True Vine Brewing Co. in Tyler will be home to the inaugural Texas Venture Fest set to take place Thursday evening. (Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

The Texas Venture Alliance, in partnership with the East Texas Technology and Innovation Coalition, has announced the inaugural Texas Venture Fest set to take place Thursday evening at True Vine Brewing in Tyler’s Mosaic District.

Organizers say this event will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters from across Northeast Texas, creating a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration within the region’s startup community.

As part of the event, two panels are planned: one focusing on Founders and Entrepreneurs, and the other on Innovation Ecosystem Support Providers. Notable entrepreneur commitments include Ryan Dixon of True Vine Brewing, Justin Ross of Liquet in Athens, and Keith Lindsay, a Shark Tank alum and co-founder of True West in Jacksonville. A surprise guest panelist may also be in attendance, organizers said.

On the Innovator Support side, Mike Rainone from Product Concept Development (PCD) Works and Maria Brackenridge, Team Lead with the DFW Airport Innovation Team, are confirmed participants, with Alden Warr serving as the moderator.

True Vine Brewing Company is located at 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway in Tyler.

The schedule for the evening includes:

5 to 6 p.m.: Meet, Greet, Networking

6 to 6:25 p.m.: Panel 1: Founders and Entrepreneurs

6:30 to 6:55 p.m.: Panel 2: Innovation Ecosystem Support

7 to 8 p.m.: Networking

Texas Venture Fest has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally launched in 2022 as the “Austin Venture Crawl,” the event attracted 1,300 participants in Austin. Last year, it expanded to 15 venues across nine cities, with nearly 3,000 attendees and over 40 venture panelists. Now rebranded, the 2024 Texas Venture Fest will introduce the Texan’s Choice Awards, enabling attendees to vote for their favorite investor, startup, and community leader.

Organizers have hinted at additional special guest panelists and VIPs, adding to the excitement of the evening. Among the notable contributions, Alvie IV, founder of Alvies Boots and Flip Flops, has donated a pair of Signature Billy F. Gibbons “Have Mercy” boots for a door prize drawing.

For further details on participation and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Texas Venture Alliance website. The event is expected to be a significant milestone in the East Texas’s startup landscape, inviting all to discover the region’s potential.

To register, visit https://lu.ma/texas-venture-fest-east-texas-2024 .