The Space San Antonio Tech Deserves
Why We Built This
Ever tried explaining Kubernetes at a “networking” event while someone pitches you their MLM?
We have. That’s why we built this.
San Antonio has incredible tech talent, but we’re scattered across coffee shops, working from home, or tucked away in corporate offices. For years, our tech community has been fumbled by well-meaning organizations that lost their way when leadership changed or priorities shifted. What started as genuine attempts to connect developers often became networking events that served everyone except the people actually building technology.
The truth is, there’s a thriving community of developers, security researchers, indie hackers, and startup founders doing incredible work here. They’re building SaaS products, contributing to major open source projects, and solving real problems. But without a true home base, we remain disconnected from each other.
The Problem We’re Solving
Isolation kills innovation. When developers work alone, we:
- Solve the same problems others have already cracked
- Miss opportunities to collaborate on bigger projects
- Burn out without a support network that actually understands the work
- Watch talent leave for Austin, Dallas, or the coasts
Traditional coworking spaces don’t cut it for technical work. We need whiteboards for system design, peers who understand regex, and a place to deploy experimental code without triggering corporate security alerts. We need a space designed by developers, for developers.
What We’re Building
The Alamo Tech Collective isn’t just another coworking space. It’s a tech-exclusive hackerspace where:
- Your rubber duck debugging partner is an actual developer, not a marketing consultant
- The WiFi is configured by people who know what ports you need open
- “I’m working on a project” doesn’t require a 20-minute explanation
- Late-night coding sessions are normal, not suspicious
Our Approach
We’re deliberately different:
Community-Funded Operations
While Zelifcam generously provides our space, all operations are member-funded. No logos on the wall, no mandatory “lunch and learns,” no pressure to use specific technologies.
Tech-Exclusive
This isn’t elitist, it’s practical. When everyone speaks the same language, real collaboration happens naturally.
Community Owned
Members shape the space. Need a specific tool? Let’s get it. Want to organize a workshop? Here’s the keys.
Radically Transparent
Our finances, decisions, and plans are open to all members. No backroom deals or surprise pivots.
The Vision
San Antonio should be known for more than just tacos and tourism. We have the talent to build world-class technology companies, contribute to major open source projects, and solve meaningful problems.
But it starts with community. Real connections between people doing real work.
The Alamo Tech Collective is that starting point. A physical space where San Antonio’s tech community can finally see itself, support itself, and build together.
The Hackerspace: A Tool, Not the Goal
Let’s be clear: The Alamo Tech Collective is more than a hackerspace. The physical space is just a tool—a really important one—that helps us achieve something much bigger.
Our true goal is building a thriving, sustainable tech community in San Antonio. One where:
- Knowledge flows freely between experienced developers and newcomers
- Projects spawn collaborations that turn into startups and innovations
- Talent chooses to stay because they’ve found their tribe
- Companies recruit locally because they know the talent pool is deep and connected
The hackerspace makes this possible by providing:
- Collision space where spontaneous conversations lead to breakthrough ideas
- Neutral ground not owned by any company or institution
- Physical anchor that makes our digital community tangible and real
- Growth accelerator where skills are shared, not hoarded
Think of it this way: If building San Antonio’s tech community is like building software, the hackerspace is our development environment. It’s where we write the code, debug the problems, and deploy the solutions. But the real product? That’s the community itself—connected, empowered, and building amazing things together.
Who’s Behind This
The Alamo Tech Collective is backed by Zelifcam, a local software company deeply committed to creating jobs, developing talent, and building resources right here in San Antonio. In an unprecedented move, Zelifcam has provided the hackerspace facility completely free, ensuring that every dollar of membership fees and community resources goes directly to what really matters: building San Antonio’s tech community.
This isn’t corporate charity or a marketing play. Zelifcam understands that a thriving tech ecosystem benefits everyone: creating opportunities for developers, attracting innovative companies, and keeping talent in our city. By removing the burden of rent and facility costs, they’ve made it possible for the Collective to focus entirely on serving its members.
We’re developers, security professionals, and tech workers building the community we’ve always wanted. With Zelifcam’s support removing the biggest barriers, we can finally create a true home for San Antonio tech.
Want to be part of it?