttle, former CEO of Silicon Labs and current founder and CEO of Circuit, brings decades of experience building innovative products across multiple tech waves. In this conversation, Tyson shares insights on Austin's ecosystem past and present, the global tech competition, and how AI-powered knowledge networks that could finally deliver on the collaboration we have been promised.  Episode HighlightsAustin's Semiconductor LegacyGeopolitical Chip WarsA Million Transistors Per SpaceTaiwan's Silicon ShieldBalancing Risk and ProductionMoving Up the Technology StackRethinking Workflows with AINetwork Effects Beyond SocialAI-Powered Knowledge NetworksWhat's Next, Austin?"Tech is spreading everywhere. We've got to build great companies here, we have great talent, and we've got to make this a place that is affordable and where our quality of life doesn't diminish, but goes up" -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The Texas innovation ecosystem is accelerating at breakneck speed as technologies like AI and institutions such as the Texas Stock Exchange reshape what is possible. Samantha Lewis, Partner at Mercury Fund, recently relocated to Austin from Houston to strengthen the firm's presence in the region. Our conversation reveals how the founders and funders in the Texas Triangle are positioning themselves during this tech revolution, and why the connections between Austin, Houston, and Dallas are a superpower that is just getting started.Episode HighlightsMercury Investment ThesisExpansion to AustinAI Competition LandscapeImportance of Founder VisionGood Businesses vs VC Backable Bits Meet AtomsHealthcare Innovation FrontiersAustin Growth OpportunityTexas Stock Exchange Impact High Speed Rail vs AirportsTexas Innovation Triangle and CollaborationHouston Industry ChallengesTech Inspiration MomentsWhat's Next Austin?"We're so excited to just hang out and see everybody, meet entrepreneurs, hopefully build a big fintech community here as time goes on...The more VC firms that are here, the better. The more entrepreneurs that are getting funding here, the better"Samantha Lewis: X/Twitter, LinkedInMercury Fund: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Technology is advancing rapidly, but our social systems and institutions struggle to keep pace. Janine Leger co-founded Edge City, a society incubator accelerating social innovation through popup and experimental communities, and they're bringing their next gathering to Austin March 2-7. We explore how rethinking the intersection of technology and agency can lead to human flourishing, and why Austin is emerging as the perfect laboratory for this experimentation. Episode HighlightsEdge City the Society Incubator Innovation in Temporary Spaces Building Default Healthy Environments Invisible Protocols and Personal Agency Edge City as Social Catalyst Austin's Innovation Ecosystem Edge City AustinKey Personas in a Thriving Ecosystem  Future City Projects and ExperimentsAustin's Next Decade of Growth What's Next Austin?"If you're interested in new society models, new ways of living, new towns, Austin is going to be a hub for that...There's so much happening around community dynamism"Janie LegerEdge City AustinEdge City: Website, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

A unicorn biopharma that ignores the traditional playbook, breaks development speed records, and chose Austin over the traditional biotech hubs.  Mallory Factor, Founder and CEO of IntraBio, joins us to share how his Oxford-born company created an FDA-approved drug in record time while doing everything differently. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how finding unconventional talent, maintaining ruthless focus, and embracing a different mindset has led to transformational success in an industry resistant to change. Episode HighlightsBuilding a Different Kind of Biopharma CompanyBreaking Speed Records in Drug DevelopmentFinding Unconventional TalentChallenging Traditional Pharma ThinkingWhy Austin Over Boston and San FranciscoThe Power of Focus in Drug DevelopmentAustin's Creative Collisions and FutureWhat's Next Austin?"Austin has some political problems that's going to have to clear up to make it a better city. Hopefully in time it will and it'll catapult it into the top five, six cities in America"Mallory Factor, IntraBio, Aqneursa -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

A coffee conversation turned into a deep exploration and personal obsession about how we shape our world and how it shapes us. I had to invite my partner in that conversation, Dr. Gena Gorlin, on to the podcast to bring her perspective as a psychologist, professor, and founder coach to examine the interplay between agency, innovation, ecosystems, and technology.  Episode HighlightsAgency Mindset and Personal Choice Technology Impact on Human Agency Education Evolution in an AI World Gaming as a Window into Human Potential AI Tools for Self Discovery Understanding Innovation Ecosystems Psychology of City Culture Ecosystem Metacognition Principles Building Better Innovation CommunitiesWhat's Next Austin?"Really embracing Austin as this up and coming entrepreneurial cultural hub and participating in that evolution is something that I'm now way more excited about than I even was before"Gena Gorlin: Substack, X/Twitter, Founder Coaching, UT Austin Faculty Page -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Last June, SXSW announced they would no longer allow military and defense companies as sponsors. This sparked strong reactions from Austin's defense tech community, with one of those reactions leading to the creation of Austin4America. I'm joined by Luke Fischer, one of the summit's creators, to discuss why this matters and how it fits into Austin's broader innovation story. Episode HighlightsSXSW's Military Sponsor Ban and Austin's ResponseModern Defense Tech Beyond WeaponsSkyFi: Building an Earth Intelligence PlatformWhy Austin Leads Defense InnovationAustin4America: From X/Twitter to RealityInnovation & Defense Tech AgendaConvergence of Veterans, Health, and National SecurityWhat’s Next Austin? “A gravitation of some of the best companies in the world coming to Austin, where we see across all the industries, bio, defense, healthcare, manufacturing.”Austin4AmericaLuke Fischer: X/Twitter, LinkedIn, SkyFi -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack