IA Global Ventures and the International Accelerator had a significant role in this year’s South by Southwest Conference (SXSW):
Official SXSW Panel
Our SXSW panel, moderated by Angelos Angelou, delved into fundraising strategies for foreign-born entrepreneurs. It was a hit, with topics ranging from networking with U.S. investors to the best early investment instruments, and key criteria investors use when evaluating startups. The panel was so engaging that we stayed an extra 45 minutes to answer the entrepreneurs’ individual questions.
International House
Beyond the panel, we hosted the International House, a full day of activities on March 13th, from 10 AM to 10 PM, featuring panels, pitch competitions, product demos, and numerous networking opportunities. The day began with a visit from Mayor Kirk Watson, who met with International Accelerator companies and discussed the positive impact of foreign-born entrepreneurs on Austin. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, a staunch supporter, also contributed via a recorded message.
The day featured two insightful panels on managing remote international teams and building long-term investor relationships, along with two pitch competitions. Winners of the pitch competitions received a $500 check and, more importantly, invaluable recognition.
The International House event was a big success, attracting over 500 attendees and garnering positive feedback. It was a fantastic networking opportunity for us, our companies, and our investors.