Austin, Texas – The University of Austin (UATX) recently hosted conservative commentator Ben Shapiro as the keynote speaker for its Founders Evening, an event attended by hundreds of students and supporters. Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder and chairman of UATX, expressed his appreciation for Shapiro's participation, stating in a tweet, "Loved interviewing Ben Shapiro last night, joined by several hundred students and supporters of @uaustinorg." The event, which took place on April 26, 2026, also featured UATX President Carlos Carvalho and historian Niall Ferguson.
Lonsdale further lauded Shapiro as "one of the great thinkers of our time," emphasizing his role in helping "us all understand & appreciate principles behind western civilization." The venture capitalist also conveyed gratitude for Shapiro's support of the nascent university. This appearance aligns with UATX's stated mission to foster intellectual freedom and open discourse, positioning itself as an alternative to what its founders perceive as a restrictive academic environment in traditional higher education.
The University of Austin was founded in 2021 by a group including Lonsdale, journalist Bari Weiss, and Niall Ferguson, with a vision to challenge prevailing academic orthodoxies. Lonsdale, who also co-founded Palantir Technologies, has been vocal about his belief that established universities have been "conquered" by "radical, far-left ideologues." UATX aims to provide a rigorous education rooted in enlightenment values and independent thinking.
The institution has garnered significant support from venture capitalists and tech figures, with approximately one-third of its estimated $150 million raised coming from these sectors. UATX, which is not affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, has been actively building its curriculum and faculty, attracting attention for its commitment to free inquiry and its critical stance on contemporary academic trends. The university is currently pursuing accreditation.
