Capital Investment in Austin
The economic correction has changed the landscape of funding from the 2020/2021 highs we experienced in Austin. We will discuss the new focus for funding, what gets funded, and the impact on underrepresented founders.
About our speaker:
Amber Gunst is a dynamic, energetic, results-driven leader and business developer with deep connections in the Austin and Texas marketplace. Adept at developing strategic marketing, sourcing new business, implementing growth initiatives, and maintaining strong donor relationships, she fosters a sense of teamwork and inclusivity.
Recently, Amber co-founded FundLyst and serves as CRO. FundLyst is a membership SaaS platform matching entrepreneurs to investors. Her passion for tech startups, investors, and expertise in monetization models inspired her to start a company focused on helping both entrepreneurs and investors reduce time and improve fit while fundraising. With her prior experience, Amber has led the development of sales strategy and beta content. Utilizing her strengths in relation skills, Amber has implemented extensive investor outreach.
Previously, Amber served as the CEO of Austin Technology Council, the largest tech industry organization in Central Texas, focused on spurring innovation in the Austin tech ecosystem through community connections and useful programming. As CEO, Amber fostered a multi-million-dollar network by launching several successful programs, such as Battle for Austin Tech Awards, and redesigning current programs for optimal growth. While Head of Sales and Member Services for Austin Technology Council, Amber doubled the size of membership within ten months by redeveloping member benefits and streamlining inbound lead-generation processes. She was pivotal in crafting a new vision for member engagement, while steering the organization through the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to Austin Technology Council, Amber served as a Search Talent Manager for Kforce, specializing in Account Management for Private Sector IT Clients. She consistently ranked in the Top 10 for Rookie Search Recruiters and was listed three times as a top producer. As Business Developer Manager for PMSC Services, Amber was a representative for Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications and managed software partnerships with SAS, Software AG, and Oracle. Amber oversaw account management for the State of Texas and had the opportunity to volunteer on the planning committee for the 2015 Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications Conference. While serving as membership development for Austin Chamber of Commerce, Amber oversaw new member recruitment with an overall growth of 142 percent.
During her career at Austin Chamber of Commerce, Amber was the top sales and retention leader in the State of Texas with revenue of over 1.5 million, ranking her in the Top 7 nationally for sales of chambers.
Amber received her Associates in Art from Muskegon Community College and her Bachelor of Art in Creative Writing and English from Grand Valley State University.
Agenda:
6:50am - Coffee & Networking
7:10am - Breakfast Buffet
7:25am - Introductions & Announcements
7:50am - Speaker Introduction
8:20am - Q&A
8:30am - Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Directions and Parking
Breakfast Fees & Policy
