AI Innovators & Investors Austin

​A SXSW 2026 Side Event at the Intersection of AI, Capital, and Creativity

​Join leading AI builders, investors, and storytellers for an afternoon of reverse pitches, demos, awards, and conversations on what’s next for AI—during South by Southwest week in Austin.

​This half-day gathering brings together venture capital, cutting-edge conversational AI, and creative experimentation in one relaxed, high-signal setting.

What to Expect?

​12:00-1:00 PM: VC Reverse Pitch
Flip the script as top venture firms share what they’re actively looking to invest in. Get direct insight into emerging themes, check sizes, and founder profiles from:

• ​Palm Venture Studios

• ​Expa

​1:00-2:00 PM: Convo AI Hackathon Awards
Celebrate standout teams and demos from the Conversational AI Hackathon—spotlighting practical, creative, and unexpected uses of AI in real-world experiences.

​2:00-4:00 PM Open AI Panel + Movie Screening
A forward-looking panel on AI’s role in creativity, play, and human interaction—followed by a screening of Critterz, featuring an interactive AI toy experience that blends storytelling, AI, and entertainment.

​Open Happy Hour (4 PM onward)
Keep the conversations going with an informal happy hour at Central Machine Works (non-affiliated, optional, and open to all attendees).

🤝 Who Should Attend

• ​AI founders and operators

• ​Developers and product leaders

• ​Early-stage and growth-stage investors

• ​Creators exploring AI + entertainment

• ​Anyone curious about where AI, capital, and creativity collide
  

​RSVP now!