​🚫 This event is now at capacity and open to confirmed participants only. If you have not received a confirmation, please note that entry will not be guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing our accepted guests there!

​Transparent Collective x Venture 313 @ SXSW: Program for Underrepresented Founders

​For underrepresented founders, breaking into the venture ecosystem isn’t about talent—it’s about access. That’s why Transparent Collective and Venture 313 are bringing our proven, high-impact founder program to SXSW in Austin.

​This invite-only event is designed for pre-seed to pre series A founders who are serious about scaling their startups and raising venture funding. If you’re ready to gain direct access to top investors, expert mentorship, and a powerful support network, this is your chance to level up.

​⭐️ Spots are limited—apply now to be part of this exclusive opportunity!

​Location

​To be announced to confirmed attendees closer to the event.

​Who Should Apply

​This program is for underrepresented tech founders—including Black, Latinx, and women entrepreneurs—who are actively building or scaling a startup and looking to raise a Seed round of funding. If you’re a pre-seed to pre-Series A founder serious about fundraising, refining your pitch, and gaining direct access to investors, we hope to see you in Austin!

​Why Join?

​🚀 Proven Program for Startup Success – Our workshops and hands-on sessions have helped founders raise millions in funding and successfully scale their companies.

​🤝 Direct Access to Investors & Experts – Get face-to-face time with top investors, industry leaders, and partners who are committed to backing diverse entrepreneurs.

​🏡 A Curated Hub for Founders – Our exclusive Founder House will serve as the central space for networking, workshops, and relationship-building in a supportive, high-energy environment.

​🔑 Fundraising & Growth Strategies – Learn real, actionable strategies to refine your pitch, secure funding, and take your startup to the next level.

​This is more than just another networking event—it’s a launchpad for founders ready to take their companies to the next level. We’re bringing our field-tested program to Austin to give underrepresented founders the access, insights, and investor connections they need to thrive.

​How It Works:

​✔️ Sign up now on our event registration page.
✔️ We’ll review applications and select founders to participate.
✔️ If accepted, you’ll receive an invitation with event details.

​Program Agenda

​Thursday, March 12th

​8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Kickoff : Settle In for an Epic Day (Arrival & Check-In) Settle in, grab breakfast, and get ready for a high-impact day.

​9:30 AM – 9:40 AM | Opening Remarks
Welcome and set the tone for the day ahead.

​9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Unlocking Social Capital at SXSW
Presented by NFNTE Capital and led by Harold Hughes, this session will teach founders how to strategically navigate SXSW, build meaningful connections, and leverage social capital to unlock new opportunities for growth and funding.

​10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Opportunities with AI
A candid look at where AI creates real leverage for founders right now, from operations to product to fundraising. Emmanuel Dorley, Co-Founder of ConStrat AI, breaks down how early-stage startups can thoughtfully implement AI and put it to work in the field.

​11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Show Me the Money: Fundraising 101
A deep dive into the fundraising journey, covering what investors expect, how to structure a successful raise, and common pitfalls to avoid.

​11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Your Story Is Your Strategy: The Art of Founder Storytelling
The way you tell your story can open doors or close them before you ever get in the room. James and Niles break down how to craft a narrative that is compelling, authentic, and built to move investors and customers alike.

​12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Startup Hacks: Running Your Business Like a Pro
Learn the key operational strategies that set successful startups apart, covering hiring, financial planning, product execution, and scaling efficiently.

​12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Learn: The Road/Rail Revolution
Kevin A. Damoa, Founder and CEO of Glīd, joins for an intimate lunch conversation on building in deep tech, navigating early fundraising, and what it takes to bring a hardware-forward vision to market. The final 30 minutes will be open for mingling with founders and investors.

​1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | The Capital Conversation: Early-Stage Investor Panel
What investors actually want to see right now and what is getting founders a pass. A candid, unfiltered panel on where capital is moving and how to position your raise for the market as it exists today.

​2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Big Ideas Lab: Founder Whiteboard Jam (Invite Only)
An interactive whiteboarding session where founders tackle real business challenges in real time, with live problem-solving and expert feedback. Accepted founders may submit their startup’s challenges for a chance to be featured.

​2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Office Hours: Venture 313 Detroit
Sit down with the Venture 313 team to discuss building and funding your startup in Detroit, exploring available capital, resources, and strategies to scale in the city’s growing innovation ecosystem. Accepted founders may sign up in advance.

​5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Happy Hour with Capitalize VC
Founders and investors come together to close out Day 1 the right way. A curated mixer hosted by Capitalize VC focused on real conversations, new connections, and meaningful community building.

​Friday, March 13th

​9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Kickoff & Coffee
Grab coffee, reconnect with the room, and get your head in build mode.

​9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Vibe Coding Session: Ship an AI Product
Hands-on and heads-down. Founders work in small groups to ideate, build, and ship a working AI product by the end of the session. No polished decks, just real output. Come with an idea or walk in and find one.

​12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
Take a break, refuel, and connect informally with fellow founders.

​1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Demo & Feedback
Teams share what they built. Peers and facilitators provide direct, constructive feedback on what is working and what to improve next.

​About Transparent Collective

​Transparent Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps Black, Latin, and women founders access the resources and connections they need to build successful tech companies.

​We began with the mission to solve a fundamental problem plaguing Silicon Valley: that less than 1% of VC Funding is invested in Black and Latino founders.

​In 2015, James Norman ​started TC after personally experiencing and recognizing the harsh reality that raising money to grow tech startups as a non-white male in Silicon Valley was an uphill battle. James brought together an incredible team, Rohini Pandhi and Lara McKeithan, to build a community of startup founders who could talk candidly about their unique challenges and explore fundraising strategies to help them succeed. Hence, the name Transparent Collective.

​Our first batch of founders came through our program in 2016, and since then, we have had a competitive application process for our week-long intensive program in San Francisco that touches on all the key aspects of founding and running an early-stage startup.

​Our Impact to Date:

• ​92 TC Alumni

• ​65% of Founders Have Raised VC Funding

• ​9% of Alumni have been Acquired

• ​$125M+ Early-Stage Funding Raised to Date

​About Venture 313

​Venture 313 is a powerful platform designed to help Detroit, Michigan entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Backed by a $10 million, three-year commitment from founding partners TechTown, Invest Detroit, and the Detroit Development Fund, it provides critical capital, coaching, and community. With investments ranging from $500 to $250,000, the platform offers both grants and equity-like funding tailored to the needs of businesses, large or small. This initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

​Through Venture 313, participants also gain access to unique programming and networking opportunities, further supporting their growth. Entrepreneurs can create a profile and complete a personalized journey planner to receive a Playbook specifically designed to guide them through their venture-building process. This tailored approach ensures that each business gets the guidance and support it needs to thrive.

​Venture 313 is part of a larger $500 million effort by the Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund to foster economic growth in Detroit’s neighborhoods. The initiative is not only about funding, but also about shifting the mindset within the community to encourage entrepreneurship and long-term wealth-building.

​By equipping more Detroiters with the tools to start successful businesses, Venture 313 aims to make a lasting impact on the city’s economic future.