After over a year or two away, I attended F.I.E.S.T.A. again and was reminded why it’s such a valuable part of Austin’s startup scene.
F.I.E.S.T.A. stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. It’s a monthly meetup designed to help early-stage founders connect with peers, potential investors, and other members of the entrepreneurial community. While it’s open to all, the focus is on providing resources, networking opportunities, and visibility for those building and growing startups.
The event is usually held on the third Tuesday of every month at Capital Factory, a well-known hub for Texas entrepreneurs. The format is simple: share your elevator pitch, highlight any wins or needs, and be open to helping others in the room.
A Welcoming Start
Check-in begins at 5:30 PM, and attendees are greeted with name tags, snacks, and plenty of opportunities to start conversations before the main program. I quickly met a mix of people, some brand new to Austin, others long-time locals deeply involved in the startup space. That range of perspectives is one of the event’s strengths.
The Pitches: One Minute to Share
Around 6:40 PM, the group gathers to hear 10 selected founders each deliver a one-minute pitch. They introduce their company, explain their mission, and share what they’re looking for — whether that’s funding, partnerships, or specific expertise.
A few that stood out this month included:
- Flying Houses: Pre-built modular housing options which can be transported by attachable drones to critical locations.
- Methane to Jet Fuel: A sustainability-focused startup capturing methane from cattle “burp” emissions and converting it into jet fuel.
- RV Sharing Platform: An “Airbnb for RVs” that allows owners to store and rent their vehicles through a centralized location, creating income when the RVs aren’t in use.
- AI for Traditional Industries: Several founders presented AI-powered solutions for sectors like mortgage matching, real estate development, and communication management.
The format is fast-moving but gives enough information to spark follow-up conversations during networking time.
Conversations That Continue
After the pitches, people spread out across the venue to connect with the presenters and each other. I spoke with the beverage sponsors — FreeWater and SoberWater — both companies with charitable giving built into their business models. That combination of purpose and product was a common thread through many of the organizations the night.
It was also encouraging to see how many attendees were there for the first time. This constant mix of new and returning participants keeps the event relevant and brings in fresh ideas.
Why I Attend
I came to F.I.E.S.T.A. hoping to meet new people and explore potential job connections. I left with that — and a better sense of what’s happening across Austin’s startup landscape. The event is structured to ultimately encourage real conversations rather than quick exchanges, which makes it easier to find common ground with others.
Tips for First-Timers
- Arrive early to have more one-on-one conversations before the pitches start.
- Have a short, clear elevator pitch ready to share about yourself.
- Stay for the after-party (at Retail Therapy) if you can — it’s a more relaxed space to keep networking.
- Be ready to listen — you’ll learn just as much from others as they will from you.
- Pick up a parking voucher so you won’t have to pay full price for the parking garage.
Mark Your Calendar
If you’re looking to connect with Austin’s startup community, F.I.E.S.T.A. is worth attending. You’ll meet founders tackling challenges in every industry, hear creative solutions to real problems, and find people willing to collaborate.
When: Third Tuesday of every month
Where: Capital Factory, Omni Hotel (downtown Austin)
Perks: Networking, pitches, and the chance to be part of an active, growing community
Learn more about F.I.E.S.T.A. and upcoming events here: F.I.E.S.T.A. Events Calendar
Learn more about Capital Factory and upcoming events here: Capital Factory Events Calendar
