Austin Technology Council (ATC) Company Profile

Background

Established in 1992, the Austin Technology Council (ATC) is the oldest tech industry organization in Central Texas, dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within Austin's technology ecosystem. ATC serves as a unifying voice for the tech sector, connecting companies, promoting collaboration, and advocating for policies that support long-term industry health. The organization's mission is to ensure Austin remains at the forefront of technological advancement by supporting tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

Key Strategic Focus

ATC's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Talent Development: Addressing the competitive demand for tech talent in Austin by leveraging its network to connect individuals with career opportunities and development resources.

Advocacy: Collaborating with business, policy, and media leaders to represent the needs and priorities of tech companies in Central Texas.

Awareness: Keeping members and the community informed about topics crucial to the success and growth of tech and innovation businesses.

Community: Serving as a platform for collaboration, attracting regional tech and innovation leaders to jointly create a better future for Central Texas.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit organization, ATC's financials are primarily driven by membership dues, sponsorships, and event revenues. The council's estimated annual revenue is approximately $7.5 million, with a revenue per employee of around $375,000. ATC employs about 20 individuals, reflecting a slight decrease in staff over the past year.

Leadership Team

ATC's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing Austin's tech ecosystem:

Thom Singer: Serving as CEO since 2022, Thom brings over three decades of experience in the tech community. He is also an accomplished keynote speaker, having delivered speeches at over 1,000 conferences across various industries.

Ray Kunik: As Head of Digital at 3M, Ray has extensive experience leading digital transformation programs for global Fortune 500 companies. He emphasizes collaboration and team outcomes to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Jason Avila: Partner-in-Charge of the Technology Industry at Weaver, Jason has over thirteen years of experience in public accounting, specializing in federal and state income taxes, with an emphasis on corporate taxation.

Darrell Windham: Managing Member at Dickinson Wright PLLC, Darrell has forty years of experience representing clients in complex M&A, capital markets, and other business transactions across various industries.

Lawrence Waugh: President and CEO of Calavista Software, Lawrence has a background in aerospace engineering and computer science. He co-founded Calavista to help companies improve software delivery quality.

Shay Sabhikhi: CEO of ArcOne AI, Shay has over 18 years of experience in entrepreneurial leadership, product development, and management within growth-stage, venture-backed companies and Fortune 50 companies.

Ronnie Sheth: Founder and CEO of Senen Group, Ronnie is a thought leader in data, digital, and AI transformations, advising organizations on enterprise-scale transformations in these areas.

Linda Ginac: Chairman and CEO of TalentGuard, Linda leads a VC-funded SaaS company focused on changing how global organizations manage and develop their employees.

Mike Siegel: President of Living Security, Mike has over two decades of experience leading product and business groups in cybersecurity companies, including SailPoint Technologies and Forcepoint.

James Beecham: Founder and CEO of ALTR, James has over a decade of experience leading technology and engineering teams in computer architecture design, database security, and data governance.

Bart Kalsu: Operating Partner at K1 Investment Management, Bart has held various executive roles at SolarWinds, including CFO and Treasurer, with experience in finance and accounting.

Roland Peña: SVP of Global Technology and Innovation at Opportunity Austin, Roland has over 30 years of experience in economic development, focusing on strategic outreach and program development.

Wade Allen: President and CEO of Cendea, Wade has over 30 years of experience as a results-oriented executive, specializing in start-ups, turnarounds, and high-growth companies.

Bill Leake: CEO of Apogee Results, Bill has a background in consulting and has led various roles in finance, sales, and marketing, focusing on online marketing and demand generation.

Clay Scovill: Managing Director at Wells Fargo Tech Banking Group, Clay focuses on originating and leading growth-stage and mid-corporate relationships in the technology sector.

Brett Neie: Director of Commercial Sales at ServiceNow, Brett has over 15 years of experience in business transformation across various industries, specializing in pre-sales engineering and leadership.

Balazs Barna: Austin Site Lead & Head of US Engineering at Wise, Balazs is an experienced engineering leader in the financial services industry, focusing on building scalable teams and systems.

Kelley Knutson: Chief Growth Officer at TSYS, Kelley has extensive experience in the financial services industry, leading growth and development initiatives and serving as an executive sponsor for strategic accounts.

Alyssa Langston: AVP, Sr. Market Development Manager at TechCU, Alyssa focuses on elevating the brand in Austin's tech scene and empowering tech communities with financial tools and resources.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Austin, often referred to as "Silicon Hills," has become a major center for high-tech industries, including enterprise software, semiconductors, biotechnology, and startups. The region's technology sectors contribute significantly to the local economy, with numerous Fortune 500 companies establishing a presence in the area.

Competitor Analysis

While ATC is a unique organization focused on unifying and supporting Austin's tech community, other entities contribute to the ecosystem:

Capital Factory: A prominent startup accelerator and coworking space in Austin, offering mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Austin Technology Incubator (ATI): A deep-tech incubator at the University of Texas at Austin, connecting startups with commercialization resources.

DivInc: Provides inclusive accelerator programs to support underrepresented startup founders.

Tech Ranch: Offers entrepreneur development, global expansion resources, and a collaborative founder community.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ATC collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and expand capabilities:

Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem: Participates in events and forums to support STEM education and workforce development in the region.

TECNA (Technology Councils of North America): As an active member, ATC engages in national tech policy discussions, advocating for legislation that supports small and mid-sized technology companies.

Operational Insights

ATC's distinct competitive advantage lies in its grassroots approach, focusing on community, collaboration, and conversations among tech leaders. By unifying Austin's tech community, ATC ensures that the region remains a leading center for technology innovation.