Our Path Forward: Insights from Austin’s Tech Leaders (during SXSW 2026)
For the 1st stop on the Ron Brown Venture Lab LIVE tour, we're bringing together leaders from the Austin tech ecosystem during SXSW 2026 to explore what the future of technology and wealth creation looks like for founders, operators, investors, engineers, and ecosystem builders.
Join us for refreshments, connections, and insightful talks with the following alumni founders, investors, and operators:
What's Next for Black Founders & VCs?
Ethan Monreal-Jackson, Founder & General Partner at Newtype Ventures, will share how he is navigating the macro and political tailwinds of backing underrepresented minority founders as an emerging manager.
Building & Exiting in Austin
Vernon Johnson, Co-Founder and CTO of Yup, shares his story building and exiting his web3 startup, and why he’s committed to the Texas startup ecosystem.
Looking Backward & Forward with AI
Devon Cash, Investor at Vista Equity Partners, shares his investment thesis on where opportunities lies with AI not just for future opportunities, but for existing portfolio companies, too.
New Media, Same Principles
Sebastian Flores, Growth Team Lead at TikTok, explores what the future of the attention economy means for how founders approach distribution, GTM, and brand.
To learn more about the Ron Brown Scholar Program: www.ronbrown.org.