The Lively Grit Daily House and The Established House are forming an alliance for SXSW 2025, bringing together two powerhouse communities for a high-energy, immersive experience. With The Established House fostering connections between startups and investors and Lively Grit Daily House setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions and hands-on tech demos, this alliance creates an environment where ideas don’t just spark — they catch fire.
On March 7, The Established House takes over Central District Brewing for an afternoon packed with conversations, networking, and live storytelling. Backed by Established, Established Ventures, Startup of the Year, and Green Pants, the event is built for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders looking to make meaningful connections.
At the heart of the gathering is a live recording of the Startup of the Year Podcast, featuring industry heavyweights Isaiah McPeak, founder of Green Pants Software Growth Agency; Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of Capital Factory; and Amy Jo Martin, founder and CEO of Renegade. Expect candid insights, big ideas, and the kind of real talk that goes beyond the usual conference chatter.
There’s also something extra on the table, a $1,500 tech consulting package from Green Pants, with three hours of expert guidance up for grabs. All you have to do is register to be eligible. And of course, it wouldn’t be an Established event without great drinks and good vibes. Guests can enjoy specialty coffee and matcha from Pretty Cute Coffee, along with craft brews, cider, and mocktails from Central District Brewing. Just keep in mind that space is first-come, first-served, so showing up early is key.
Then, from March 8–9, Lively Worldwide and Grit Daily are coming together for the Lively Grit Daily House, which takes over as SXSW’s official media hub inside a speakeasy-style venue. This year’s theme, “It’s Not Like It Was,” speaks to a reality that’s impossible to ignore — everything is shifting. AI is rewriting how we create and consume. Audience behavior is evolving faster than traditional marketing can keep up. And the way we work, innovate, and connect? It’s all in flux. Instead of resisting change, this space leans into it, creating a place for real conversations about what comes next.
But this isn’t just about panels and discussions. The Lively Grit Daily House is packed with interactive experiences designed to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.
First up, Orbital Studios will showcase a live Virtual Production Scout demo, offering a glimpse into the future of filmmaking. Instead of waiting to step onto a physical set, directors and production teams can now visualize scenes, map out camera placements, and adjust lighting — all in a virtual space. The level of precision and creative freedom is game-changing, making this demo a must-see for anyone in media or production.
Mado is also bringing its AI Blinds Demo, showing how intelligent automation and energy efficiency are making their way into everyday environments. Smart home tech has never felt this seamless.
And perhaps the most unexpected guest? The Enchanted Tools robot, welcoming attendees and sparking conversations with a simple yet profound question: “What’s it like to be human?” Between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM on the 8th, this AI-driven experience will engage guests, setting the tone for deeper discussions on the blurred lines between human creativity and technological advancement.
Together, The Established House and Lively Grit Daily House are flipping the script on traditional SXSW networking. One space is designed to foster startup connections and investor insights. The other is built for immersive, interactive storytelling that challenges the way we engage with tech, media, and business.
Want in?
Head to the Lively Grit Daily House’s Eventbrite using this link or use promo code “Established” to get your ticket absolutely free.
While you’re at it, reserve your spot at The Established House. Missed the fun? Episodes of the Startup of the Year podcast can be found here.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.