Vegas Startup Scene

LeDuc Leadership & Media Group
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Vegas Startup Scene is your insider guide to the founders, investors, and operators building the future of tech in Las Vegas. Hosted by Jason LeDuc, this show delivers sharp analysis of startup funding, venture trends, ecosystem updates, and leadership lessons from the front lines of innovation. Designed for founders, tech investors, and ambitious entrepreneurs, each episode connects strategy with execution—spotlighting the people and momentum driving Vegas forward.

  1. 6d ago

    Vegas Startup Scene June 1st 2026 – Vegas Startups Are Heating Up: AI, Funding & Tech Growth

    Nevada’s startup ecosystem is moving fast, and this week’s Vegas Startup Scene is packed with major signals for founders, investors, and entrepreneurs watching the future of innovation in Las Vegas and across the state. In this episode, Jason LeDuc breaks down one of the biggest startup capital stories in Nevada right now: the official launch of Build Nevada by Battle Born Growth. This new AI-powered platform is designed to help founders and growth-stage companies connect with funding opportunities, infrastructure, manufacturing support, strategic partnerships, and expansion pathways throughout Nevada. This week’s rundown also covers major upcoming startup and tech events, including Ignite Talks Las Vegas returning June 25th at Sliced Pizza, the Seed Vegas Startup Showcase on June 11th at the International Innovation Center, Vegas Founders Night, the Eureka Grant Summit, the Knights of the Round Table Business Mixer, InfoComm 2026, free coworking at the International Innovation Center, crypto and Web3 community events, Sin Shop livestreams, and the Future Frontiers AI Film Showcase and Builders Salon. Then we highlight a powerful conversation from Tech Alley with Beau McCoy of Runscout.ai, a Las Vegas startup using artificial intelligence to improve campus safety while keeping humans in the decision-making loop. Beau explains how AI can help security teams filter through camera footage, reduce noise, identify moments that need attention, and empower human judgment rather than replace it. If you are building a company, investing in early-stage startups, working in tech, or looking for the next major innovation market outside Silicon Valley, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Vegas Startup Scene for weekly updates on Las Vegas startups, Nevada innovation, tech events, founder stories, investor activity, AI, robotics, Web3, economic development, and the people building the future of Southern Nevada. 💬 Drop a comment below: What do you think will have the biggest impact on Nevada’s startup ecosystem over the next year — more funding, more tech talent, AI adoption, or stronger founder community events? Get out there. Do great things today. Onward and Upward! 🚀 LINKS CompTIA Website: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/ UNLV Black Fire Innovation Program: https://www.unlv.edu/blackfire BioTechVegas Website: https://biotechvegas.org/ LVGEA Website: https://lvgea.org/ Nevada GOED Website: https://goed.nv.gov/ Redapt Website: https://www.redapt.com/ Nuance Medical Website: https://www.nuancemedical.com/ Taylor Corporation Website: https://www.taylor.com/ Edgewood Renewables Website: https://edgewoodrenewables.com/ Forge Industries Website: https://www.forge-industries.com/ Warrior Rising Anchorpoint: https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/af4b8c9c-3788-4c44-965a-46875d44ee61 gener8tor Electrify Nevada Event: https://luma.com/pphc050o StartUpNV Website: https://startupnv.org/ FounderNV Website: https://foundernv.com/ Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/ Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/ Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/ City of Fernley Website: http://cityoffernley.org AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/ StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/ Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/ 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 Beau McCoy on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/xTtZZh8Fzz4 Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    8 min

  2. May 25

    Vegas Startup Scene May 25th 2026 – AI, Robotics, Data Centers & Startup Growth in Vegas

    Nevada’s tech ecosystem is moving fast—and this week’s Vegas Startup Scene proves it. In this May 25, 2026 rundown, Jason LeDuc breaks down some of the biggest startup, AI, robotics, workforce development, data center, and entrepreneur events shaping the Southern Nevada and broader Nevada innovation economy. First up, Tech Alley Henderson returns Wednesday, May 27, with a major spotlight on Small Business Month and the founders, resource partners, and community leaders helping drive innovation across Henderson and the Vegas Valley. The episode also highlights a powerful workforce development story: a new strategic partnership between SkillWaze, Amplibotics AI, and the National Esports Collegiate Conference designed to train and certify student athletes from more than 500 universities as verified robot pilots. Then we head north, where Fleet Data Centers officially broke ground on a massive Reno campus project—one of the largest data center developments in Nevada history. This week’s episode also covers upcoming events across the ecosystem, including: Las Vegas AI Builders at TensorWave headquarters FounderNV’s project management session for founders The International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking at Bellagio The LVCVA grant program deadline Vegas Founders Night The Eureka Grants Summit Zero Labs Innovation Launchpad programs The Governor’s Lithium and Critical Minerals Summit Free Coworking First Friday Syn Shop livestream events Vegas Crypto Group meetups Fusion 42 online founder events And this week, Vegas Startup Scene closes with a powerful clip from investment banker Jeff Fidelman, who shares advice for entrepreneurs and investors on how to build a stronger thesis before committing time, money, and opportunity cost to a business idea. His core idea: don’t just bet on the horse—bet on the track. For founders, that means looking beyond the exciting company, product, or trend and asking what infrastructure must exist for that trend to keep growing. In the case of AI, that means power, data centers, compute, and the physical infrastructure required to support the next decade of innovation. Whether you are a startup founder, tech investor, entrepreneur, AI builder, robotics innovator, or community leader in the Las Vegas startup ecosystem, this episode gives you a clear look at where the momentum is building—and where opportunity may be hiding in plain sight. Vegas Startup Scene is your weekly rundown of what’s happening in the Southern Nevada tech, startup, and innovation ecosystem. If you want to stay connected to the founders, investors, events, and opportunities shaping the future of Las Vegas and Nevada’s innovation economy, make sure you subscribe and follow along every week. 💬 Question for you:What do you think is the biggest opportunity for Nevada right now: AI infrastructure, robotics, workforce development, gaming technology, or startup community growth? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’re seeing in the ecosystem. Get out there. Do great things today. Onward and Upward! 🚀 LINKS Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/ Amplibotics AI Website: https://amplibotics.ai/ SkillWaze Website: https://skillwaze.com/ Fleet Data Centers Website: https://fleetdatacenters.com/ Tensorwave Website: https://tensorwave.com/ StartUpNV Website: https://startupnv.org/ FounderNV Website: https://foundernv.com/ City of Fernley Website: http://cityoffernley.org Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/ 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 Jeff Fidelman on the The Leader’s Mindset podcast: https://youtu.be/0UUD1DKHAik Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    9 min

  3. May 18

    Vegas Startup Scene May 18th 2026 – Las Vegas Startup Jobs, AI Growth & Founder Opportunities

    Nevada’s tech economy is gaining serious momentum, and Las Vegas may be one of the biggest startup stories to watch in 2026. In this episode of Vegas Startup Scene, Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments happening across the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem for the week of May 18, 2026. From major tech job growth and AI infrastructure investment to veteran founder accelerators, startup events, robotics meetups, SBIR funding opportunities, and gaming innovation, this episode gives founders, investors, and entrepreneurs a clear look at where the local ecosystem is headed next. Las Vegas is projected to have the fastest tech employment growth rate in the country this year, with more than 1,500 new tech jobs expected and a local median tech salary now above $92,000. In the second half of the episode, Jason shares part of his conversation with Edgar Rodriguez from Warrior Rising, discussing why entrepreneurship requires a different level of accountability, structure, and self-discipline than many founders expect. This episode also highlights upcoming events across Nevada, including: • Electrify Nevada: Meet the Startups • Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: Lunar Robots • StartupNV SBIR Speaker Series with the U.S. Department of Transportation • From Idea to Execution: Project Management Practices for Founders • Tech Alley Henderson • International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking • Zero Labs 2026 Innovation Launchpad Programs • Free co-working at the International Innovation Center • SYN Shop livestreams • Vegas Crypto Group events • Fusion42 founder events Vegas Startup Scene is your weekly rundown of what’s happening in the Southern Nevada startup, technology, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. If you are building a company, investing in startups, launching a new idea, or looking for opportunities in Las Vegas tech, make sure you subscribe and follow along every week. 💬 Question for you: What part of Nevada’s startup ecosystem do you think has the biggest growth potential right now: AI, robotics, gaming technology, clean energy, biotech, veteran entrepreneurship, or something else? Drop your answer in the comments and let us know where you think the next big opportunity is coming from. Get out there. Do great things today. Onward and Upward! 🚀 LINKS CompTIA Website: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/ UNLV Black Fire Innovation Program: https://www.unlv.edu/blackfire BioTechVegas Website: https://biotechvegas.org/ LVGEA Website: https://lvgea.org/ Nevada GOED Website: https://goed.nv.gov/ Redapt Website: https://www.redapt.com/ Nuance Medical Website: https://www.nuancemedical.com/ Taylor Corporation Website: https://www.taylor.com/ Edgewood Renewables Website: https://edgewoodrenewables.com/ Forge Industries Website: https://www.forge-industries.com/ Warrior Rising Anchorpoint: https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/af4b8c9c-3788-4c44-965a-46875d44ee61 gener8tor Electrify Nevada Event: https://luma.com/pphc050o StartUpNV Website: https://startupnv.org/ FounderNV Website: https://foundernv.com/ Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/ Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/ Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/ City of Fernley Website: http://cityoffernley.org AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/ StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/ Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/ 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 Edgar Rodriguez on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/xTtZZh8Fzz4 Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    10 min

  4. May 11

    Vegas Startup Scene May 11th 2026 – AI, Robotics, E-Commerce & Tech Growth in Southern Nevada

    Las Vegas is not just a hospitality and entertainment city anymore. The Southern Nevada tech ecosystem is gaining serious attention from startup founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders watching what happens next. In this episode of Vegas Startup Scene, Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest startup, tech, funding, workforce, and ecosystem updates happening across Las Vegas and Nevada for the week of May 11, 2026. We kick things off with a major spotlight on the Las Vegas startup ecosystem after startup economist and publisher Paul O’Brien shared a detailed LinkedIn analysis titled “Time to Double Down on Las Vegas Startups.” His article takes a serious look at what is working in Vegas, where the ecosystem is gaining momentum, and where founders, investors, and community leaders can continue improving the region’s startup infrastructure. Then we welcome a new Las Vegas startup entering the market: Revarri, a full-stack revenue services company founded by John Richard and Trey Whitley. Reverie is focused on solving what it calls revenue fragmentation for founder-led and growth-stage companies by bringing sales leadership, marketing strategy, AI automation, and custom software development under one connected team. We also cover a major growth story from Las Vegas-based e-commerce company Neato, which raised $25 million in growth capital led by Advantage Capital through the Nevada New Markets Jobs Act. Jason also previews upcoming startup and tech events across the ecosystem, including: Las Vegas Startups Meetup Las Vegas Robotics Meetup featuring lunar robotics International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking at Bellagio LVCVA tourism grant opportunities Eureka Grant Summit Zero Labs 2026 Innovation Launchpad Elements of Change Lithium and Critical Minerals Summit Free Coworking First Friday Vegas Crypto Group events Pitch Kung Fu and Founder Huddle And finally, we feature part of Jason’s Tech Alley interview with James Wigglesworth, founder of AMP AI / Amplifying Robotics, where they discuss physical AI, robotics, AI’s impact on engineering jobs, and the future of work. James explains how robotics may be entering its own “ChatGPT moment” by using AI to affect the physical world — from building products to completing real-world tasks. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What part of the Las Vegas tech ecosystem has the most growth potential right now — AI, robotics, e-commerce, gaming technology, lithium, manufacturing, or startup funding? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this episode with a founder or investor who should be watching Las Vegas, and subscribe to Vegas Startup Scene for weekly updates on the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem. See you out there in the community. Go out there. Do great things today! Onward and Upward! 🚀 LINKS: Paul O’Brien Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/time-double-down-las-vegas-startups-paul-o-brien-utm7e Revarri Website: https://revarri.com/ Neato Website: https://neato.com/ U.S. Small Business Administration Website: https://www.sba.gov/ Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/ Tech Alley Website: https://www.techalley.org/ Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/ City of Fernley Website: http://cityoffernley.org AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/ StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/ Zero Labs Website: https://zerolabs.io/ 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 James Wigglesworth on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/DC6FKtjedKw Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    10 min

  5. May 4

    Vegas Startup Scene May 4th 2026 – Vegas Startups Are Solving Real-World Problems

    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 Huddle The 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-cycle Las 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-42 Conversation with Shaq Cruz on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/DC6FKtjedKw Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    8 min

  6. Apr 27

    Vegas Startup Scene April 27th 2026 – Las Vegas Is Becoming an AI Powerhouse

    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 CONVERSATION What 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/econdev UNLV Website: https://www.unlv.edu TensorWave 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/ql552744 Startup 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-42 Conversation with Robert Casenhiser on the Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/DC6FKtjedKw Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    10 min

  7. Apr 20

    Vegas Startup Scene April 20th 2026 – Founders, Funding & Breakthrough Tech Opportunities

    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! 🚀

    9 min

  8. Apr 13

    Vegas Startup Scene April 13th 2026 – AI, Fintech, and Startup Funding Are Exploding in Las Vegas!

    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 startups This 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 it Onward and Upward! 🚀 LINKS Ordr Website: https://ordr.io Resorts World Las Vegas Website: https://www.rwlasvegas.com HumanX Website: https://www.humanx.co Money20/20 Website: https://www.money2020.com University of Nevada Website: https://www.unr.edu/engineering Nevada GOED Website: https://goed.nv.gov UNLV Website: https://www.unlv.edu Nevada Office of Federal Assistance Website: https://ofa.nv.gov AngelNV 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-42 Last Month’s Tech Alley Downtown Livestream recording: https://youtube.com/live/Ve8fSPlP6tg Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

    8 min
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About

Vegas Startup Scene is your insider guide to the founders, investors, and operators building the future of tech in Las Vegas. Hosted by Jason LeDuc, this show delivers sharp analysis of startup funding, venture trends, ecosystem updates, and leadership lessons from the front lines of innovation. Designed for founders, tech investors, and ambitious entrepreneurs, each episode connects strategy with execution—spotlighting the people and momentum driving Vegas forward.

Information

  • Creator
    LeDuc Leadership & Media Group
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © LeDuc Leadership & Media Group
  • Show Website
    Vegas Startup Scene