Startup Casa 2025
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.