Your Guide to AfroTech & Austin Startup Week 2022

AfroTech Conference and Austin Startup Week are right around the corner - Are you ready?

This November is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Austin tech community. With AfroTech Conference and Austin Startup Week overlapping between November 13th -18th, there will be no shortage of community events, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities to fill your social calendar!

Check out these events to maximize your experience during one of Austin’s most exciting weeks for the startup community.

Blavity.org Community Market | Sunday, November 13

Blavity.org, nonprofit of BlavityInc and Afrotech, is coming to Austin during Afrotech Conference week! Blavity.org furthers Blavity Inc.’s social impact through the development of digital programs designed to advance economic progress and racial equity for Black entrepreneurs. Their first annual community market will feature 30+ Black-owned business vendors, food trucks, a kid zone, live music and DJ, activities, and more!

DivInc x Blavity.org Event Series | November 14-15

DivInc & Blavity.org have partnered to host some exciting events for women and BIPOC entrepreneurs during AfroTech. Seats are filling quickly, so be sure to RSVP asap!

November 14 - Entrepreneurship on Purpose (women’s event)

A panel discussion and workshop featuring women leaders at the intersection of women, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Speakers include Sian Morson, Web3 Leader & VP of Community at Cool Cats NFT, Taylor Shead, STEMuLI, Robyn Rodriguez, Black Girl Ventures, Sonja Marie, Master Intuitive Astrologer & ESSENCE Magazine Columnist, and Jynnette Lewis, Founder of Inner Sun Alchemy.

November 15 - Accessing Capital Authentically

An evening of frank conversation focused on navigating the venture capital world as a woman or founder of color. Featured panelists include Aaron Samuels, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Blavity Inc., Omi Bell, Founder & CEO of Black Girl Ventures, and Jourdan Guyton, Founder of Vera Jean Media, with moderator, Preston James, Co-Founder and CEO of DivInc.

RSVP’s CLOSED

Of Color ATX ⁠“All Kinds of Black in Tech” Photo Exhibition | November 14

_OFCOLOR is an emerging arts alliance dedicated to cultivating a community of creatives and launching inclusive spaces for artists of color to showcase their craft and talents. “All kinds of Black in Tech” is an immersive photo exhibit highlighting the voices and images of black professionals in the Technology workforce.

Black Impact Happy Hour | November 14

Come down to Austin Soho House to celebrate founders, techies, and investors in food, climate, housing, and more during AfroTech and Austin Startup Week. Enjoy a live vinyl DJ at Dante’s HiFi. Food & drinks provided from 5-7pm.

Women Founders Breakfast | November 15

Blavity Inc. CEO & AfroTech founder, Morgan DeBaun, is hosting an exclusive breakfast for Black Women Founders to come together in a place of celebration and sisterhood. Complete the form below to attend. If your attendance is accepted, you will receive an acceptance email and location details by Wednesday, November 9th.

Meet the Accelerators: Reverse Pitch with FIESTA | November 15

During this session, you'll have the chance to hear from several Austin-based incubators and accelerators including Founder Institute, Sputnik, International Accelerator, Divinc, and Newchip, through a reverse pitch, where they will pitch YOU on the support they provide and value-add they each have.=

Descendant Film Screening | November 15

You're invited to join kinkofa and Participant for a special screening of the award-winning film Descendant.
DESCENDANT sheds light on how descendants of those on the last recorded vessel to bring enslaved people into the U.S. are preserving their family histories, fighting for economic and environmental justice, and transforming #Africatown.

Conversation & Cocktails: What’s Next for Black Entrepreneurs? | November 16

Join Wilson Sonsini for an engaging conversation focused on the Black founder experience. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from three accomplished women panelists—Lauren Washington, an entrepreneur currently in the trenches; Janice Omadeke, an entrepreneur who’s already experienced a successful exit; and Sian Morson, an early-stage investor—whose varied perspectives will make for a well-rounded discussion.

The Ecosystem Series: Austin Innovators Cookout | November 16

Join Toasted Life and DivInc as we bring together a unique, invitation-only group within Tech, Design, Finance, Media, Venture Capital and more. You'll hear from seasoned startup Founders to C-Level Executives exploring the future of work and business scalability in todays innovation economy. Building your ecosystem network starts here!

Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition | November 17

Black Girl Ventures is coming to Austin to hold a pitch competition for local Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. They will be competing with their pitch decks for a chance to win up to $30k!

ATX Founder-Investor Speed Dating | November 17

Join Wefunder & Sputnik ATX VC for an hour of investor-founder speed dating! In an hour of lightning rounds, Seed-stage founders will practice their quick pitches with investors who have seen it all. Investors will give feedback, and perhaps even find the next deal.

Austin Startup Week | November 14-18

Since 2011, Austin Startup Week has drawn thousands of local entrepreneurs, leaders, and friends together to celebrate successes, build relationships, and learn directly from each other. This free event is back in person this year with high-impact learning opportunities and unparalleled access to the movers and shakers of Austin’s startup ecosystem. Tracks include: Women in Tech, Web3/Blockchain, Future of Work, Marketing & Branding, Sustainability, Fundraising, and more!

Note: We will be updating this post in real time as we learn about more events and opportunities happening around Austin, so be sure to check back for updates!