Texas Venture Gala & Forum Keynote: Arlington Mayor Jim Ross
Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026’s Gala Keynote with Arlington Mayor Jim Ross; Moderated by The Founders Arena Founder & CEO, Pamela Cytron
Mayor Ross discussed how relationships, community support, and strong local leadership have helped position Arlington as both an entertainment destination and a growing innovation hub. He highlighted the city’s momentum, including hosting nine FIFA World Cup matches and the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, while emphasizing that long-term success comes from investing in people, partnerships, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
Texas Venture Gala & Forum Major Partner, Justworks
“What a lovely evening celebrating the game changers that keep the startup ecosystem moving forward at the 2026 Texas Venture Gala & Forum! Hosting it at the iconic Headliners Club in downtown Austin was also a special touch … thanks for sharing the history!,” Justworks’ Angie Neas said. “CS Freeland and the Texas Venture Alliance team, you all did it once again with another great event. Justworks was happy to be a supporter!” See more from her post here.
A central theme of the discussion was Arlington’s relationship-first approach to economic development. Rather than simply competing with financial incentives, Arlington focuses on building trust with businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. Ross shared how that strategy helped the city secure a satellite manufacturing project despite another city offering greater financial incentives.
The conversation also highlighted youth innovation initiatives and the importance of investing in future entrepreneurs early, reinforcing that long-term economic growth is built through strong relationships and sustained community support.
Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2025’s Texas Community Leader of the Year, Cherie Werner of FIESTA
We also recognized Cytron as the “Texas Innovator of the Year” for her leadership and exceptionalism in North Texas and beyond. Her message is featured below:
“A pretty unexpected and very special moment last night. As The Founders Arena marks its three-year milestone, I was honored to receive Texas Innovator of the Year award at the Texas Venture Gala & Forum. What made it especially meaningful being welcomed by a community that continues to believe in founders, innovation, and building together. That has truly been one of the highlights of this journey.
Mayor Jim Ross and I also had the chance to share the excitement around the momentum building in City of Arlington and the opportunities ahead across innovation, sports, entrepreneurship, and global events coming to North Texas. Thank you to CS Freeland, the City of Arlington, our founders, partners, and everyone who has supported The Founders Arena along the way. Texas is just getting started and excited to be part of what’s ahead.” Read more of her recap here.
This Texas Venture Gala & Forum recap was made possible by our Editorial Partner, Texas State University. Their Office of Innovation, Commercialization & Engagement exists to foster an inventive and entrepreneurial culture at Texas State while advancing the commercial and societal impact of research. Learn more about their innovation and commercialization efforts here. See the entire Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026 recap here.
