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The Surge: March 2025

Austin on an International Stage

Expanding Austin’s international reach is a key pillar of Opportunity Austin’s 5.0 strategy. This month alone, we’ve seen international attention and engagement on multiple fronts— From SXSW to the debut of our Global Austin Launch Pad program, which welcomed its first international company, we’re proactively building new pathways for global investment and innovation. Our team also returned from Taiwan, where we strengthened relationships with companies eager to enter the U.S. market through Austin. These efforts not only attract world class businesses but also create new opportunities for our region’s workforce and economy. Together, we’re ensuring the Austin region remains a magnet for global investment and a launchpad for future growth.

— Ed Latson, CEO, Opportunity Austin

FEATURED ARTICLES

The District breaks ground in Round Rock: The $525M mixed-use development has officially broken ground in Round Rock. Spanning 66 acres, the project is expected to create over 5,000 jobs and attract significant economic activity.

Firefly Aerospace Becomes First Commercial Company to Successfully Land on the Moon: Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace made history as the first commercial company to land on the moon, delivering 10 NASA payloads in a milestone for commercial space exploration.

Texas Is the Low-Cost, High-Reward Darling of Big Tech:Texas continues to lead as a top destination for major tech investment. With global companies expanding operations and new headquarters landing across the state, Texas is evolving beyond its traditional industries. 

AUSTIN'S TALENT ADVANTAGE

Austin’s Talent Advantage is a key driver of economic growth.

With 25 universities and colleges hosting over 400,000 students within a 100-mile radius, companies find the skilled workforce they need right here. From software engineering to semiconductor manufacturing, Austin’s talent pipeline powers innovation across industries.

Learn more about our unmatched talent pipeline in Business Facilities.

 

 

From our blog

Opportunity Austin names Casey Dobson as new chairman:

The board of directors at Opportunity Austin has formally announced that Casey Dobson, partner at Scott Douglass & McConnico, will serve as its new chairman. This appointment marks a new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and global investment in the Austin region. Press Release.

Opportunity Austin announces Global Austin Launch Pad program:

Opportunity Austin, in partnership with Brown Advisory, announced the inauguration of the Global Austin Launch Pad, designed to help international firms expand operations into the U.S. market. The program, which is the first of its kind in the Austin region, provides strategic guidance, premier office space and a robust support network to accelerate business growth. The program recently welcomed its first company, ITFS Solutions. Press Release.

Fueling Austin’s Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Workforce Development:

Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the Austin region’s economic future, serving as engines of innovation, workforce development, and business collaboration. From strengthening industry partnerships to expanding research initiatives, higher education institutions are equipping students with the skills necessary to drive long term economic growth. Read the blog.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

For businesses: Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process.

For start ups & fundersMore and more creativity, innovation, & collaboration. The Austin Region is a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting diverse industries and fostering growth of established companies and startups.

 

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Pitchbook released their Q2 Venture Capital report, showing that companies in the Austin region raised approximately $6.5B YTD, more than twice the money raised in the same period during 2025 ($2.9B). Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, showing that the Austin region is fourth among the top 50 metros in the percent of STEM jobs.

The Austin region’s continued ability to attract and grow companies depends on more than creating jobs, it depends on having the talent to fill them.

Austin Business Journal spotlights the many defense companies that have set up shop outside Austin lately.

STEM occupations account for over 11.1% of all jobs in the Austin MSA in 2024, making Austin the 6th most concentrated in STEM among large U.S. metros. Since 2019, STEM occupations in Austin have grown by 17%, adding 20,000 jobs and bringing the total number of workers to 139,820.

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