What we’re about
🎉 F.I.E.S.T.A. 🎉 Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers aims to connect, support, and inspire early-stage startup founders and those new to Austin, TX. While all entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) are welcome to join, this group will focus on helping early-stage startup founders. If you are new to Austin or a local Austinite, simply looking to Network or make new friends, you are in the right place.Â
We meet on the third Tuesday from 5:30-8:00 PM monthly at the Capital Factory located in Omni Hotel on the bottom floor. Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, come prepared to share your elevator pitch, any wins or needs, plus be willing to help others.
We look forward to meeting you and hearing about your founder's journey!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- CPO Perspectives on SaaS + AI: What Actually WorksCapital Factory, Austin, TX
Calling all founders, product leads, or investors navigating AI in SaaS. Join FIESTA as we host a special evening with Softlandia to understand a CPO perspective on SAAS + AI. What's working?
As AI continues to shape the SaaS landscape, how can product leaders and founders make meaningful progress without falling for the hype?
Join us for a candid and actionable discussion led by seasoned experts who have built, deployed, and invested in AI-first SaaS products.
You’ll learn:- What worked (and didn’t) from real customer-facing AI deployments
- How to respond when customers ask about your AI roadmap but don’t have a clear need
- How to select your first AI use case that delivers true value
Featured Speakers:
- Anand Arivukkarasu, was a former product growth leader at Meta & Instagram. A startup advisor & investor
Playbook: How AI is used in accelerated Product development and Product management. - Mikko Lehtimäki, Co-Founder & Chief Data Scientist, Softlandia
From Code to Customer: Lessons from 3 Real AI SaaS Deployments”. A tactical talk from the front lines of building and shipping customer-facing AI features. - Nicole Bentz with S3 Ventures where she is currently a Vice President with the firm. Her responsibilities include evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies. She'll share her perspective on deploying AI in SaaS.
Lessons learned from evaluating AI-first vs. AI-enhanced SaaS companies, patterns that win (and fail) from a portfolio-wide view.
Free to attend, but space is limited—RSVP today! Light bites and drinks will be available.
Tenetative AGENDA
6:00 – 8:00 PM Capital Factory – Captain America Room 8th Floor
6:00 – 6:15 PM | Arrival & Check-In
Grab a drink, get settled, and meet a few fellow founders and product leaders.
6:15 – 6:20 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Brief intro from FIESTA & Softlandia.
6:20 – 6:40 PM | Speaker 1: Anand Arivukkarasu
Playbook: How AI is used in accelerated Product development and Product management.
6:40 – 7:00 PM | Speaker 2: Mikko Lehtimäki
From Code to Customer: Lessons from 3 Real AI SaaS Deployments”. A tactical talk from the front lines of building and shipping customer-facing AI features.
7:00 – 7:20 PM | Speaker 3: Mystery VC (TBD)
An Investor’s Perspective: How SaaS Companies Should Approach AI. Lessons learned from evaluating AI-first vs. AI-enhanced SaaS companies' patterns that win (and fail) from a portfolio-wide view.
7:20 – 7:30 PM | Panel Q&A
Moderated Q&A with all speakers. Attendees can submit questions in real time.
7:30 – 8:00 PM | Open Networking
A chance to meet fellow attendees, speakers, and potential collaborators.
8:00 PM | Optional After-Hours Social Join us across the street at Retail Therapy to keep the conversations going in a relaxed setting. - Join us May 20th for another FIESTA 🎉Capital Factory, Austin, TX
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>>RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE<<
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Welcome to 🎉 F.I.E.S.T.A. 🎉, short for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. The Heart of Austin’s Startup Community. Built by Founders for Founders: Providing a Competitive Edge through an Engaged Community.Our mission is focused on five key areas:
- Fostering Connections: In Austin’s rapidly growing tech scene, we provide a centralized monthly gathering where like-minded individuals can share ideas, collaborate, help one another, and build lasting relationships.
- Providing Resources: Many startups struggle due to a lack of access to essential resources. FIESTA connects startups with the tools and knowledge.
- Encouraging a giving and welcoming environment: We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered regardless of background.
- Helping Founders "Be Seen": FIESTA offers founders the chance to pitch their startup to 200+ attendees twice a year, sharing on social media and featuring them in The FIESTA Focus newsletter that is distributed to 7K+. We aim to help you build awareness, attract members, and connect with potential investors and customers. Sign up HERE to pitch if you've attended FIESTA and are a venture backable startup founder.
- Celebrating Successes: Entrepreneurship is challenging, and FIESTA believes in celebrating your milestones and wins to keep the community motivated and inspired. Your success and stories inspire us all and should be seen and celebrated. Share your milestones with us HERE!
AGENDA FOR THE MONTHLY MEETUP
- 5:30 PM Check-in begins, and doors open. Connections happen by scanning the QR code at the entrance and then wearing the name tag.
- 5:30 - 6:40 PM - Grab your nametag, network, and enjoy the snacks.
- Pizza & drinks are served only until 6:35 PM
- 6:40 –7:15 PM - Announcements, meet the sponsors and funders (angels, VCs, etc.) Then 10 founders share their 1-minute pitches
- 7:15 - 8:15 PM Network & connect with many unique humans and our pitch presenters.
- 8:30 PM—Exit the room as the doors must close! If you want to continue visiting, join us at the after-party.
- 8:30 - 10 PM After-party at Retail Therapy. You must wear your nametag for specials.
Parking: Street parking is free after 6 PM. Capital Factory Austin offers parking validations between 5 and 9:30 PM. Guests must enter the garage at 5 pm or later and leave before 9:30 pm to have their parking validated down to $8 using a coupon provided by the front desk host.
Are you ready to increase your brand exposure? Join the FIESTA family and become a sponsor. Your sponsorship enables us to continue building a supportive and engaging ecosystem for founders.
Sponsors:
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is helping Texas startups by providing strategic legal guidance across every stage of growth — from formation and fundraising to M&A — backed by deep expertise in IP, climatetech, executive compensation, and regulatory matters.
- Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas. They meet the best entrepreneurs in Texas and introduce them to their first investors, employees, mentors, and customers. To sign up for a Capital Factory coworking membership, click here.
Event Magic Transform Events into Magical Experiences by maximizing attendee engagement & delivering exceptional sponsor ROI.
🎉 Thank you to our generous in-kind sponsors: Retail Therapy, Austin Production House and Stella Lumina
>>RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HERE-----RSVP HER<<
- FoundHERs GatHERing! 🎉SKG, Austin, TXUSD 20.00
Ladies, we’ll be gathering at **SKG’s **beautiful Furniture Showroom,
located at: 2010 South Lamar Blvd, Suite 125.There’s free parking available in the garage off Hether Street (at the traffic light). When you arrive, please push the button to call the front desk, and they will open the garage gate for you.
Once parked, head into the lobby where we’ll be there to greet you with a warm welcome!
So mark your calendars—our next FoundHERs GatHERing is happening June 3, 2025!
Join a vibrant community of women founders and entrepreneurs for an evening of meaningful connection, fresh inspiration, and genuine support.
We want every woman to feel seen, supported, and inspired.
This is more than networking—it’s a space to share both your wins and struggles by offering one specific way we can support you. There’s real power in asking—because you never know who might have the connection, resource, or encouragement you need.
A big thank you to our venue host, [SKG], a woman-owned, Austin-based certified MillerKnoll dealer specializing in workplace design and commercial furniture. With over 25 years of experience, they create beautiful, functional spaces that support well-being and connection.
AGENDA:
6:00-6:45 PM: Check-Ins & Mingling;
6:45-7:00 PM: Welcome
7:00-7:45 PM: Breakout into small groups for interactive discussions
8:00-8:25 PM: Networking and Supporting Each Other
8:30 PM: Event Conclusion.Save $5 by registering before May 2nd.
Sponsored by
[FIESTA Community]
We’re Austin’s largest Meetup for Founders and Funders, and we’re here to be your unfair advantage. Join us at a 3rd Tuesday event and see what the buzz is about!
[EventMagic]
EventMagic is an innovative event engagement platform that transforms gatherings into unforgettable experiences. It boosts attendee interaction and delivers measurable ROI for sponsors through tools like smart badges and real-time insights.Contact Lucia Csoma at Lucia@fiesta.community or Ryan Ulrich at ryan@fiesta.community with any questions.
