This newsletter is in partnership with Cognite, our 2026 Industrial AI Partner
Cognite Sets the Standard for Industrial AI and Data. We are proud to be leaders in both Industrial AI and Data Management across independent research.
Not a flyover state.
Phoenix is quietly becoming one of the most compelling places to build right now.
While other ecosystems are correcting…
Phoenix is compounding.
$443M+ in VC funding in 2025
$133B+ in ecosystem value
Top 20 in North America and still early
But what stands out isn’t just the numbers… it’s the quality of what’s happening here:
• Real deals are getting done
• Founders are building with discipline
• Talent is here and actually accessible
• No oversaturation, no inflated hype cycles
This is a market being built on sustainability, not speculation.
And what we’re seeing on the ground right now only reinforces this shift.
Large brands are leaning in not just watching.
We’re excited to welcome GoDaddy as our Community Partner in the Domains & Digital Platform category, and Cognite as our Industrial AI Partner.
Both are actively investing in the ecosystem and hiring.
The traction for the Summit has been incredible. Over 350+ RSVPs, 50+ exhibitors, panels, business resources, roles office hours and so much more.
And thanks to GoDaddy’s support, we’re able to underwrite more tickets which means, free tickets!
If you’ve been thinking about coming… now is the moment.
We’re two weeks out.
And for the first time — we’re releasing the run of show.
Talent and Capital Tracks will be running throughout the day, connecting innovation to opportunity with top leaders in our ecosystem.
Startup Pavilion Preview
Inside the pavilion we’re bringing together some of the fastest-growing startups and companies in Arizona. Corporations and startups are welcome to exhibit, only a few tables are left. Listen to the Power Pitch Hour at Player15 Group from 11:30-12:30, along with a fireside chat with Glenn Lurie, GP Stormbreaker VC.
…and 50+ companies.
If you’re hiring grab a table before they get sold out!
If you're an investor or experienced operator interested in joining a venture pod to meet these companies, RSVP.
Talent: Who’s Hiring in Phoenix
Source: PHX FWD Job Board
Why It Matters: Talent is the nucleus. Companies don’t scale without it. Ecosystems don’t grow without retention.
Introducing our 2026 Talent Partners:
Startup Spotlight # 1
Diner
HeyDiner is building tools that modernize restaurant operations and improve the guest experience across the hospitality industry.
Roles:
Company Spotlight # 2
RevolutionPart is the future of parts commerce. Scale your business with an easy-to-manage digital parts commerce solution that will revolutionize the way you sell and source auto parts.
Roles:
Explore 300+ open roles across the ecosystem.
Capital: Where Money Is Moving
Introducing our 2026 Capital Partners. Thanks to their support we are activating an Investor Lounge at Player15 Group!
Community: What’s happening around Phoenix
Arizona Tech Week continues to grow with events happening across the ecosystem.
Here’s our 2026 Community partners:
Featured Events:
4/7 Phx Raceway Pitch Competition with City of Avondale x Tesoro VC x Freeway
4/9 Tempe Talks at Hundred Mile Brewery with City of Tempe
4/10 Tech Talent Summit + Startup Pavilion powered by Freeay
If you’re visiting Phoenix during Tech Week and want help navigating the ecosystem: Just reply to this email. We’re happy to share a curated list of events aligned with your interests and make introductions while you’re in town.
If you’re building, investing, hiring, or exploring — this is the week to show up.
Explore the AZTW full master event list → Page or Spreadsheet
If you’re interested in joining as a Partner or Finding Talent, lets talk.
With gratitude,
Your friends at Freeway PHX ❤️
You are on this list because you're a big part of the Phx Tech Startup community, and we thought you would enjoy updates on the pulse of the startup tech ecosystem. We are an independent, public/private initiative that’s community-led, providing greater access and vibrancy - we appreciate your support!
Interested in having your company and/or services featured in our newsletter? Reply to reach our community of 4000+ thriving local entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
🌵🚀💥📈
