March 11, 2025
Recap: Alabama on Full Display at SXSW
South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, always brings a weekend of dynamic conversations and immersive experiences at the intersection of technology, culture and business. But this year, Alabama entered the conversation like never before.
Through an engaging panel discussion featuring national venture capitalist Amy Jo Martin and Martha Underwood, Founder of Alabama-based Prismm, as well as an activation and reception at INC.’s Founders House, Innovate Alabama made a lasting impression on festival attendees from across the globe. The organization showcased how Alabama founders find access to resources and meaning in a state where they can live, work and play – and why founders looking to build their next business should consider doing so in Alabama.
showcasing our strengths
SXSW is known for attracting an audience of forward-thinkers, from startup founders and business executives to artists and tech pioneers. Many of these individuals have not considered Alabama when it comes to technology and innovation. Through countless founder conversations at our SEEK AL activation, we told them why they should. Innovators are increasingly looking for a place to call home that offers a strong work-life balance. With opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and paddling in settings ranging from hilly North Alabama to the beaches of the Gulf Coast, there is an outdoor activity for everyone. The global stage at SXSW allowed for a unique opportunity to showcase to a broad audience Alabama’s differentiator: the great outdoors.
One of the weekend’s highlights was a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Powering the Future of Female Entrepreneurship,” featuring leading voices in venture capital and Alabama-based tech and innovation. The panel, which took place on International Women’s Day (March 8), brought together Amy Jo Martin, a limited partner in Halogen Ventures and founder and CEO of Renegade Global, and Martha Underwood, founder of Prismm. In the discussion, they shared why Halogen Ventures is making a $10 million investment in Alabama’s female founders, Martha being one of the first, and gave their perspectives on the business case for investing in women. Their conversation underscored how Innovate Alabama and its partners are strategically investing in the state’s founders, particularly those that have been historically underserved.
“Halogen Ventures is one of the top venture firms, period. That is why Renegade Global Ventures has invested in the fund. Their approach — combining optics, access, leverage and amplification — paired with this Inc. partnership and the momentum in Alabama create a unique playbook that should be studied and replicated. If you’re a founder with a smart idea looking for capital, consider Alabama. Look at how quickly you can get connected.” – Amy Jo Martin, Renegade Global founder and CEO
“I’ve been in Alabama for 17 years, and since Innovate Alabama’s formation in 2020, I’ve seen the tides shift when it comes to capital access. Too often, people overlook Alabama for innovation, but that’s changing. Innovate Alabama understands the challenges women entrepreneurs face as we build generational wealth while managing businesses and families. By partnering with Halogen, Alabama is proving that investing in female founders isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a profitable model for other states to follow.” – Martha Underwood, founder of Prismm
looking ahead
As Innovate Alabama reflects on a successful weekend at SXSW, the conversations sparked and connections made will continue to drive innovation forward. With a renewed sense of purpose and fresh ideas for collaboration, Innovate Alabama is excited to build upon the momentum and continue to showcase Alabama’s beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities.
The energy and enthusiasm at SXSW confirmed that the world is ready for bold ideas and transformative change. And with partners and innovators like those right here in Alabama, the possibilities are limitless.
Get the Download
The latest stories of inspiration and innovation happening all around our state, right to your inbox.