Success Through Technology Education (STTE) is proud to announce the Dia de Los Muertos Conference: Rise of the Startups, a landmark event poised to spotlight the Southwest’s most promising startups and promote inclusive access to capital for underrepresented founders. With strong backing from Inicio Ventures, Microsoft, the City of El Paso Economic Development, and other influential supporters, the conference is committed to cultivating an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem within the LatinX community.

Event Highlights:

Dia de Los Muertos is a transformative two-day regional event featuring four dynamic startup pitch competitions, the inaugural Southwest Collegiate Cup, and a comprehensive range of venture conference content. The event is scheduled to take place on November 2 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and November 3 in El Paso, Texas. Participants and attendees can expect to witness emerging innovations, compete for a total of $45,000 in prizes, engage in enriching venture panel sessions, and seize unparalleled networking opportunities. This event aims to foster vital connections between aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors, all while underscoring the economic importance of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.

Southwest Collegiate Cup:

A highlight of the event, the Southwest Collegiate Cup, will occur on November 2 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Mexico State University’s Corbett Center Student Union in conference room 317. Seven top collegiate teams from the region will compete, showcasing their innovations and vying for the first-ever collegiate cup. Colleges competing include Colorado State, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Tech, Texas Tech, University of New Mexico, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of Texas Permian Basin. The winning team will receive $5,000 and an automatic bid to pitch at Dia de Los Muertos the following day, with the second-place team earning $2,500.

Startup Showcase and Access to Capital:

On November 3, sixteen startups, including four high school startup teams, will present their ventures to a panel of judges and investors at the Hotel Paso Del Norte. The event will spotlight LatinX founders, providing them with a platform to pitch their ideas, increase access to capital, and address historical disparities in the startup landscape. The event will conclude at 4:30 pm with an awards ceremony sponsored by Inicio Ventures.

Supporting LatinX Entrepreneurship:

LatinX businesses play a crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation, showcasing the potential for innovation and prosperity within this community. The Dia De Los Muertos Startup event, supported by prestigious sponsors and organizations, is a vital initiative in advancing LatinX entrepreneurship, fostering investment, and nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial community. This event is a significant step towards rectifying existing imbalances and ensuring LatinX entrepreneurs receive the recognition and support they deserve.

For More Information:

To learn more about the Dia De Los Muertos Startup Conference and to register for the event, please visit the official website: https://sttefoundation.org/ddlm/

Media Invitation:

Media is invited to attend, providing a unique opportunity to capture the innovation, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Southwest’s startup community.