Organization · Event Organizer

SXSW

SXSW (South by Southwest) is a conference and festival company based in Austin, Texas, that celebrates the intersection of technology, film, music, education, and culture. It has grown from a local music initiative to a globally recognized event attracting over 400,000 attendees annually.

Event OrganizerEvent host

Overview

What SXSW does

What SXSW is

SXSW (South by Southwest) is a conference and festival company based in Austin, Texas, that celebrates the intersection of technology, film, music, education, and culture. It has grown from a local music initiative to a globally recognized event attracting over 400,000 attendees annually.

How it participates in the startup ecosystem

The current public profile supports event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.

Operational profile

Organization status and context

Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.

Operational status
Active
Organization type
Event Organizer
Founded
Founded in 1987
Approximate age
About 39 years
Structured capabilities
Event host
Last reviewed
April 11, 2026

Official channels

Find SXSW elsewhere

Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.

Capability profile

SXSW as an event host

Event focus

SXSW invests in and provides services related to the creative industries, including film, music, and interactive media. The organization hosts various events aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration among professionals in these sectors, emphasizing community engagement and social impact through its programming.

Format narrative

SXSW features a multi-day conference with keynote speakers, panels, workshops, and various festivals showcasing new ideas and talent across film, music, and technology.

Participant value

Attendees gain access to networking opportunities, learning experiences, and exposure to new ideas and trends in the creative industries.

Format and cadence

Event types
conference and awards-ceremony
Recurrence
annual
Modality
in-person
Startups can present
Yes

Availability

Registration state
Not currently accepting
Next event location
Austin, Texas

Audience and fit

Audience
Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
Sectors
Media · Gaming

Speakers and past editions

Speakers

Notable speakers include industry leaders and innovators from various creative fields.

Past editions

Past editions have included the SXSW Film & TV Festival, SXSW Music Festival, and SXSW Interactive, showcasing a diverse range of talent and innovations.

Connected ecosystem

Continue from SXSW

These links use structured organization type, sector, and regional relationships. They do not imply endorsement or commercial similarity.

Common questions

What to know about SXSW

Upseed classifies SXSW under the Event Organizer organization type. Its current public profile includes event host capabilities.

Next step

Keep comparing startup organizations

Return to the organization index or continue through a verified sector, place, peer, or program connected to this profile.

Source and update disclosure

Know what this page is based on

Source basis

Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.

Last reviewed

April 11, 2026

Known limits

Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.

Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.