Innovate South Texas is a podcast exploring the gaps, opportunities, and solutions shaping South Texas’ innovation ecosystem. Hosted by attorney Matt Duke, it features thoughtful commentary and occasional conversations focused on how we can better support small and midsize businesses across the region.
How Alamo Angels Is Transforming the South Texas Startup Ecosystem
What does it take to build a thriving startup ecosystem?
In this episode of Innovate South Texas, host Matt Duke sits down with Sebastian Garzon, Executive Director of the , to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping innovation across South Texas.
The conversation covers Alamo Angels' record growth, the increasing flow of venture capital into the region, and why funding alone isn't enough to create successful startups. Matt and Sebastian discuss the critical distinction between small businesses and venture-backed startups, the importance of experienced founders and operators, and how mentorship, exposure, and ecosystem collaboration can accelerate innovation.
They also dive into success stories like Nopalera and Darkhive, the growing influence of the Rio Grande Valley, the impact of SpaceX on regional entrepreneurship, and what it will take for South Texas to produce its next generation of high-growth companies.
Whether you're a founder, investor, entrepreneur, or community builder, this episode offers an inside look at where the South Texas innovation ecosystem stands today—and where it's headed next.
Welcome! (00:00)
The Evolution of Alamo Angels (00:25)
Weaknesses in the Community - Financing (05:45)
Startups vs Small Businesses (08:15)
Tech Bloc's Tech Fuel 2026 (11:00)
San Antonio's Community of Makers (12:40)
Weaknesses in the Community - Lack of Operators (13:45)
Highlighting Operators in the City (15:30)
Sharing Stories Within Our Community (18:55)
The Importance of Exposure (20:18)
Lessons from the Spurs Finals Run (23:05)
The Flywheel (26:00)
Alamo Angel's Impact in The Valley (28:50)
Thank You! (36:30)
24 Apr 2026
The State of Innovation in South Texas – Gaps, Opportunities and What's Next
South Texas has the talent. The ideas. The potential.
So where are the gaps?
In the first episode of Innovate South Texas, Matt Duke explores the challenges facing our innovation ecosystem—from workforce and funding to founder experience and policy—and why it’s time for more open, solution-focused conversations.
This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about starting the dialogue.
Introduction: (00:00)
The Why: South Texas' Innovation Movement (00:57)
The Exciting Momentum – South Texas is Rising (02:54)
The Honest Gaps – What We Still Need to Fix (05:54)
Why This Podcast Matters Now (13:00)
27 Jun 2025
#64 | Five Star Income Tax and Wrestling Official - Cindy Garcia
Host Matt Duke interviews Cindy Garcia, a wrestling official and tax preparer, about the challenges and rewards of the gig economy and unexpected stories from her diverse experiences.
Who has been a guest on South Texas Power Lunch
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Cindy Garcia
Rene Dominguez
Andrew Flippo
Jeff Gifford
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
83,768
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
60
Contact South Texas Power Lunch
Guest appearances
Books guests
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