Question 1

What is the Student Founder Fest?

Accepted Answer

The Student Founder Fest is an annual SXSW-inspired event celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit within the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and the Austin small business community. It includes pitch competitions, a vendor market, a keynote speaker, and a music festival.

Question 2

Can I reserve/buy tickets at the door?

Accepted Answer

Admission is free for UT Austin students, faculty, and staff with an EID. Community members can join for $20. Tickets are available until the event is sold out. Participants are welcome to reserve or buy tickets at the door (through Eventbrite), as long as we have not hit capacity.

Question 3

Is this event family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Student Founder Fest is an all-ages event. Students under 21 and families are invited to attend! Families please be aware, Victory Lap is a bar and alcohol will be served at this event.

Question 4

Will there be food and beverages available at the event?

Accepted Answer

Food will be available for purchase from Tacowey, Jive Turkey, and Homie Fries. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Victory Lap.

Question 5

Is parking available at the venue, and is there a cost?

Accepted Answer

Victory Lap does not have specific event parking. Attendees are highly encouraged to walk to Victory Lap or utilize ride sharing services. Street parking and garage parking is available near the venue (payment for parking may be required).

Question 6

I want to be a vendor and pitch in the competition, can I apply for both?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Participants are encouraged to apply to be a vendor and to pitch. This will increase your chances of being selected for at least one of the two events. Based on the total number and quality of applications, it is possible to be selected for both. However, we cannot guarantee both.

Question 7

I am an alumni of UT Austin, can I apply to pitch or to be a vendor?

Accepted Answer

First priority will be given to current students (undergraduate, graduate, and advanced). However, alumni are still encouraged to apply. We will give second priority to alumni based on the quantity and quality of total applications.

Question 8

Can I volunteer at the event?

Accepted Answer

The LaunchPad is not accepting volunteers for this event. However, we are accepting sponsorships, both in-kind and monetary.

Question 9

Can my company sponsor this event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The LaunchPad is accepting sponsorships, both in-kind and monetary. Please email barrett.pearce@utexas.edu or request information about sponsorship opportunities.

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