AI Startup Rodeo @ Austin Tech Week '26 October 30th
About the event
AI Startup Rodeo Edition 02 - Austin
October 30th, 2026 - 8AM-5PM
Q Branch - 200 E 6th Street, Suite 300 - Austin, TX
Less Keynote. More Demo.
AI is changing how software is built. Bitcoin is changing how software moves value. AI Startup Rodeo brings the people building both into one room.
This is not a passive, theory-first conference built around generic predictions. It is a builder-focused gathering centered on what is useful right now: what teams are creating, what is working in production, where systems break, and how ambitious ideas become functioning products.
Why This Event Exists
The Intersection That Matters:
AI is creating new ways to build, automate, reason, and interact with software
Bitcoin and Lightning are creating open infrastructure for programmable, internet-native value
As agents become more capable and software becomes more autonomous, questions around identity, incentives, payments, security, infrastructure, and trust become increasingly connected
AI Startup Rodeo brings these communities together to examine what is being built now and what becomes possible next
What You'll Experience
Technical Deep Dives Across the Stack:
AI agents and tool-using systems
Vibe coding and AI-accelerated software development
MCP security and agent guardrails
Production architecture and infrastructure
LLM performance and cost optimization
Full-stack AI product development
Bitcoin and Lightning-enabled payments
Developer tools and emerging technical workflows
Live product demonstrations from builders doing the work
The Program Is Shaped Around:
Practical knowledge
Real implementation decisions
Honest lessons from people actively building and operating technology
Who Should Attend
Full-stack developers and AI engineers
Bitcoin and Lightning developers
Startup founders and indie hackers
Product builders and technical operators
Infrastructure, platform, and security engineers
Investors looking to meet technically credible founders and builders
Ecosystem partners supporting AI and Bitcoin innovation
Anyone actively building or evaluating AI, agents, payments, or developer infrastructure
Your Ticket Includes
Everything you need for a full day of building and connecting:
Full day access to AI Startup Rodeo
Breakfast, coffee & beverages all day
Lunch by Chef Johnny Ochoa
Talks, panels & live demos
AI × Bitcoin builder sessions
Networking with founders, developers, operators & investors
Happy Hour Afterparty with free drinks for ticket holders
Wristband provided for free drink access
A full day at Q Branch in downtown Austin
What You'll Get From the Day
See what other builders are actually shipping
Learn from real technical and product decisions
Understand the tradeoffs behind AI and Bitcoin products
Discover emerging tools, architectures, and workflows
Move beyond surface-level conversations and trend commentary
Meet developers, founders, operators, investors, and potential collaborators
Pressure-test your ideas through substantive conversations
Leave with greater clarity, stronger connections, and practical momentum
Location & Logistics
Venue: Q Branch in Suite 300
Address: 200 E 6th Street, Suite 300, Austin, TX
Directions: Once you enter the building, take the elevator to the 3rd floor and follow the signs for the event.
Transportation:
Parking is available downtown
Uber and robotaxis are recommended for getting to and from the event
Pay With Bitcoin
Looking to purchase your ticket via Bitcoin? We've made it seamless:
Scan to Pay via Lightning Network: https://pay.zaprite.com/pl_k5Gb441gak
Quick, secure, and built by Zaprite a local Bitcoin startup.
Built for Builders Who Ship
Come see what builders are creating, sharpen your understanding of the AI and Bitcoin landscape, challenge your assumptions, and meet people who can help move ambitious ideas forward.
Reserve your place and join the room.
Register (Card): https://luma.com/mydv5rsq
Pay with Bitcoin (Lightning): https://pay.zaprite.com/pl_k5Gb441gak
Learn More: https://aistartuprodeo.com
Come ready to build, learn, connect, and ship what's next.