As the leaves start to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, autumn’s arrival brings forth a sense of anticipation and change. While Austinites might not be reaching for their sweaters just yet, the promise of fall is unmistakable, and with it comes a vibrant array of activities that define the season in this bustling Texan city.
From planning outdoor excursions to explore the Hill Country’s stunning fall foliage, to anticipating the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, there’s no shortage of captivating experiences awaiting locals and visitors alike.
But it’s not just the fall festivities that make Austin a destination worth celebrating. Amongst its vibrant streets and distinctive neighborhoods lies a burgeoning tech scene that’s been making waves on the national stage. In a recent survey of the top tech funding rounds, five Austin tech companies raised over $150 million in July, furthering the city’s reputation as a tech scene on the rise.
Learn more about how team members at these 10 local companies are impassioned by inclusive cultures and innovations that will shape the future.
Featured companies
What Lansweeper does: Lansweeper minimizes risks and optimizes clients’ IT by providing actionable insight into their entire technology estate.
The Perks:
- Generous parental leave policy
- 401(k) matching program
- Professional development benefits such as education stipends
Culture that empowers success: Lansweeper defines its culture by more than just routine office perks, emphasizing the core values of hiring energetic, accountable individuals who treat each other with respect. “Our team has each other’s backs to the fullest,” Partner Renewals Sales Specialist Audra Corns shared with Built In. “It’s very important to feel connected and comfortable with your colleagues to keep up that one-team, we-are-all-in-this-together mindset.”
What Q2 does: Q2 builds the leading mobile banking software platform serving credit unions, banks and financial institutions.
The Perks:
- Lifestyle spending accounts
- Adoption support and flexible time off
- 401(k) matching and company equity
A place to learn and grow: Despite lacking a programming background, Maureen Slavin, a staff software engineer, secured a position at the company, a testament to Q2’s inclusive hiring approach. “I’ve never been discouraged from learning something new at Q2,” she shared with Built In. “There were no boundaries to my opportunities.” Embodying this commitment to inclusivity, Q2 champions the “Project R” program, aimed at welcoming non-engineers with a passion for coding.
What AffiniPay does: AffiniPay is a leading fintech company in professional services payments and project management software.
The Perks:
- Adoption assistance
- Volunteer opportunities
- Company equity
- Wellness programs and access to mental health benefits
Fostering Growth Through Learning: AffiniPay sets itself apart through a leadershift approach centered on continuous learning and creating a safe and collaborative environment. “I don’t possess all the answers nor do I pretend to,” shared Sales Manager Valerie Amparan in a recent Built In article. “But, my team can witness my continuous learning journey, allowing me to show up authentically for them.”
What Moov does: Moov is a technology-driven marketplace and asset management platform that matches buyers and sellers of pre-owned semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
The Perks:
- Unlimited PTO
- Home office stipend for remote employees
- 401(k) matching and company equity
- Generous parental leave
Ensuring each employee is a perfect fit: During the interview process, candidates learn about Moov’s values and are asked to consider how they would engage in an environment with those values. “By identifying how candidates will add to our company culture, we aim to ensure each person at Moov adds to our positive work environment,” said Lauren Stellwag, operations manager.
What ePayPolicy does: ePayPolicy technology enables independent insurance firms to provide and process electronic payments.
The Perks:
- Unlimited PTO
- Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
- Community volunteering and partnerships with nonprofits
Balancing flexibility and connection: With a hybrid work model, ePayPolicy’s approach marries flexibility with in-person collaboration. CEO Mark Engels highlights the dual benefit of granting employees the freedom to manage their time and fostering face-to-face teamwork. “The pandemic highlighted the fact that there is no such thing as work-life balance, there is just life. It is up to each of us as individuals to allocate our time and attend to our personal and professional priorities each day,” Engels shared in a Built In article.
What 2K does: 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers and mobile devices.
The Perks
- Generous PTO and compassionate leave program
- Partner discounts on daily essentials
- Job training and conferences benefits
Come as you are: At 2K, an emphasis on their core value “come as you are” forms the bedrock of a culture that emphasizes authenticity and support. Employees are encouraged to embrace their true selves and the company offers extensive LGBTQIA+-friendly policies, including an employee resource group called 2Gether@2K, as well as other ERGs and inclusive wellness programs. “Building an inclusive culture is best facilitated by listening to your most underrepresented employees and hearing how they view the company,” shared VP of Human Resources, Steven Myers in a recent Built In interview.
What Aristocrat does: Aristocrat is a world-leading provider of gaming solutions, with capabilities in AI, gaming, IoT, machine learning and software engineering.
The Perks:
- Generous parental leave
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
- Relocation assistance
- Customized development tracks
A culture of care: The culture at Aristocrat is characterized by approachability, warmth and a sincere interest in each individual's journey. The company also emphasizes professional growth and development of its employees. “I’ve worked at Aristocrat for more than seven years and in that time, I have gone from being an individual contributor on games to running a studio,” shared VP of Uberwins Studio Christmas Uberuaga in a recent Built In interview. “The company saw potential in me, and they helped foster my growth as a leader in the company.”
What Homeward does: Homeward is a real estate financial technology company that has revolutionized the home-buying experience.
The Perks:
- Flexible work schedule and commuter benefits
- Generous PTO and parental leave
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
Scaling for success: Amidst rapid expansion, scaling the team with the right expertise has been a priority for Homeward. This has emerged in the form of a robust people operations team, encompassing talent acquisition and learning and development departments. “Growth for my teams means new markets, new products, new skill sets, new team members and new resources to support all of these,” shared SVP of Operations Claire Morris in a recent Built In interview.
What FLASH does: FLASH is a digital mobility company focused on parking assets and digital hubs for the fragmented mobility ecosystem.
The Perks:
- 401(k) and company equity
- Generous PTO and family medical leave
- Wellness programs and mental health benefits
Be curious. Paul Nysse, a senior growth manager for the company, told Built In Austin that curiosity is emblematic of their workforce. “My colleagues are always challenging the status quo and continually pushing boundaries,” he said. “It is always good to challenge why we are doing what we are doing and have a general curiosity about how to make things better.”
What Membersy does: Membersy, a Saas company, expands access to quality, affordable dental care through subscription-based dentistry.
The Perks:
- Competitive compensation package with significant growth opportunities
- 401(k) with generous employer matching
- Flexible PTO policy that places an emphasis on mental health
Navigating growth: When Member Support Manager Jorge Gonzelez unexpectedly found himself in a leadership role, he successfully transitioned thanks to support from coaching, mentorship and a collaborative environment at Membersy. “Managing is not just about delegating tasks or giving orders, but also about inspiring and guiding the team to achieve their best,” Gonzalez shared in a recent Built In interview. The belief in continuous learning and the wisdom of a mentor's open-door philosophy are core principles at Membersy, underscoring the importance of humility, communication and a people-centric approach.
