Top 10 Reason Austin Is The Tech Mecca

Austin, Texas. Our beloved state capital rich with history, culture, rolling landscapes and a flourishing tech industry. Austin seems to be on the tip of the tongue of everything tech, and with sufficient reasoning. Consider a relatively low cost of living, a growing population, and an overall ethos of embracing creativity; it’s not hard to see why Austin is one of the leading destinations for both tech start-up businesses and larger companies. Don't believe us? Check out the Top Ten Reasons Austin is the Tech Mecca!

10. Forbes loves us

This year the prestigious business magazine placed us in several of their archives including: #3 best US city to start a business; the 4th city creating the most information jobs; and the #1 city in job growth. Austin loves you too, Forbes.

9. Advanced Micro Devices

AMD designs computer processors and other technology that is integrated into millions of devices worldwide. Your cherished PlayStation 4, as well as many other gaming consoles, features their technology. Your laptop is also likely powered by AMD fuel. The company is based in California, but boasts one of their corporate offices in Austin.

8. National Instruments

Once upon a time, National Instruments was born in Austin in 1976. Since then, NI has provided technology tools, products, and solutions to engineers and scientists worldwide, has built offices in almost 50 countries, and now employs over 6,000 people. Last year they generated over $1 billion in revenue.

Their annual NI Week conference was recently held in August and housed some of the most innovative thinking technology professionals under one roof. The conference features over 220 sessions, case study presentations, and panel discussions. With almost 40 years in business, NI continues to thrive and, thus, remains one of the coolest neighbors on Austin’s tech block.

7. Capital Factory

Capital Factory serves as a foundation for hopeful tech startups. They shape people into entrepreneurs through co-working, community meet ups, and presentations. They nurture self-sustaining business with mentors, press, and funding. If you’re an eager startup company in Austin, Capital Factory has the tools you need to make a lasting impression in the tech scene.

6. Austin Cultivating Apps Market

Austin is no stranger to the booming mobile apps industry. The city has welcomed dozens of app development and marketing companies with open arms. Mutual Mobile, Rocksauce Studios, and BestFit Mobile are but a few names of app development companies that are headquartered in the city. App marketing companies like Appspire.me, who hold offices in both Austin and London, also offer their services to the fervent apps community.

Austin has also proven to be the breeding ground for innovative service apps with the introduction of great ride-sharing applications like Lyft and Uber, and food delivery services like Favor and Postmates.

5. Austin's Booming Tech Community

According to the Austin Technology Council....

•The technology sector contributes $21 billion in direct value into the local community

•Almost one-third of Austin jobs are supported by the technology sector

•Current trends suggest a 9% increase in employment in Austin’s tech industry

•Over 9,000 new jobs are anticipated to be created in the local economy by 2017

In conclusion: eager tech community + growing industry = #5 reason why Austin is the

4. Large companies like to “keep it weird” as well

Facebook. Google. Paypal. Apple. These are just a few of the many major enterprise companies that have branched out offices to our city and employ thousands of Austonians. As the city gets bigger, so does our clientele.

3. SXSW Music, Film, and Interactive Festivals

We’re all familiar with SXSW’s yearly highly anticipated contribution to Austin’s self-proclaimed title as the live music capital of the world. What is less publicized, perhaps, is the festival’s Interactive Week, a segment of SXSW that celebrates and showcases the innovation and creativity of developing technology. In its soon to be 22nd year, the 2015 SXSW Interactive Week will host five days of networking opportunities, engaging presentations and discussions from leading experts in computer technology, and special exhibits on the newest interactive technology ideas. SXSW’s immense gathering of like-minded individuals in the tech field (plus, SXSW is just awesome in general) ranks the renowned festival in the top 3 of our list.

2. University of Texas, Austin

The Huffington Post ranks the computer science department at UT's Austin Campus as one of the best among America's universities. The Center for World University Rankings lists UT Austin as one of the top 30 schools in the world. As if those accolades alone aren't enough, Austin's campus is the largest of the UT family and, with over 50,000 students, is one of the biggest public universities in the US. Surely, some of the brightest minds in the technology industry are learning and teaching while simultaneously bleeding orange.

1. Dell, Inc.

The major international computer technology and services company that is Dell is homegrown in Round Rock, TX. Dell’s technology has enabled consumers for almost 30 years now. With over 10,000 employees, the colossal company’s services, support, and products continue to please their customers across the globe. Now topping the list in worldwide PC monitor shipments, it’s no wonder why Dell is #1 on our list of the top 10 reasons Austin is the Tech Mecca!