What is the Longhorn Startup Camp?

Longhorn Startup Camp is a startup for startups. A bare bones startup incubator, LSC offers UT students an unprecedented opportunity to develop their ventures in a professional atmosphere. The 30,000 square feet of office space seemed infinite when the camp opened in January 2012. By the time the camp ended in December 2013, all offices were full and over 500 university community members had gained access. Those 500 Longhorns contributed to the growth of over 50 innovative startups, 10 of which raised money. Many more are still operating today in the woodwork of Austin’s startup landscape.

Why is the LSC important to Moth to Flame and Funemployment?

This particular space is important to Moth to Flame because we were one of the first startups that got the opportunity to share the space. A lot of good memories happened at LSC. With its proximity to campus, the office was home to many UT interns both from the Radio Television and Film Department as well as the McCombs Business School. Here is a picture of our beloved office with Moth to Flame member, Kellie Penna.

At one point, Director, Christine Chen was in the office for such long periods of time that it was suspected that she lived there (no joke, ask community manager, Nick Spiller). To commemorate the office, the Funemployment writers made the LSC a key location for the filming of Funemployment. Hence,  Moth to Flame’s first official office ever will live forever on film. To thank those who made this space possible, here is a special blog dedicated to the old LSC.

Kyle Cox

What is the startup story for your company?

Kyle Cox, ATI, discovered the unutilized 7th floor of UTA and reported it to Dr. Metcalfe. Metcalfe acquired the space in conjunction with ATI. Nick Spiller took it upon himself, as an early camp inhabitant, to build community amongst the startups there. Ultimately Nick became floor manager as part of his role through the Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency.

What made you decide to start your company?

I decided to create the community because I believe that is, by far, the largest value proposition any startup space has to offer: a optimistic, ambitious, effective, supportive, overall badass community.

Dr. Bob Metcalfe

What is the best moment of having a startup?

Achieving things with you team that individually none of you originally thought were possible.

What is your greatest challenge as an entrepreneur?

Pushing through the slow and tough times. Things go up and down in startups just like companies on the NYSE/NASDAQ, except as an entrepreneur you get really hungry during the down times.

What is your tip for aspiring startups/entrepreneurs?

Find a mentor that believes in you, already has the connections you need to succeed, and never break a promise you make to that person.

Please take a look at the Funemployment trailer, a feature film about what it takes to be a part of the Austin startup scene.