Startup Texas will hold the 2nd annual marquee event, “A Celebration of American Startups,” to celebrate legendary startup pioneers and the dynamic future of entrepreneurship in America. Startup Texas, along with event partners the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Startup America Partnership, will host the event on Saturday, March 9th from 7:00 – 10:00pm at the iconic venue ACL Live at The Moody Theatre. Event is open and free to SXSW Interactive, Gold or Platinum badgeholders

The evening will feature a live pitch competition, celebrity panel-discussion, multi-media presentations and live music performances from an amazing lineup including:

• Sam James from NBC's The Voice
• Larry G(EE)
• The King of Funk, Bootsy Collins will bring the house down

Onstage, the event will feature The Startup America Partnership’s leadership team, including CEO Scott Case; and founder and Chairman Steve Case. They will be joined onstage by some of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs, including:

• Tristan Walker, Entrepreneur in Residence at Andreessen Horowitz; and Former VP Business Development, Foursquare
• Brad Smith, CEO of Inuit
• Dhani Jones, NFL Linebacker and Co-founder, Bow Tie Cause
• Trey Bowles, Serial Entrepreneur and Chairman of Startup Texas

The event will include:
• “Fireside chats” with guests, who will offer their insights for future leaders
• Panel discussion with Steve Case and legislators on the impact of immigration reform on entrepreneurship
• An onstage startup competition competing for the attention of legendary judges and prizes
• An exclusive preview and special dedication of “Jobs” the Steve Jobs biopic will be revealed

“Startup Texas is thrilled to host A Celebration of American Startups. We believe this event is exactly what SXSW is all about – highlighting innovative thinking and success…and of course having a great time, which Bootsy Collins brings in spades,” commented Trey Bowles, Chair of Startup Texas. “We are grateful to Startup America and the Austin Chamber of Commerce for their support in making this an amazing evening.”

“A Celebration of American Startups” has been made possible through the support of venue sponsor Gemalto, as well as .CO, RocketLawyer, CFPA, Crowd of Angels, Chaotic Moon ,American Airlines among others.

The event is open to all SXSW badge holders. For more information on this and other major events, please visit SXSW,  Startup Texas, Austin Chamber or Startup America Partnership.