Love the energy coming out of PHX FWD with leaders like Ron Gabrisko sharing their journey and lessons on the rocketship 🚀 growth of Databricks. And huge congratulations to PHX FWD and StartupAZ on joining forces! Powerful combination to make Phoenix a powerhouse software city. Gregg Scoresby Brandon Clarke Clate Mask Annette Zinky Daniela Santangelo Deloitte Battery Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321389701741850624

A message from Clate Mask about our community event this evening! We'll be sharing a big announcement and more information on our new programming. If you haven't signed up yet, you're not going to want to miss it! https://lu.ma/j1eam8t4 We'll see you there 🙌 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321191688343814145

I will be making a big announcement at the PHX FWD event tonight. It's a big deal, so I hope you can make it. Last I checked, there were about 10 seats left. Register here: https://lu.ma/j1eam8t4 Let's make PHX a top software city. #arizona #phoenix #startups StartupAZ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321246675899981825

Tech Talent + Startup World Cup AZ - $100K Investment

Congrats @South_32 for breaking ground on the Centro remote operations center in #Nogales! The Hermosa project represents a historic investment for Southern Arizona’s economy and key link in our nation’s critical mineral supply chain. @GovHobbs #SantaCruzCounty https://www.instagram.com/p/DI18twJpCsN

What a fantastic evening at our Tucson after5 Tech Mixer! 🌟 Huge thanks to @edmundoptics Optics for opening the doors to their impressive facility and hosting such a great event. From touring the advanced design and assembly space to making meaningful connections, it was a night to remember. 👏 AZTechCouncil #TechMixer #Networking #TucsonTech https://www.instagram.com/p/DI1knt5PQLz

📸 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Tech Inclusion Forum yesterday! We had a powerful afternoon of dialogue, learning and connection with 50+ attendees and an expert panel of Joshua Schwartz, Cecilia Nieto and Eric Elwer—masterfully moderated by Claudia Reilly. Big thanks to @avnet for sponsoring this important event and to our Tech Inclusion Committee for making it happen! 💬✨ #TechInclusion #DiversityInTech #AZTechCouncil #InclusionMatters 📷 Swipe through some highlights from the day! ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzdKtgThAI

Tomorrow, join the Phoenix Online Sellers Meetup for a powerful in-person seminar led by Amazon and sourcing expert Jason Hsieh focused on helping business owners and eCommerce sellers protect their margins and future-proof their supply chains. With global trade challenges, shipping costs, and tariffs on the rise, it's more important than ever to have a resilient sourcing strategy. In this eye-opening session, Jason will share practical steps and real-life examples of how you can diversify suppliers, renegotiate smarter contracts, and reduce dependency on high-risk regions. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzaeAmTMTL

Venture Madness 2025

For our 13th year, the ACA has been honored to partner with Invest Southwest to present @VentureMadness, Arizona’s longest running pitch competition. Congratulations to #VM25 winners - Inkd Greetings, Hema Sense, and Parent Projects! 🎉 #Innovation #VentureMadness #pitchcompetition #arizona https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzGG0iNH2T

Tomorrow, join @forbesfivehundo and @aaronbare as they challenge leaders to rethink how they build, scale, and operate in an AI-driven world. As businesses face growing pressure to boost efficiency and innovation, adopting an AI-first mindset is quickly becoming essential—often before making the next hire. This session explores practical strategies for integrating AI into daily workflows, decision-making, and long-term planning to drive smarter, leaner growth. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzDIyPzkK9

♻️Advanced recycling company, Cyclic Materials, will invest over $20 million in its first U.S. commercial facility focused on rare earth elements recycling in Mesa! @cityofmesa #Economicdevelopment #citofmesa #Arizona #Economy #Recycle #Cleanenergy #renewableenergy #Investment #US #rareearth https://www.instagram.com/p/DIy4UKszWI7

As AI and ML applications expand across industries, semiconductor accelerators—designed for efficient AI/ML processing—are becoming essential. MedTech is uniquely positioned to benefit from this tech convergence, driving innovations in diagnostics, devices, and healthcare software. Join us this Thursday as Jami Mei, MPA, AZED Pro, Doug Kiehldt, Nandini Tandon, and Mark Dydyk explore how collaboration across technology, policy, and entrepreneurship can accelerate this transformation and strengthen the biotech ecosystem. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIxH9ICTk0J

Small Business Boot Camp Session 360 - Optimize HR: Your Key to Secure Top Talent & Growth

This Thursday join Rebecca Ewald, Tom Eisiminger, Jr., Shari O'Quinn, and Kevin Parker for a behind-the-scenes look at how successful MedTech innovators have navigated the path from R&D to real-world impact. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, set clear milestones, and align stakeholders throughout the commercialization process. Seasoned biotech leaders will share practical strategies and hard-won insights to help you bring regulated products to market efficiently and effectively. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwcX8BPuHl

Raising capital as a startup or small company comes with unique challenges and hard-earned lessons. Join us this Thursday as Helen Goldstein, Anthony Dietz, Mohammad Albanna, and Jim Hauert share their real-world experiences, from securing early funding to scaling their businesses. Hear firsthand insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIucN7ETIHI

📍 The AZ tech scene is calling! Join the Council + @benchmark_electronics for our Q2 VIP Tech Mixer on April 24! 🥂 Mingle with board members, VIPs + fellow tech pros in a sleek space with amazing vibes + even better convos. ✨ Good food. Great people. Unmatched energy. 🔗 Link in bio to register! Tag a tech friend you want to bring! 👇 #AZTechCouncil #BenchmarkElectronics #TechMixer #TempeEvents #AZNetworking https://www.instagram.com/p/DIt65yiPDTi

Another great workshop this morning – thank you for leading it Mike Randall! We'll see everyone at our Community Event next week! We still have some spots open, but they're filling up fast: https://lu.ma/j1eam8t4 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7318842541221584896

Join us at the Tech Talent Summit for our expert panel moderated by Nicole Zeno: From Capital to Capability In today's rapidly evolving startup landscape, building the right team is everything. Our experts will break down practical talent strategies that align with your growth stage and runway: 📈 Traditional recruiting pathways that scale ✅ Fractional hiring models for flexibility 🤑 VCs strategic capital with a Tier 1 team A huge thank you to our incredible panelists sharing their expertise: Steven Gelley, Mira Malek MBA, and Jasmine B. This session is part of our larger mission to build an intentionally inclusive tech ecosystem in Arizona where founders and talent can thrive together. 📅 Friday, May 9, 2025 | 10am-7pm 📍NextSpace – Scottsdale, AZ 🎟️ Register now: https://lu.ma/kuvapmyy Thank you for your generous support: Meld Valuation, City of Scottsdale, Open Access Ventures, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), J.P. Morgan, ArcusAI, Orqestra, StartupAZ, Flinn Foundation, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Christopher Fox, Startup World Cup AZ #TechTalentSummit #FreewayPHX #StartupHiring #PhoenixTech https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7319185188570181632

🚀Event Recap: Beyond the Breakthrough – Innovation, Integration & Resilience Last night was one for the books at Venture Café Phoenix! From bold startup pitches to vulnerable leadership stories, the room was buzzing with innovation, impact, and inspiration. 💧The night kicked off with our CleanTech & Sustainability Night, where Ylenia Aguilar, Rebecca Bernat and Kaitlyn Fitzgerald tackled one of the most pressing issues of our time—water. 💧 They dove deep into where Arizona’s water comes from, and the delicate balance between water usage rights, policy, and sustainability. Huge thanks to our partners at extendEV for helping us drive this critical conversation forward! 💬 While this was going on Desheay Jenkins led attendees through the “Emotional Safety Blueprint”—a practical framework for transforming conflict into clarity. Participants explored how to navigate tough conversations with empathy, confidence, and calm, even in high-stakes business scenarios. 🚀 Then, we shifted gears to 360° Innovation session where XLR8 Health Tech startups pitched cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems—evaluated live by top medical experts for impact, feasibility, and scalability. This wasn't just theory—it was innovation in action. Special thanks to the Phoenix Bioscience Core for sponsoring the session. 🔥 The night culminated in an inspiring fireside chat with Bob Maguire and Bhavna Gupta. Just 21 days after Bob was pushed out of his own startup, he launched a new venture. Seven years later it is a resounding success. Moderated by Bhavna Gupta, this conversation was raw, real, and unforgettable. 🧠 Attendees had personalized 1:1 mentorship on: 🤖AI Business with Sherry Kotvis, MS, CAIO on workflow automation 💡Branding strategy sessions with Blane McCullough 🤝 Leadership communication mentorship with Bethany Graver 📈 We can't forget about the Business Strategy 101 session with Alexander McElfish where he dove into the Business Model Canvas and went through how it can be utilized to help founders understand the nuances of their business model and strategy! See you next week for The Future of BioTech night! https://www.instagram.com/p/DImkjFozXM_

We’re proud to share that Council president + CEO Steven Zylstra will serve as panel moderator at Green Living magazine’s The Future of Sustainability event on April 22. He’ll lead the conversation “Beyond the Grid: Data Centers, Clean Energy, and Arizona’s Sustainable Future,” exploring how our state can innovate, grow and stay green in the age of digital infrastructure. 🌿 This is where responsibility meets transformation. Save 25% with promo code 25Green25. Join the movement: 🔗 https://greenlivingmag.com/events/the-future-of-sustainability-2025/ #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #TechInAZ #ArizonaTechnologyCouncil #FutureOfSustainability https://www.instagram.com/p/DIkAf8ZzBm6

What happens when you're pushed out of the very startup you founded? For Bob Maguire the answer was simple—start again. Just 21 days later, he launched a new venture. Bob managed to achieve success against all odds! Is the old formula for success still relevant, or is there a new playbook for growth? Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Bob Maguire, Chairman and Founder of Biolab Sciences, as he shares his journey of resilience, reinvention, and redefining success. Moderated by Bhavna Gupta, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! https://www.instagram.com/p/DIh5GY7JaKw

Join Alexander McElfish for the 2nd part of the series where we will dive deep into defining the core aspects of your business to help provide you with the critical tools needed to be successful. Attendees will learn how to tell a compelling story about your mission, target audience, unique value proposition, operational strategies, and success drivers. Join us to refine your business story and set yourself up for success. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhiBmqzBef

Arizona’s future isn’t waiting — it’s being built right now by bold leaders with big ideas. The Ascent 20 shines a spotlight on the trailblazers transforming industries, uplifting communities, and creating a legacy that will shape generations to come. 🔥 This isn’t just another award — it’s a tribute to impact, influence, and unstoppable ambition. We’re celebrating 20 extraordinary changemakers across five powerhouse categories: ✨ Entrepreneurs — Founders & CEOs fueling Arizona’s economic engine ✨ Champions of Change — Nonprofit leaders driving meaningful missions ✨ Real Estate Game Changers — Visionaries reshaping Arizona’s skyline and neighborhoods ✨ Innovation Architects — Tech, sustainability, and medical pioneers rewriting what’s possible ✨ Community Builders — Leaders fostering connection, collaboration, and growth 👉 Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them today. 🗓️ Deadline: May 1, 2025 🏆 Honorees Announced: June 2, 2025 🔗 Submit your nomination: https://lnkd.in/dJCA896Y #Ascent20 #ArizonaLeaders #Innovation #Leadership #ArizonaGrowth https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7318490520463253504

Disruptions happen. Preparation is optional. In the latest episode of AZ TechCast, we dive into what it really means to build business resilience—with insights from @rythmznetworks, The Arizona Group and @ironmountaindatacenters. Learn how to keep your operations running, even when the unexpected strikes. 🎧 Stream now on your favorite podcast app or hit the link in our bio to subscribe on YouTube! AZTechCast is sponsored by @padtinc #AZTechCast #BusinessContinuity #DisasterRecovery #Cybersecurity #ArizonaTech #TechLeadership https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhSRkhTj22