TechTown Detroit came alive on Monday, October 6, as the third annual Latin-X-Tech event brought together entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and community for an evening that celebrated both heritage and forward-thinking innovation for both traditional and tech based businesses. The event was co-led by Jimena Gutierrez, Program Coordinator for Small Business Services, and Mario Tapia, Program Coordinator for Tech with insight and support from Mayté Penman, Senior Alumni Engagement Manager.
This year’s Latin-X-Tech centered on the intersection of innovation, culture, and community, showcasing how, despite the many struggles like funding and mentorship, Latinx talent continues to shape Detroit’s innovation landscape. The evening opened with networking followed by a lively program, cultural expression, and authentic Latin American cuisine.
The event’s main panel was a fireside chat moderated by Carlos Santacruz of Bank of America, featuring guest speaker Sergio Rodenzuela of Tansy. Together, they explored how cultural values and cutting-edge technology can coexist to drive innovation and opportunity.
“What impressed me most about Sergio isn’t just that he’s raised millions in venture capital — twice — but that he’s done it while staying true to who he is: proudly and authentically Latino, rooting his app’s growth on what makes us strong: community and family.” Santacruz said.
Their conversation underscored a powerful message: Detroit’s Latinx entrepreneurs are not only preserving their heritage, language and family traditions but also redefining what innovation looks like in the local economy.
Beyond the main stage, participants engaged in Learning Labs facilitated by Accounting Aid Society, Invest Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and Venture 313, each offering actionable tools for small-business owners and tech professionals. In addition, attendees could update their professional pictures through complimentary headshot sessions, making the event both celebratory and practical.
“Legacy businesses now grow and operate through technology, it’s part of everything they do,” said Penman “From how business owners connect with customers to how they manage operations, technology plays a vital role in helping businesses thrive. It means using digital tools to strengthen what already works, where heritage and innovation coexist in harmony.”
Supporting community partners included Accounting Aid Society, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Invest Detroit, La Casa Guadalupana, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, MiSide, New Economy Initiative, ProsperUs Detroit, Southwest Detroit Business Association, TechTown Detroit, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, Wayne State University’s Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies. Many of them not only helped shape the evening’s agenda but also shared valuable resources and opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
As a way of supporting small businesses, attendees sampled a range of Latin-inspired offerings from beloved local vendors: Cafecito Alvarez, El Rey de las Arepas, Helados Las Alegrías, Rincón Tropical, and Tacos la Pachanga turning TechTown’s main floor into a vibrant hub of flavors and connection. The networking space extended to a lively marketplace of pop-up vendors, including Artesaninas Elenita Linda, Frances Naturals & More, Numu Toys, Paola’s Pastry, Peteca Mych, and The Wilted Wick, offering handmade crafts, wellness products, baked goods, and artisanal items. The atmosphere was enriched by a moving violin solo from Ana Jaquim-Ortiz, founder of Preludio Entertainment, that brought a rich Latin flavor that filled the space with warmth and rhythm.
Through this unique blend of learning, music, pop ups, and celebration, Latin-X-Tech reaffirmed TechTown’s commitment to fostering inclusive innovation and uplifting Detroit’s diverse entrepreneurial community. The event not only highlighted the growing contributions of Latinx professionals in business and tech but also created a space for authentic connection; where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. Latin-X-Tech is a clear demonstration of what success looks like when community partners come together to celebrate culture, share resources and inspire innovation.
The event was made possible thanks to Ally, Venture 313, and the many volunteers who supported the evening.
For more information about TechTown Detroit’s small-business and tech programs, visit techtowndetroit.org.
