Monday Bites: June 2, 2025

Welcome to this bite-size issue of Austin Business Review, with a quick look at this week’s best upcoming business events (plus something fun for the weekend).

Cool stuff always pops up on short notice. Example: This finance workshop for DTC founders, followed by group dinner.

So here’s the updated list to help you plan your week better. See you out there.

-Ethan

Business Events This Week…

🗓️ June 3: Navigating Uncertainty: Amber Gunst, co-founder and CEO of FundLyst, is joining this panel on how founders pivot/adapt during times of uncertainty

🗓️ June 3: Founder Coffee Tasting: Chris Taylor at The Red Fridge Society is hosting a morning meet-up for founders and CEOs

🗓️ June 4: TWIB Happy Hour: Learn to pour your own soy candle with other members of Texas Women In Business. They’ve also got an online meetup at lunch

🗓️ June 5: Business + Birdies: My buddy Tomer Soran is back with his Thursday morning meetup Butler Pitch + Putt to chat business and play 9 holes

🗓️ June 5: Open Coffee: Since 2009, Damon Clinkscales has been hosting this laid back bi-weekly coffee chat for founders and investors

🗓️ June 5: DTC Finance Academy: Finaloop is hosting a day-long workshop for ecom founders, covering everything from taxes to tariffs – followed by a dinner for grads

🗓️ June 5: Hardware Happy Hour: Their description is better than mine – "ragtag group of entrepreneurs [meeting] for beers, nerdy conversations & other shenanigans”

🗓️ June 5: AI Tinkerers Dinner: Co-organized by Achyut Boggaram, computer vision scientist and Sr. ML Engineer developing autonomous semi’s at Torc

🗓️ June 5: Esports & Gaming Founder Meetup: Hosted by Justin Schoenfelder, founder of Fantasy Elect & Dean Elazab, attorney who specializes in startups and esports

🗓️ June 6: Recess: For ambitious women, tired of the routine – network, dance, and get re-energized with Angie Lee and Melody Afkami

🗓️ June 6: Founder Fridays: Hosted every month by founder Georges Colbert in partnership with LAUNCH, the VC firm founded by Jason Calacanis

🗓️ June 6-8: Live AI Lonestar Hackathon: Shout out to Allie Mullen for the heads up on this one, hosted over at Antler HQ in partnership with Google.

One for the Weekend…

I’ve actually got two for ya this week.

Whiskey & Fire is happening Sunday, June 8th, over at Star Hill Ranch. It’s basically what it sounds like – a killer roundup of local chefs, distillers, and pitmasters cooking over open flame. Tickets are $100-$150, and the VIP gets you in early, and gives you access to “exclusive pours” (no idea what that means though).

Or, if you’re more of a wine-fan, the Wine & Food Foundation is hosting Toast of Texas that same day at Assembly Hall on E. 7th. Featuring Texas BBQ, 20+ Texas wineries, and 100+ wines, ticket prices are the same ballpark and iopen to anyone, but WFF members ($200/yr) can also join a private tasting with Shelly Wilfong, of the This Is Texas Wine podcast.

That’s all for this issue! Keep an eye out Thursday for the full-length edition, including more upcoming events, insights, and opportunities to grow your business or personal sphere here in Austin.

Email me here if you want to share any feedback, or let me know about an event you’re hosting.

Until next week,

-Ethan