Introduction: Welcome to another inspiring episode of "The Building Texas Show"! In this week's episode, we're thrilled to be in our new studio at Das Greenhouse, hosting a conversation with Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom in San Antonio. Join host Justin McKenzie as they delve deep into the entrepreneurial ecosystem of San Antonio, discussing how innovation can flourish in various industries and communities across Texas.

Summary of the Episode: In this episode, Justin McKenzie and Charles Woodin explore the dynamic world of startups and innovation within the San Antonio region. They discuss the pivotal role Geekdom plays in nurturing startups from ideation to market success, the importance of having the right mentorship and funding, and how key partnerships can help build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Texas. Charles shares his insights on the evolution of Geekdom, the importance of coachability and market fit for founders, and the exciting potential for growth beyond the urban centers into smaller towns.

Highlights of the Episode:

• The unique approach Geekdom takes in fostering startups and small businesses in San Antonio.
• The significance of "accidental collisions" within spaces like Das Greenhouse and how they inspire innovation.
• Challenges and opportunities in making follow-on funding accessible for early-stage companies.
• The critical role of mentorship, community support, and programmatic structure in the journey from idea to market.
• The shared vision of expanding the success model of Geekdom and Das Greenhouse to smaller communities throughout Texas.

3 Quotes from the Episode:

1. Charles Woodin: "You build it, they'll come... When you bring these people together in a small confine, you create the right environment, amazing things will happen."
2. Justin McKenzie: "My mission is to take that model into small town... those people need resources. They need the next wave of education to help their kids understand that they can build that business into a career."
3. Charles Woodin: "If we are not shining a spotlight on the innovations and the founders that are coming from these communities, then it’s a failure on us because the more that we shine a spotlight on them, I think, funding is more mobile today than it’s ever been."

This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone passionate about building businesses and fostering innovation. Don't miss out on future episodes full of knowledge, inspiration, and community stories!

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