Next Monday is the Accelerator event at SXSWi, where 20 companies will get a chance to pitch in front of a panel of influential people (and attendees).  Among the finalists are a few companies (40%) from Central Texas.

We should mention that Microsoft BizSpark is the title sponsor for this event, and AustinStartup is a network partner for BizSpark. In short, the program provides for free Microsoft development software for startups.

• MotionNotes, Houston.
• Spawn Labs, Austin.
• Cubeless, Southlake.
• Hourville, Austin.
• OtherInBox, Austin.
• Piryx, Austin.
• RingLight, Austin.
• YouData, Houston.