Austin, TX
NuFund Venture Launches New Austin, Texas-Based Cluster
NuFund Venture Group, one of the nation’s largest and most active early-stage investor networks, has announced the launch of its new Austin Cluster. This expansion into the Texas Market represents the next step in NuFund’s mission to build thriving startup ecosystems beyond its Southern California roots.
NuFund sees Austin as a central hub for innovation, offering many opportunities for startups and investors alike. And the Austin Cluster aims to create stronger ties between Southern California and the growing startup scene in Texas, further amplifying NuFund’s efforts to support emerging companies across various industries.
NuFund’s record of success includes over 55 exits since 2005, investments in over 100 companies, and a commitment to backing high-impact ventures that drive innovation and economic growth. The group has continuously evolved its model to effectively support founders and investors, using a systematic approach to deal flow, portfolio health, and support processes.
To start its entry into the Austin market, NuFund recently organized a founders & funders virtual showcase with Austin Next and other ecosystem builders’ participation. It subsequently co-hosted an event with global VC Antler, attracting over 50 investors, founders, and startup stakeholders. And the strong turnout reflected the excitement and potential within Austin’s entrepreneurial community, highlighting the city’s vibrant startup culture and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. NuFund is eager to contribute to and grow alongside this ecosystem.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to be expanding into Austin, a city bursting with energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our goal is to bridge the gap between Southern California and Austin’s vibrant startup scene, providing founders access to the strategic guidance, capital, and expansive network they need to succeed. By working closely with local investors and partners like Antler, we’re excited to make a lasting impact on the ATX startup community.”
-Serhat Pala, President of NuFund Venture Group
“NuFund’s decision to establish an Austin presence reflects our confidence in its rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. There is tremendous potential here in Austin and we’re committed to supporting founders and fostering relationships that drive growth, both for local startups and the broader community.”
-James Burkett, who is leading NuFund’s efforts on the ground
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas’ highway system dropped two spots since 2025, and now ranks at No. 27 in the country for its cost-effectiveness and overall conditions, according to the Reason Foundation’s 2026 Highway Report.
The report assessed pavement conditions, fatalities, deficient bridges, infrastructure costs and congestion levels across the United States. Texas earned the following rankings:
- 33rd in urban interstate pavement conditions
- 21st in rural interstate pavement conditions
- 39th in urban arterial pavement conditions
- 12th in rural arterial pavement conditions
- 3rd in structurally deficient bridges
- 26th in urban fatality rate
- 42nd in rural fatality rate
- 41st in traffic congestion
“More than 42,000 of the nation’s 618,923 highway bridges, nearly 7%, are still structurally deficient. Arizona, Nevada, and Texas reported the lowest percentages of deficient bridges,” the report said.
The full report can be found online.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Small hail peppered the Austin area as strong thunderstorms moved through Saturday.
A few of the storms dropped rain and up to pea-sized hail in San Marcos, Dripping Springs and the Austin metro area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Williamson County around 8:15 p.m., and then canceled shortly after. However, it was enough for the Two Step Inn music festival in Georgetown to cancel shows for the rest of the evening. Event organizers say the festival will run as planned Sunday.
KXAN’s First Warning Weather team is monitoring the storms. We will update this post as the evening continues.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution unveiled a new monument at the Texas State Cemetery on Saturday, dedicated to Texas Revolutionary War soldiers.
“We must educate every generation about why it is that America grew from a tenuous 13 colonies into the most powerful country in the history of the world,” said Governor Abbott. “This monument here is an enduring testament to the heroes who fought for the freedom that is unique to America.”
The monument was dedicated to 69 soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later settled in Texas, according to a press release.
Among those that were honored, Abbott recognized:
- José Santiago Seguín, grandfather of Texas Revolutionary hero Juan Seguín.
- Peter Sides, who fought in the 2nd Battalion of the North Carolina Regiment of the Colonial Army, and was later killed in the 1813 Battle of Medina, fighting for Mexican independence against Spain.
- Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, the founder of Nacogdoches.
- William Sparks, who fought as a mounted rifleman in the American Revolution and later settled in Texas. He had two sons and two grandsons who fought in the Texas Revolution.
“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which not only gave freedom to the British colonies of North America, but inspired movements for freedom and liberty all over the world,” said TSSAR President Mel Oller. “Texans played a role in the war too, and it’s important to recognize them, and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”
At the monument unveiling, Abbott was also inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution and received its Silver Good Citizenship Medal.
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