Startup Matchmaking

Tech Wildcatters plays matchmaker with Fortune 500 companies and startups

In response to requests from corporations that want to better understand startups, Tech Wildcatters has created the Corporate Innovation Network, which connects the early adopters among Fortune 500 companies with leading-edge B2B tech startups.

On January 20, the Dallas-based seed accelerator announced the first five of 10 inaugural members: Comerica, Softlayer, GameStop, Dallas Stars and Dell’s Digital Business Services. The first of its kind, the network will help bridge the gap between these corporations and startups whose products are solving modern-day problems. Member companies can express issues they need to address and, in turn, the startups will work on accelerating the development of a product that might help.

“These corporations were chosen based on their commitment to innovation through collaboration with the startup community,” Tech Wildcatters co-founder and CEO Gabriella Draney said in a statement. “Companies like 7-Eleven have proven their commitment in the past by partnering with Tech Wildcatters graduates Koupon Media and YooLotto. We want to encourage more of that type of value creation.”

To that end, the corporate members are committed to beta testing at least one startup’s product annually. Brad Alberts, chief revenue officer of the Dallas Stars, believes that the partnership will allow companies like his to find worthwhile startups, and the startups get to work with established businesses that have more reach.

“We get approached often by startups and companies looking to work with us,” Alberts said. “It’s nearly impossible to understand all the products they’re offering, much less if they’re a quality company to work with. This program is a perfect way for us to sift through the clutter and work with early-stage companies with little to no risk.”

Since beginning in 2010, Tech Wildcatters, the world’s only B2B seed accelerator on the Forbes top 10, has funded 68 companies with more than 250 jobs created and four exits. It is accepting applications for its 16-member 2015 class through January 23.

unspecified

State of innovation

Texas ranks among 5 best states to start a business in 2025

Photo by Mykyta Kravčenko on Unsplash

Texas' friendly business climate has allowed the state to regain its rightful position among the top five best states to start a new business.

As one of the largest states in the U.S., it's no surprise Texas is big on business and entrepreneurship. Now the state is earning new praise among WalletHub's 2025 list of "Best & Worst States to Start a Business."

The Lone Star State claimed the No. 4 spot in the report's rankings — putting Texas in a better shape than it was last year when it earned No. 8 in WalletHub's 2024 report.

The study compared all 50 states across 25 metrics to determine the best places to start, grow, and find success with a new business. Factors that were considered include the number of startups per capita, job growth rates, financing accessibility measures, labor costs, and corporate tax rates.

The three states to outperform Texas are Florida (No. 1), Georgia (No. 2), and Utah (No. 3). Idaho rounded out the top five.

Across the study's three main categories, Texas performed the best in the "business environment" rank, earning No. 1 nationally. This section compared the states based on its five-year business survival rates, average business revenues growth, and more.

Texas ranked No. 12 in the nationwide comparison of "access to resources" – which covers working age population growth, venture investment amounts per capita, and other means – and earned a fair No. 34 in the report's "business costs" ranking.

But Texas can still do better with its business friendliness to reclaim a top-three overall ranking, which the state last earned in 2023.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report that it is imperative for potential new business owners to establish their enterprise in a place that can maximize their ability to succeed.

"Around half of all new businesses don’t survive five years, so the idea of becoming a business owner can be daunting, especially with the current high cost of living," Lupo said. "The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, easy access to financing and affordable real estate. On top of that, you’ll need to make sure you start in a place with an engaged customer base, if you’re operating locally."

Dallas has also proven to be at the top of the destination list for entrepreneurs who are looking for their next venture.

The top 10 best states to start a new business in 2025 are:

No. 1 – Florida
No. 2 – Georgia
No. 3 – Utah
No. 4 – Texas
No. 5 – Idaho
No. 6 – Oklahoma
No. 7 – Nevada
No. 8 – Colorado
No. 9 – Arizona
No. 10 – Kentucky

business entrepreneurship rankings texas wallethub