Texas-Based International Investors
Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026’s “Texas-Based International Investors” Panel, Moderated by Princeton University Office of Innovation, Christine Galib
The panel featured IA Global Ventures Managing Partner Nikos Iatropoulos; Q-Branch Founder & CEO Marc Cervantes; Geek Ventures Investment Team member, Sarah Romanko; and Latin Startup Alliance and Invincible Spaces Founder & CEO Jesse Martinez.
IA Global Ventures is an Austin-based venture-capital firm that invests in and supports foreign-born entrepreneurs building companies in the United States, providing capital, operational guidance, and assistance navigating the U.S. market.
Our longstanding partner, Q-Branch is an Austin-based global accelerator that helps domestic and international companies commercialize and scale dual-use technologies across commercial, government, and defense markets. Geek Ventures is a New York-based venture-capital firm investing primarily in immigrant-led pre-seed and seed-stage technology companies, offering founders both capital and connections to help them enter and grow within the U.S. market.
Martinez is the Texas Venture Fest of the Year Winner for 2024, and founded the Latino Startup Alliance as a nonprofit organization that cultivates Latino-led technology ventures by connecting entrepreneurs with fellow founders, investors, innovators, mentors, and other startup resources. He also started and runs Invincible Spaces, a Houston innovation hub and community platform that brings together founders, investors, innovators, changemakers, and creators at the intersection of technology, culture, and community.
Panelists discussed what makes startups attractive to investors and how founders can determine whether venture capital is the right funding path for their businesses.
They emphasized customer traction, founder credibility, market knowledge, competitive positioning, and the ability to explain why a company is needed now. They also encouraged entrepreneurs to understand the different sources of capital available and prepare for due diligence by ensuring that their claims, customer relationships, and long-term plans can withstand closer review.
Galib led the discussion to also address cybersecurity, infrastructure, and practical steps founders can take before approaching investors. She was the American Venture Fest of the Year recipient, learn more about that here.
This Texas Venture Gala & Forum panel recap was made possible by our Editorial Partner, Texas State University. Their McCoy College of Business Center for Student Entrepreneurship program exists to prepare the next generation of founders to build ventures that matter. Learn more about their innovation and commercialization here. Check out the entire Texas Venture Gala & Forum 2026 recap here.
