Vegas Startup Scene

Las Vegas is not just building another startup scene. Southern Nevada is becoming a real-world testing ground for mobility, robotics, energy tech, gaming innovation, sports technology, and deep tech companies solving problems that actually matter.In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, Jason LeDuc breaks down what’s happening across the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem for the week of May 4, 2026, including a major expansion in remote-driven electric vehicle transportation, a record-setting moment for Nevada robotics students, new community grant opportunities, upcoming startup events, and a deeper conversation about why Nevada is becoming a serious destination for founders, investors, and emerging technology companies.We start with Vay, the remote-driven electric vehicle rental company that continues to show why Las Vegas is a powerful proving ground for next-generation mobility. Vay has expanded its fleet from 100 to 175 electric vehicles this year and has delivered more than 60,000 rides across Southern Nevada.Jason also highlights a huge milestone for Nevada’s robotics community. A record six FIRST Robotics Competition teams from Nevada are heading to the World Championship in Houston, showing that the state’s future engineering and robotics talent pipeline is growing stronger every year.This episode also covers the Raiders Foundation spring 2026 grant cycle, focused on supporting Nevada nonprofit organizations in youth development, health and wellness, and military and veteran services. You’ll also get a rundown of upcoming startup, robotics, crypto, Web3, gaming, and founder events, including:• Tahoe Economic Summit• Las Vegas Startups• Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: Lunar Robots• International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking• Eureka Grants Summit• Zero Labs Innovation Launchpad programs• Free Coworking First Friday• Vegas Crypto Group events• Fusion 42 Pitch Kung Fu & Founder HuddleThe episode closes with a conversation from Downtown Tech Alley with Shaq Cruz from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, discussing Gener8tor, deep tech, energy technology, hardware startups, infrastructure challenges, and why Nevada may be uniquely positioned to attract founders solving difficult physical-world problems in energy, water, carbon solutions, gaming, sports, and hospitality.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Drop a comment below: What area of Nevada innovation has the biggest upside right now — mobility, robotics, energy tech, gaming, sports tech, or Web3?Subscribe for weekly updates on Las Vegas startups, tech events, founder resources, investment opportunities, and the growing Southern Nevada innovation economy.See you out there in the community.Onward and Upward! 🚀LINKS:Vay Website: https://www.vay.io/FIRST Nevada Robotics Website: https://firstnevada.org/Raiders Foundation Website: https://www.raiders.com/foundation/grant-cycleLas Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/Tahoe Prosperity Center: https://tahoeprosperity.org/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/Vegas Blockchain Center Website: https://vegasblockchaincenter.com/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Conversation with Shaq Cruz on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/DC6FKtjedKwWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

Las Vegas is quietly turning into one of the most important emerging tech ecosystems in the country—and this week proves it.In this episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments shaping the Southern Nevada innovation economy, from AI infrastructure and clean energy to startup funding, pitch competitions, and founder opportunities happening right now.🔑 Here’s what you need to know this week:• TensorWave named Startup of the Year—a major signal that AI infrastructure is scaling fast in Las Vegas, powered by high-performance compute platforms designed for training and inference workloads • Water scarcity meets innovation with breakthrough atmospheric water harvesting technology coming out of the UNLV ecosystem • Redwood Materials + Rivian partnership—turning used EV batteries into large-scale energy storage and strengthening Nevada’s role in the future of electrification and grid resilience • Startup Vegas Level Up Pitch Night—featuring new founders, emerging startups, and early-stage innovation coming directly out of the local ecosystem • Upcoming events you should NOT miss—including Tech Alley, AI Film Awards, veteran entrepreneur networking, and major innovation summits across the region And we close with a founder spotlight from Calaveras Energy—breaking down how experienced operators are using data, testing, and market positioning to carve out a competitive edge in a saturated industry.💡 Why this matters:If you’re a startup founder, investor, or operator, this isn’t just “local news.” This is early signal detection. The companies, partnerships, and infrastructure being built here today are shaping where capital, talent, and opportunity will flow next.The question is: are you paying attention early… or reacting late?💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat trend do you think will have the biggest impact on startups over the next 12 months?Is it:AI infrastructure?Energy innovation?Or something flying under the radar?Drop your answer in the comments—We’d love to feature your insights in future episodes.🎥 Want to stay ahead of the curve?Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the Vegas startup ecosystem, founder insights, and emerging tech trends you won’t hear about anywhere else.📍 If you’re building, investing, or just getting started—this is where you stay plugged in.Onward and Upward! 🚀LINKS:Desert Forge Ventures Website: https://www.desertforgeventures.com/UNLV Office of Economic Development Website: https://www.unlv.edu/econdevUNLV Website: https://www.unlv.eduTensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/WAVR Technologies Website: https://www.wavrtechnologies.com/Roseman University of Health Sciences Website: https://www.roseman.edu/Roseman Bioventures Website: https://rosemanbioventures.org/Redwood Materials Website: https://www.redwoodmaterials.com/Rivian Website: https://rivian.com/Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/Warrior Rising Website: https://warriorrising.org/Tahoe Prosperity Center: https://tahoeprosperity.org/AI Film Awards: https://luma.com/ql552744Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/InnovateNV Website: https://innovatenv.org/Vegas Blockchain Center Website: https://vegasblockchaincenter.com/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Conversation with Robert Casenhiser on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/DC6FKtjedKwWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

If you’re a founder, investor, or operator watching where the next wave of innovation is building… this week in Las Vegas sends a clear signal: momentum is accelerating—and opportunity is everywhere.In this episode of Vegas Startup Scene, Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments shaping the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem right now—from climate tech accelerators and non-dilutive funding opportunities to high-impact founder events and real startup lessons from the ground. We kick things off with a major signal in energy and climate innovation. The Electrify Nevada Spring 2026 accelerator cohort brought together startups tackling carbon tracking, hydrogen power, and infrastructure challenges—while directly connecting them with government leaders and ecosystem partners. This isn’t theory. It’s execution—and it’s positioning Las Vegas as a serious player in climate tech. Then we dive into one of the most powerful funding tools early-stage founders often overlook: the SBIR program. Recently reauthorized, it offers non-dilutive capital for high-risk, high-impact innovation—giving founders a way to extend runway without giving up equity. If you’re building something ambitious, this is a lane you need to understand. On the ground, the ecosystem is heating up with high-value events designed to accelerate founders fast. From Level Up at TensorWave HQ—where founders get direct access to investors and operators—to Tech Alley, one of the most consistent entry points into the Vegas startup scene, the theme is clear: proximity creates opportunity. You’ll also hear a powerful insight from Karina Romero, Founder of Curlmate, who shares a lesson most first-time founders learn the hard way: skipping foundational planning can cost months. Her experience highlights a critical truth—getting in the right rooms early can dramatically accelerate your timeline and decision-making. And beyond the headlines, we cover a full slate of upcoming opportunities—from UNLV Innovation Day and defense industry webinars to AI-focused workshops and startup meetups across the region. Whether you’re building, investing, or exploring, there’s a clear path to plug into this ecosystem right now. 💬 Let’s talk strategy:What’s the biggest lever for startup growth right now—capital, connections, or execution? Drop your answer in the comments and tell me why. I want to hear how you're thinking about building in today’s environment.🚀 If you’re serious about startups, innovation, and leadership—hit subscribe.Every week, we break down what’s actually happening inside the Vegas tech ecosystem so you can stay ahead of the curve and make smarter moves.Onward and Upward! 🚀

Las Vegas is no longer just an entertainment capital—it’s rapidly emerging as one of the most important innovation hubs in the country.In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest moves shaping the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem—and what they mean for founders, investors, and entrepreneurs looking for their next opportunity.We start with a major development at the intersection of hospitality, fintech, and AI. A new partnership between Ordr and Resorts World Las Vegas is bringing unified, frictionless payments to one of the highest-volume nightlife environments in the world. This isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a signal that Las Vegas is becoming a real-world testing ground for scalable experience technology. From there, we zoom out to the global stage. HumanX is returning to Las Vegas with plans to bring over 9,000 leaders from across the AI ecosystem—including founders, researchers, investors, and policymakers. Events like this don’t just create buzz—they create deal flow, partnerships, and long-term ecosystem growth. We also cover Money20/20 USA announcing its 2026 jury lineup right here in Vegas—further cementing the city as a central hub for fintech innovation and global financial conversations.On the startup funding side, we break down the AngelNV finale results, where multiple companies secured six-figure investments, with additional upside through Nevada state matching funds. This is real capital flowing into early-stage innovation—and it’s happening locally.And if you're a founder looking to get involved, this episode is packed with opportunities:• StartupNV’s Entrepreneurial Readiness Program• Nevada APEX Accelerator defense contracting webinar• UNLV Innovation Day• ChatGPT for Small Business workshop• Sports Innovation Launchpad applications• Weekly networking events across crypto, Web3, and startupsThis is more than a news recap—it’s a tactical view of where momentum is building and where you can plug in right now.If you're serious about building, investing, or scaling in tech, Las Vegas should be on your radar.💬 Join the conversation:Where do you see the biggest opportunity right now in Las Vegas—AI, fintech, or startup funding? Drop your answer in the comments and tell me why—I want to hear where you’re placing your bets.Every week, we break down real opportunities, real companies, and real momentum inside the startup ecosystem.🔥 If you’re serious about leadership, startups, and building something meaningful:👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of what’s happening in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem👉 Share this with a founder or investor who needs to see itOnward and Upward! 🚀LINKSOrdr Website: https://ordr.ioResorts World Las Vegas Website: https://www.rwlasvegas.comHumanX Website: https://www.humanx.coMoney20/20 Website: https://www.money2020.comUniversity of Nevada Website: https://www.unr.edu/engineeringNevada GOED Website: https://goed.nv.govUNLV Website: https://www.unlv.eduNevada Office of Federal Assistance Website: https://ofa.nv.govAngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/InnovateNV Website: https://innovatenv.org/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Last Month’s Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/Ve8fSPlP6tgWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

What if the next breakout startup isn’t in Silicon Valley… but right here in Las Vegas?In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down one of the most important weeks for early-stage startups in Southern Nevada—and why founders, investors, and operators should be paying close attention right now.From a live $400,000 investment decision happening in real time… to international startups entering the Las Vegas ecosystem… to the rapid evolution of AI agents transforming how businesses operate—this episode is a front-row seat to where innovation is actually happening.We kick things off with the final live investment vote from StartupNV, where six high-potential startups are competing for a $400K check. These companies represent a powerful trend: AI-first platforms, automation, and deep tech are no longer future ideas—they’re being built right now. Then we zoom out to the global stage, as the START Agritech cohort brings international founders into Southern Nevada. With over $55M raised collectively, this is another signal that Las Vegas is becoming a serious landing spot for global innovation.But this episode isn’t just about events—it’s about strategy.One of the biggest insights comes from our conversation at Tech Alley, where we explore how AI agents are evolving from simple tools into decision-making partners inside your business. Imagine not just asking questions—but having an ongoing conversation with your business itself. That shift alone could redefine how founders scale, hire, and make strategic decisions.We also highlight key opportunities for founders to level up:• Pricing strategy sessions that directly impact revenue• Startup readiness programs designed to get you pitch-ready• Robotics, Web3, and AI community events happening weekly• Accelerator programs focused on sports tech, crypto, and moreIf you're building a company, raising capital, or looking for your next move—this episode is packed with real signals, not noise.This is what a growing startup ecosystem looks like in real time.💬 Join the conversation:What trend do you think will define the next wave of startups—AI agents, automation, or something else entirely? Drop your answer in the comments—I would love to hear your perspective.If you’re a founder, investor, or operator trying to stay ahead of where innovation is actually happening, make sure to subscribe.Every week, we break down real opportunities, real companies, and real momentum inside the startup ecosystem.🔥 If you’re serious about leadership, startups, and building something meaningful:👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of what’s happening in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem👉 Share this with a founder or investor who needs to see itOnward and Upward! 🚀LINKSAngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Adentris Website: https://adentris.com/Aero AI Website: https://aeroai.io/Amplibotics Website: https://www.amplibotics.ai/Listening Post Website: https://listeningpost.ai/RevReply Website: https://www.revreply.com/Arieli Innovate Website: https://arieli-innovate.comFIRST Robotics dashboard: firstinspires.org. Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/InnovateNV Website: https://innovatenv.org/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Conversation with Sunny Clark at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/Ve8fSPlP6tgWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

Las Vegas is no longer just a city of entertainment—it’s rapidly becoming one of the most exciting emerging startup ecosystems in the country.In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments shaping the Southern Nevada tech landscape—from major infrastructure investments to new opportunities for founders, investors, and innovators.💥 Here’s what’s happening right now:A massive milestone has just been reached with the launch of Roseman Bio Ventures, a 120,000-square-foot life sciences incubator designed to support biotech, medtech, AI, and pharmaceutical startups. This kind of infrastructure has traditionally been limited to places like Silicon Valley—but now it’s happening right here in Las Vegas. At the same time, organizations like StartupNV are stepping up to help founders become capital-ready with structured programs focused on business models, customer discovery, and investor pitching. And leadership across the ecosystem continues to evolve—with experienced founders stepping into key roles to strengthen support systems, reduce failure rates, and expand access to resources across the state. 💡 But that’s just the foundation.This episode also highlights:• Upcoming pitch competitions and investment opportunities• Founder programs designed to accelerate early-stage growth• Weekly events connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and builders• The growing role of AI in creative industries like film and storytellingOne of the most powerful conversations in this episode explores how AI is transforming creativity—not replacing it. From lowering production costs to unlocking new forms of storytelling, AI is giving more people the ability to create, communicate, and build in ways that were never possible before. 👉 The real question for founders and creators is:What can you do now that you couldn’t do before?That’s where the biggest opportunities are emerging.Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or entrepreneur looking to plug into a fast-growing ecosystem, this episode gives you a clear, actionable view of where things are heading—and how to position yourself to take advantage of it.🎥 Watch the full episode and stay ahead of the curve in the Vegas startup scene.💬 Join the conversation:What’s one opportunity in the Las Vegas startup ecosystem that you think is being overlooked right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I want to hear what you’re seeing on the ground.🔥 If you’re serious about leadership, startups, and building something meaningful:👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of what’s happening in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem👉 Share this with a founder or investor who needs to see itOnward and Upward! 🚀LINKS:Roseman Bioventures Website: https://rosemanbioventures.org/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Nevada SBDC Website: https://nevadasbdc.org/Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42AI Film Awards: https://www.filmawards.ai/AI Film 3: https://aifilm3.comYouth Entrepreneur Summit: https://www.youthentsummit.com/Conversation with PJ at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/Ve8fSPlP6tgWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

What’s really happening inside the Las Vegas startup scene right now—and where are the biggest opportunities for founders, investors, and builders?In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the major wins, emerging trends, and high-impact events shaping the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem—and why 2026 could be a breakout year for startups in Las Vegas.From AI companies hitting real revenue milestones to the return of robotaxis on the Strip, the innovation happening here is accelerating fast—and if you’re a founder, investor, or entrepreneur, you need to be paying attention.We kick things off with a major update from a Las Vegas-based AI startup reporting $5.8M in full-year revenue and strong 2026 growth projections, signaling a shift from hype to real commercialization. Then we dive into the relaunch of Uber + Motional’s robotaxi service, now operating across key parts of Las Vegas—giving you a glimpse into the future of autonomous transportation happening right now in your backyard. But this episode isn’t just about headlines—it’s about opportunity.We cover the must-attend events, accelerators, and funding opportunities coming up in the Vegas ecosystem, including:• SBIR/STTR accelerator programs helping founders secure federal funding• AI builder meetups connecting developers, researchers, and founders• Startup pitch competitions offering $200K+ in investment capital• Local networking events designed to help you plug directly into the ecosystemAnd if you’re thinking long-term, we highlight something even bigger—the next generation of entrepreneurs.In a powerful segment, Allan Fan shares how the Youth Entrepreneurs Summit is building confidence, business skills, and real-world experience in young founders—some of whom are already launching and scaling real businesses after just a few days in the program. This is the kind of grassroots momentum that fuels entire startup ecosystems—and Las Vegas is building it in real time.🎥 Watch the full episode and stay ahead of what’s happening in one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the country.💬 Join the ConversationWhat’s the most interesting opportunity you see in the Vegas startup ecosystem right now—AI, autonomous tech, or early-stage investing?Drop your answer in the comments - I want to hear what you're seeing on the ground.And if you’re building something interesting in Southern Nevada, send us a message—we may feature your startup in a future episode.Subscribe for Weekly Startup IntelligenceIf you want weekly updates on the Las Vegas startup ecosystem, founder interviews, investor insights, and tech industry trends:Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications.Every week we highlight the founders, events, and innovations shaping the future of tech in Nevada.Get out there. Do great things today!Onward and upward! 🚀LINKS:Tech Alley Henderson Link: http://innovationhenderson.org/tech-alleyTech Alley Wesbite: https://www.techalley.org/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/TensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/Youth Entrepreneur Summt: https://www.youthentsummit.com/Conversation with Allan Fan at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/Ve8fSPlP6tgWant to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

What’s really happening inside the Las Vegas startup ecosystem right now?In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the most important developments shaping the Southern Nevada tech economy—from fast-growing startups and AI innovation to investor opportunities and major founder events happening across the region. If you’re a startup founder, angel investor, tech builder, or entrepreneur, this is your weekly briefing on the companies, conversations, and opportunities driving the future of innovation in Las Vegas.We begin with a look at Pills2Me, a Las Vegas–based healthtech startup that is tackling one of the biggest challenges in healthcare: medication access. What started as a volunteer effort during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a nationwide prescription delivery platform with more than 1 million deliveries across 18 cities and seven states—demonstrating how mission-driven startups can scale rapidly when they solve real problems. Next, we dive into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming commercial real estate in Southern Nevada. Industry leaders from NVIDIA, Axes AI, and the investment community are coming together to explore how AI will reshape development, investment decisions, and the future of property markets in the region. You’ll also hear insights from regional leaders at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s State of Economic Development event, where the focus was on diversifying the local economy, attracting emerging industries, and positioning Southern Nevada as a long-term innovation hub. But the real strength of the Las Vegas tech ecosystem comes from its community of founders and builders. In this episode we also highlight:• Downtown Tech Alley – the monthly gathering where founders, developers, and investors connect• StartupNV programs and pitch events helping founders prepare for funding• AI builder meetups and Web3 communities bringing together innovators across industries• Upcoming accelerator cohorts and startup competitions offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and national exposureYou’ll also hear from Dajia Watson, founder of Nestly AI, a startup building an integrated platform designed to simplify property management through automation and data insights. 💬 Join the ConversationThe Vegas startup ecosystem is growing fast—and we want to hear from you.Which opportunity do you think will have the biggest impact on Las Vegas startups in the next 3–5 years?• AI infrastructure and developer communities• Angel investment and startup funding programs• Healthtech and emerging industries• Founder networking and startup acceleratorsDrop your answer in the comments below. Your perspective helps drive the conversation and highlight the builders shaping the future of the ecosystem.And if you’re building something interesting in Southern Nevada, send us a message—we may feature your startup in a future episode.Get out there. Do great things today!Onward and upward! 🚀LINKS:Pills2Me Website: https://www.pills2me.com/NAIOP Southern Nevada Website: https://naiopnv.org/Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Website: https://lvgea.org/Tech Alley Wesbite: https://www.techalley.org/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/TensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Conversation with Dajia Watson at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

Is Las Vegas becoming one of the most interesting startup ecosystems in the country?In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments happening right now in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem—and why founders, investors, and entrepreneurs should be paying attention.A major AI milestone just came out of Las Vegas as TensorWave was announced as a launch partner in the global Open Telco AI initiative, joining industry giants like AT&T and AMD to develop telecommunications-grade artificial intelligence models. This project aims to solve a major challenge facing AI today: most large language models are trained on general data and struggle to understand specialized industries like telecom. TensorWave will provide GPU cloud infrastructure to help train these next-generation telecom AI systems, placing a Las Vegas startup in the middle of a global collaboration spanning 46 organizations across more than 35 countries. But that’s just one part of what’s happening in the ecosystem.In this episode we also cover:• The AngelNV 6 Fund Finale at Las Vegas City Hall where eight startups will pitch for at least $400,000 in combined angel investment• Upcoming events connecting founders with funding, licensing, and workforce resources• A Finance Fundamentals workshop helping entrepreneurs understand entity structure, bookkeeping, and financial statements• The next InnovateNV and StartUpNV opportunities for founders pursuing SBIR and venture funding• And a conversation from Tech Alley about how entrepreneurs are using AI tools like Gemini, Claude, and AI automation frameworks to build products faster than everIf you're building a startup, investing in early-stage companies, or simply want to understand how emerging tech ecosystems grow, this episode gives you a real-time look at what's happening on the ground in Las Vegas.One of the most interesting takeaways from our Tech Alley conversation is how quickly AI tools are lowering the barrier to entry for founders. As one entrepreneur explains, tools that once required deep technical knowledge are now enabling non-developers to build websites, automation systems, and AI-driven workflows in ways that simply weren’t possible just a few years ago. That shift could dramatically change how startups get built.The question now is: Which founders will actually take advantage of it?👇 Join the conversationWhat do you think will have the biggest impact on startups over the next few years?• AI infrastructure and cloud computing• Access to startup funding and angel networks• No-code and AI development tools• Stronger local startup ecosystemsDrop your answer in the comments - and let me know what you're building.If you’re interested in startups, venture capital, technology trends, and the future of innovation in Las Vegas, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming founder interviews, ecosystem updates, and startup strategy insights.And if you have startup news or events happening in the Vegas tech community, send them in so we can feature them in a future episode.Get out there. Do great things today!Onward and upward! 🚀LINKS:TensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42Conversation with Jonathan Sterritt at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

What’s the difference between building a product… and building a company? If you’re a startup founder, tech investor, or early-stage entrepreneur, this distinction could determine whether you build a scalable business — or just another cool idea. In this week’s Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down one of the clearest explanations you’ll hear about the difference between inventors and founders  This Week in the Vegas Tech Ecosystem We cover the Women’s Tech Pitch Competition hosted at Tech Alley Henderson, where 13 AI-driven startups pitched live across fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, industrial infrastructure, and public safety  Leslie Paz, founder of the Utilize App, took home $25,000 in development support from AWS and Softchoice to accelerate product development and AI deployment. We also highlight:• The grand opening of JouleFit’s AI-powered robotics fitness facility in Summerlin, using force-matching technology instead of fixed weights • The upcoming LV Robotics Meetup focused on robot builders, motion control, VLM models, and zero-shot translation  • Web3 Wednesdays, Crypto Clubhouse, Multi-Chain Mondays, StartupNV's free co-working, and new cohort opportunities including SBIR/STTR-focused programming  • Applications now open for Zero Labs Cohort 8  If you’re building or investing in startups in Las Vegas, this is your tactical overview of where the momentum is. 🎯 Founder vs. Inventor – The Hard Truth About ScalingIn a clip from The Leader’s Mindset podcast, Michael Smith breaks down a concept every early-stage founder needs to understand: Yes, you must build a great product. But if you want to scale, you must build:• Customer onboarding and real-time support systems• Sustainable gross margins and financial benchmarks• Repeatable sales motions (beyond founder-led sales)• Operational infrastructure that runs without you Too many inventors move on to the next product once version 1 “works.” Real founders build the engine that scales.If you're operating in SaaS, AI, fintech, robotics, public safety tech, or any mission-critical vertical — this segment alone is worth watching.  If you’re serious about scaling, fundraising, or building long-term enterprise value, this conversation is for you. 💬 Let’s TalkAre you currently building a product… or building a company? What’s the hardest part of scaling for you right now — sales motion, margins, customer support, hiring, or something else? Drop a comment below.  If you’re part of the Vegas tech community and want your startup, pitch event, or ecosystem news featured next week, reach out. And if you value serious conversations about startup growth, venture capital, AI innovation, and founder strategy — subscribe to the channel. We’re building this to 10,000 strong founders and investors this year. Onward and Upward 🚀LINKS:Tech Alley Henderson Website: https://www.techalley.org/events/tech-alley-hendersonJouleFit: https://www.joulefit.ai/Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/InnovateNV link: https://startupnv.org/innovatenv/Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42 Interview with Michael Smith on The Leader’s Mindset podcast: https://youtu.be/Y7UPjHaQYDM Want to get your news or event in the rundown?Contact me here: Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

If you’re a founder constantly thinking about your next funding round… you might be looking in the wrong place. This week on Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest opportunities in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem — and why non-dilutive capital, AI infrastructure, and founder education are becoming the smartest plays in 2026. Here’s what serious founders and tech investors need to know: 🚀 InnovateNV’s SBIR/STTR Accelerator (Starting March24)If federal funding is even remotely on your roadmap, this is a must-watch segment. Backed by UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, StartupNV, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, InnovateNV is helping Nevadastartups navigate the federal funding maze — not just talk about it.• 5-week SBIR/STTR proposal accelerator• NSF project pitch support• Phase 0 microgrants up to $5,000• Agency fit, budgeting, and submission strategy Deep tech founders: this is real, structuredsupport for winning government grants without giving up equity. 💰 Finance Fundamentals for Small Business (FounderEducation Matters)Before you scale, raise capital, or even apply for grants — your financial house needs to be in order. Alicia Stacey is hosting a session on entity structure, Nevada tax considerations, payroll, bookkeeping systems, and financial statement literacy.If you’re cleaning up your books before tax season or preparing for investor diligence, this matters. 🤖 Las Vegas AI Builders Meetup (Technical FoundersTake Note)Startup Vegas is teaming up with TensorWave to launch a new AI builder community — built specifically for technical founders training models, benchmarking GPUs, fine-tuning inference, and shipping AI agents into production.If you’re building in AI infrastructure, this is where you find your people. 👥 Agile Leadership & The Scrum Master RoleWe also dive into a conversation with Hoz Roushdi about what a Scrum Master actually does — and why agile leadership has been misunderstood in the corporate world.Leading without authority.Turning chaos into clarity.Holding teams accountable to the commitments they make to each other.For startup founders scaling engineering teams, this is leadership gold.💬 Question for you:If you had to choose one growth lever for 2026 — would you prioritize:1) Non-dilutive grants (SBIR/STTR)?2) Equity Investment?3) AI product development?4) Strengthening internal operations and agile leadership? Drop your answer in the comments and tell me why! And if you’re serious about building in Vegas — subscribe. We cover what’s actually happening on the ground every week. Links to every event mentioned are below.Send us your events, pitch nights, wins, and ecosystem news for next week’s rundown. Get out there. Do great things today! Onward and upward. 🚀  LINKS:StartupNVWebsite: https://startupnv.disco.co/InnovateNVlink: https://startupnv.org/innovatenv/StartupVegas Website: https://startup.vegas/gener8torWebsite: https://www.gener8tor.com/Governor’sOffice of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/VegasCrypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/SAFeScrum Master Class: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/safe-scrum-master-classFusion42Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42 Conversation with Hoz Roushdi at Tech AlleyDowntown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4 Want to get your news or event in the rundown?Contact me here: Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

Las Vegas is becoming one of the most connected and opportunity-rich startup ecosystems inthe country. In this week’s Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down everything happening across the Southern Nevada tech and entrepreneur community for the week of February 16th, 2026 — from live pitch events and accelerator deadlines to blockchain meetups and advanced energy cohorts. If you're a startup founder, angel investor, venture capitalist, or tech entrepreneur looking for deal flow, partnerships, or visibility, this episode is your weekly strategic advantage. StartupNV recently hosted its Pitch Room at the International Innovation Center, where founders pitched for feedback (not funding) — a powerful reminder that refining your pitch before facing investors can dramatically increase your odds of closing capital. Companies including Maintrix AI, Hesh QTRS, Product of Grace, and Mach-AI received advisor-level scrutiny designed to pressure-test their business models and messaging. Downtown Tech Alley returns February 21st at its new Third Street Vegas location — proving once again that the Vegas startup community adapts, pivots, and executes. As Josh Leavitt shared on the livestream, Tech Alley has never missed a month in over four years — a testament to a resilient, community-run ecosystem. That consistency matters for founders buildingvisibility and investors tracking emerging companies. Tech Alley Henderson follows on February 25th with a pitch competition in collaboration with UNLV Office of Economic Development, America’s SBDC, AWS, Softchoice, and Elevate Las Vegas — exactly the kind of cross-sector partnerships thataccelerate innovation in regional markets  If you're in advanced energy systems, next-gen batteries, or critical minerals circularity, applications are due February 22nd for Generator’s gBETA Electrified Nevada cohort.  Zero Labs is also accepting applications for Cohort Eight, running July 5–7 in Las Vegas  Beyond the headline events, we cover:• Vegas Crypto Group’s Multi-Chain Mondays• Web3 Wednesdays at Loaded Empanadas• Fusion 42’s Pitch Kung Fu• Founder Huddle weekly sessions• Veteran Entrepreneur Series workshops Here’s the bigger takeaway: the Las Vegas startup ecosystem is no longer just networking events. It’s structured feedback loops, accelerator pipelines, SAFE agreement discussions, founder forums, crypto communities, and investor-ready pitch development happening weekly. If you’re building a startup in Nevada — or looking to invest in one — proximity and participation matter. Ecosystems reward consistency. 💬 Question for you:If you're a founder, what’s your biggest obstacle right now — capital, customers, or clarity in your pitch?If you're an investor, what sectors in Vegas are you watching most closely in 2026? Drop your answer in the comments. Your insight helps shape future episodes.Links to every event mentioned are below.Send us your events, pitch nights, wins, and ecosystem news for next week’s rundown. Get out there. Do great things today! Onward and upward. 🚀  LINKS:Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42 Conversation with Josh Leavitt at Tech Alley Downtown: https://www.youtube.com/live/6U9W58D6KQ8?si=PuVxWK62WGTKT9DQ Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership