Shows
Civics on the RocksIs Even the Government Bigger in Texas?Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers.
References
Our capital is taller:
Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html
Back to the constitution of 1876:
Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/constitution-of-1876
Learn about the Reconstruction period in Texas (a very racist time):
Moneyhon, Carl H. “Recons...
2025-02-101h 12Civics on the RocksIs Even the Government Bigger in Texas?Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers.
References
Our capital is taller:
Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html
Back to the constitution of 1876:
Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/constitution-of-1876
Learn about the Reconstruction period in Texas (a very racist time):
Moneyhon, Carl H. “Recons...
2025-02-101h 12
Houston Innovators PodcastEpisode 272 - Innovators Revisited - Cranking up AC tech - Josh Teekell of SmartAC.comIn this episode, listeners get a chance to revisit an episode from 2023 with Josh Teekell, founder and CE of SmartAC.com. A lot has happened with SmartAC.com since Josh joined the show, and the most recent milestone the company has reached is an additional funding round closed last month with support from Houston-based Mercury. SmartAC.com's expanded platform enables contractors in the HVAC and plumbing industries monitor, manage, and optimize their maintenance memberships through advanced sensors, AI-driven diagnostics, and proactive alerts. Josh will be using the fresh funding to continue growth for the company.
Original episode aired in May 2023.
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2025-01-2930 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 271 - Innovators Revisited - Geothermal’s hot streak - Tim Latimer of Fervo EnergyIn this episode, listeners get a chance to revisit an episode from last year with Tim Latimer. 2024 was an incredible year for Tim and his company Fervo Energy, which raised a cumulative $600M in multiple rounds of investment, financing, and federal support. Fervo wrapped up the year announcing $255 million dollars of fresh funding to continue its growth in the new year. When Tim joined the show, it was right in the middle of this successful year, and he shared on the show how Fervo’s momentum is leading to 100x growth with its latest geothermal project, Project Cape, which is fu...
2025-01-2247 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 264 - Innovators Revisited - Cheering on women in health tech - Ayse McCracken of Ignite HealthIn this episode, listeners get a chance to revisit an episode from last year with Ayse McCracken, the founder of Ignite Healthcare Network, an organization that accelerates female-founded businesses within health care. In November, Ignite hosted its annual Fire Pitch Competition, the main event for its accelerator that supports and connects female health tech founders with the Texas Medical Center’s vast network of experts and health care organizations. At the event, the founders pitched their health tech solutions across lung health, renal therapy, breastfeeding tech, and more. This year’s first place winner was Sarah Lee, CEO and co-founder of R...
2024-12-0436 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 257 - Meet the 2024 Houston Innovation Awards NomineesThis week, InnovationMap announced the finalists for the 2024 Houston Innovation Awards, and I'd like to take this episode as an opportunity to introduce you to the incredible batch of startups, organizations, and innovators that made the cut for this year's awards.
This year's finalists include 35 startups across 8 categories, plus 14 individual finalists across 3 categories. Six Houston organizations were named finalists in the community champion organization category, which honors impactful corporates, nonprofits, academic institutions, and more.
Read more about the finalists: https://houston.innovationmap.com/2024-houston-innovation-awards-finalists-2669381682.html
Register for the awards: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-houston-innovation-awards-tickets-991320465197?aff=editorial
Follow more awards...
2024-10-1613 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 256 - Innovators Revisited - Remembering Scott Gale of Halliburton LabsThis week, we are revisiting a conversation I had earlier this year with Scott Gale, who passed away two weeks ago after a years-long battle with cancer. As executive director of Halliburton Labs, he was instrumental in the program’s success across the past four years, and he leaves a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and curiosity, all of which we touched on in our conversation.
In the episode, we discussed Halliburton Labs, his career, and the Inaugural Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week, which Scott has a major role in creating. Unfortunately, Scott wasn’t able to attend the...
2024-10-0948 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 253 - Innovators Revisited - Expanding treatment for complex neurodegenerative diseases - Howard Berman of Coya TherapeuticsToday, we are looking back a conversation I had last year with Howard Berman, co-founder and CEO of Coya Therapeutics, which has had quite the busy summer. The company expanded its collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute and started looking into how GLP-1 drugs can enhance the effects of its proprietary therapeutics.
Read more about these two news stories from this summer on InnovationMap:
Houston neurodegenerative company expands research collaboration with Houston Methodist
Houston therapeutics innovator looks into GLP-1 drugs for Alzheimer's treatment
2024-09-1829 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 242 - Innovators Revisited - University of Houston has its cougar paws on innovation growth - Ramanan Krishnamoorti of UHOn this summer holiday week, we’re revisiting a conversation from last year with Ramanan Krishnamoorti, the vice president of energy and innovation at the University of Houston. UH recently announced a new partnership with the Houston Angel Network to activate more investors with deep connections to UH. Read about that news story on InnovationMap.com, and listen to this episode for more context into how the university is looking at growing its role in Houston’s innovation ecosystem, including building a new central campus innovation hub.
Episode’s original run date: May 23rd, 2023
2024-07-0345 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 210 - Previewing the 2023 Houston Innovation AwardsIn this week's episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast, InnovationMap Editor Natalie Harms gives a preview of the 2023 Houston Innovation Awards taking place on November 8 at Silver Street Studios. The program will honor over 50 startups, companies, and individuals within the Houston innovation ecosystem, as well as the growth and development of the community as a whole. Tune in to learn more about the ongoing editorial series on InnovationMap.com, as well as some of the new awards this year and behind the scenes details on the judging process. Click here to secure your spot to the annual awards: https://www...
2023-11-0116 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 177 - Demystifying the startup journey with Houston founders at SXSWOn Monday at Houston House, a SXSW activation put on by the Greater Houston Partnership, InnovationMap editor and Houston Innovators Podcast host Natalie Harms moderated a panel called “Demystifying the Startup Journey.” Panelists included three Houston founders: Ted Gutierrez, co-founder and CEO of SecurityGate.io, Simone May, co-founder and CTO of Clutch, and Gaurav Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Velostics. The three entrepreneurs discussed their journeys and the challenges they face — from product/market fit and hiring to fundraising and customer acquisition. Listen to the full conversation on this week’s episode. Thank you to SXSW and GHP for the recordin
2023-03-1558 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 141 - Houston as a sportstech hub - Kate Evinger of Pokatok LabsKate Evinger is the director of Pokatok Labs, a scale-up program for seed and series a-stage sportstech companies. The labs component is part of a bigger mission of Pokatok to make Houston a hub for sports innovation. The company is part of the same business family as InnovationMap and Gow Media. Kate joins the podcast today to share how the inaugural cohort went and what types of companies should apply for the next class this fall.
2022-07-0619 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 125 - Houston House @ SXSWHouston innovators have flocked to SXSW in droves and some with the sole purpose of participating in Houston House, an activation set up by the Greater Houston Partnership to showcase tech and startups from Houston. Natalie Harms, editor of InnovationMap, spoke to four Houstonians after their discussions to dig a little deeper into some key points from the panels.
2022-03-1614 min
Inside Great MindsA Lifetime of Skill Building, David Gow of Gow MediaThis week on Inside Great Minds with Adam Outland, Adam talks with David Gow of Gow Media about his interesting work history, current holdings, and future investments. David shares his most valuable advice, including advice he’d give his younger self that any young aspiring business person should hear. With a background working in the early dot-com bubble, David gained many skill sets and talents that prepared him for success as an entrepreneur later in life. At 40, David had the rare opportunity to buy a radio license. From there, David expanded the business with the help of tal...
2022-03-1053 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 100 - Looking Back at the InnovationMap AwardsCelebrating the 100th episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast, we look back at the inaugural InnovationMap Awards, which took place on Sept. 8.
2021-09-1027 min2021-09-0801 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 96 - Why this software leader moved to Houston - Raj Gummadapu of TechwaveRaj Gummadapu, co-founder and CEO of Techwave, a global IT services and solutions provider, joins the show today to explain how he relocated his company's headquarters to Houston a couple years ago to take advantage of the diverse talent pool and budding tech ecosystem. Techwave is the presenting sponsor on the inaugural InnovationMap Awards on September 8th, and Raj shares why he’s excited to honor Houston’s top innovators and how he plans to grow his company’s presence in Houston right alongside them.
2021-08-1126 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 81 - Going all in on funding female founders - Carrie Colbert of Curate CapitalFrom energy executive to content creator, Houstonian Carrie Colbert's latest venture is venture capital. She's raising a $10 million fund with her new firm Curate Capital to support businesses for women and by women. She joins the show today to share how it's going.
2021-04-2843 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 80 - Collaboration in the name of health care innovation - Allison Post of the Texas Heart InstituteThe Texas Heart Institute was looking for a way to support in-house innovation as well as connecting the organization to the latest and greatest health care technology — and so they created a new job. THI's new manager of innovation partnerships, Allison Post, joins the show today to share what THI is focused on and how it's now time for Houston's health care leaders to join forces to advance life science tech.
2021-04-2139 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 79 - Fostering inclusion and sports tech Houston's innovation ecosystem - Ashley DeWalt of DivIncA native Houstonian, Ashley DeWalt is dedicating his career to two distinctly Houston things: Sports and diversity and inclusion. As managing director of DivInc, Ashley is focused on supporting diverse founders within the ecosystem. And, with 15 years of sports and entertainment experience, he is also seeing the city — with its concentration of athletes and coaches — emerge as a hub for sports innovation.
2021-04-1452 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 78 - The future of crowd-sourced investing - Youngro Lee of NextSeedWhat does the future of investment look like? That's something Youngro Lee, co-founder and CEO of NextSeed and COO of Republic, thinks about daily – and he shares what he's keeping an eye on in this week's episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast.
2021-04-0743 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 77 - Tech supporting tech in Houston - Chris Howard of SofteqA good sign of a growing innovation ecosystem is definitely when successful entrepreneurs get to a place where they can support rising tech startups — and this is exactly what Chris Howard, CEO of Softeq, is trying to accomplish. The tech founder just launched the Softeq Innovation Lab and is also eyeing a way to financially support startups as well.
2021-03-3130 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 76 - What heavy industry can use from biotech - Moji Karimi of Cemvita FactoryMoji Karimi, with his oil and gas experience, never thought he would work with his health care innovating sister, Tara — that is until the two of them teamed up to create a way to mimic photosynthesis to transform carbon emissions into something useful. Now Cemvita Factory is working with heavy industrial clients to go beyond just reducing carbon footprints.
2021-03-2431 min
Graduate women in science (GWIS) podcastsDr. Brittany Barreto- You are preapproved!Dr. Brittany Barreto is an unconventional serial entrepreneur, who launched onto the startup scene as the CEO and Co-Founder of the revolutionary DNA-based dating app Pheramor and WeHaveChemistry, a web-based product for couples to discover their love alchemy. Soon she became a reputable thought leader, venture capitalist, and startup consultant. Dr. Barreto now has her sights on advancing the Femtech community through her latest world-changing venture – Femtech Focus. She has her phD in genetics from Bayers college of medicine and her expansive work and career has been featured in numerous publications such as the Houston Business Journal, The Greater Ho...
2021-03-2237 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 75 - Making a consumer tech splash in Houston - Rachel Moncton of ClassPassAfter years of expanding ClassPass, an app-based tech company connecting users to fitness and wellness experiences, around the world, Rachel Moncton was ready to move back to the United States. Her move coincided with the growing company's interest in opening a fourth domestic office — and Houston was just the place. Moncton joins the show to discuss how she is growing her team locally as the company continues to expand its services and technology.
2021-03-1738 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 74 - Tech-enabled recruitment and beyond - Sid Upadhyay of WizeHireHouston tech innovator Sid Upadhyay joins the show to discuss how the pandemic affected his recruitment software company, its recent $7.5 million series A round, and where the company is headed.
2021-03-1031 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 73 - It's time for more women with check-writing abilities - Samantha Lewis of Mercury FundJoining the podcast at the start of Women's History Month, Samantha Lewis says now more than ever there is a need for more female representation at venture capital firms.
2021-03-0343 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 72 - Houston as a hub for resilience innovation - Richard Seline of the Resilience Innovation HubIn light of last week's winter storm that wrecked havoc on Houston and Texas as a whole, Richard Seline joins the show to discuss the call for innovation in mitigating damage from weather-related crises.
2021-02-2448 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 71 - Accelerating resiliency, diversity, and more - Christine Galib and Courtney Cogdill of The IonHouston is no stranger to picking itself up by the bootstraps, and both non-Houston natives Christine Galib and Courtney Cogdill of The Ion have seen that so clearly. The duo, which works on programs and accelerators at The Ion, join the show to discuss the organizations four programs and how they really represent Houston. Note: This podcast, though timely in that the guests and host discuss Houston's resiliency and weather challenges, was recorded ahead of of this week's winter storm.
2021-02-1743 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 70 - Innovation is impossible without diversity - Ashley Small of Medley Inc.For Black History Month, Ashley Small is making sure her team at her Houston-based PR and branding company is aware of Black innovators and the roads they paved across industries. And, she's reminding her fellow business owners to bring diverse voices to the table.
2021-02-1032 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 69 - 2020's effect on the Energy Transition - Deanna Zhang of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.Deanna Zhang focuses on energy technology business at Houston-based financial adviser Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., and last year, she saw the energy transition hugely affected by both the pandemic and the drop in oil prices. She joins the show to share a bit about what she observed.
2021-02-0341 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 68 - Saving lives with AI and data - Jim Havelka of InformAIHouston-based InformAI is creating technology that taps into hospital data to better predict and diagnose medical issues, and CEO and Founder Jim Havelka says Houston and the Texas Medical Center have been essential to his company's success.
2021-01-2724 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 67 - Finding venture capital's "blue ocean" - Heath Butler of Mercury FundMercury Fund was founded to find and fund the underrepresented entrepreneurs, and now Heath Butler, newly named network partner, is hoping to continue this effort by is focusing on entrepreneurs of color and female entrepreneurs, as well as the future of work.
2021-01-2033 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 66 - Funding Houston startups to take center stage - Guillermo Borda and Sandy Guitar of HX Venture FundThe HX Venture Fund is working with several Houston organizations to host a February summit that will shine a national spotlight on Houston startups and bring venture capital to town. Guillermo Borda and Sandy Guitar, managing directors at the fund of funds, join the podcast to discuss Venture Houston — as well as the conference's $1.7 million pitch competition.
2021-01-1333 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 65 - Why this energy tech startup is doubling down on ESG and Houston - Nicole Rogers of ValidereCompanies across industries are looking to increase transparency and sustainability — and Validere's technology can do just that. The Canadian energy tech startup is growing at a rapid pace, and its Houston office is expanding as a result. Senior Vice President Nicole Rogers joins the show to discuss ESG, Houston, energy tech, and more.
2021-01-0631 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 64 - Focusing on seed funding in Houston - Blair Garrou of Mercury FundBlair Garrou says he's never been busier, and while venture capital deals have been on a rollercoaster this year, he's looking forward to 2021. On this episode of the podcast, Blair discusses Houston's VC scene, recent Mercury Fund investments, and more, as well as what he's looking forward to in 2021.
2020-12-3043 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 63 - Prioritizing diversity and inclusion for Houston entrepreneurs - Joy M. Hutton of Joy ConsultingJoy M. Hutton wears a lot of hats. The entrepreneur and consultant has also just joined Houston's Grow with Google Digital Coach program as the local leader and on the podcast today, she shares more details on the inclusion-focused program as well as some of the challenges she's overcome this year amid the pandemic.
2020-12-2328 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 62 - 2020's effect on modern medicine - Adam Kuspa of The Welch InstituteAs the COVID-19 vaccine begins being distributed to frontline workers this week, Adam Kuspa, president of Houston-based nonprofit, The Welch Foundation, discusses the years of research and support it's taken to make the quick response possible.
2020-12-1637 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 61 - Cultivating diversity in innovation - Deanea LeFlore of The IonDeanea LeFlore joins the show to discuss the future of The Ion — opening in just a few months — and how she’s striving to make sure it represents Houston’s diverse population.
2020-12-0924 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 60 - The future of fireproofing - Mike Francis of Nanotech IncFresh off of its seed round, NanoTech’s co-founder Mike Francis joins the show to discuss fireproofing California, why Houston is the place to be an entrepreneur, and more.
2020-12-0231 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 59 - The future of patient care is early testing - Jani Tuomi of imawareJani Tuomi, co-founder of Imaware, a Houston-based digital testing and screening provider, and his team quickly released on of the first at-home COVID-19 tests earlier this year. Jani joins the show to discuss how he’s had to scale his startup amid a pandemic as well as how the health care industry has evolved in these unprecedented times.
2020-11-2526 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 58 - A Look Back on Two Years of InnovationMap with Editor Natalie HarmsIn honor of InnovationMap’s second birthday, we’ve decided to turn the tables for this episode. Earlier this week, InnovationMap's editor, Natalie Harms, sat down with Grace Rodriguez, CEO and executive director of Impact Hub Houston, for a virtual fireside chat.
2020-11-1855 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 57 - The importance of inclusion in health innovation - Fiona Mack of JLABS @ TMCThe newest member to Houston's bustling life sciences arena is Fiona Mack, recently named head of JLABS at TMC. Fiona joined the Houston incubator a few months ago and has been focused on getting familiar with the Houston innovation ecosystem. We’ll discuss what she has on her radar right now and what her early impressions of Houston have been.
2020-11-1136 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 56 - Investing in Social Impact - Durg Kumar and Allen Bryant of Knightsgate VenturesWhen starting a business, driving social impact and profits aren't mutually exclusive anymore. Durg Kumar realized that and founded Knightsgate Ventures in Houston in 2018 to invest in companies hitting that sweet spot. Now, along with his business partner, Allen Bryant, Kumar is headed into Knightsgate's second fund.
2020-11-0426 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 55 - Calling All Houston Innovators - Harvin Moore and Serafina Lalany of Houston ExponentialIntroducing The Listies — a new awards program from HX and InnovationMap. Harvin Moore and Serafina Lalany of HX join the show to discuss nominations and what to expect at the event next month.
2020-10-2816 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 54 - How women are holding the power in health care - Ayse McCracken of Ignite HealthCare NetworkAyse McCracken founded the Ignite Healthcare Network to shine a spotlight on female entrepreneurs in the medical world. Join her and 35 startups for a pitch competition like none other — beginning tomorrow, October 22.
2020-10-2133 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 53 - The future of tech employment - Marcelo Cordini of December LabsMarcelo Cordini, co-founder of December Labs, joins the show to talk about his company — a full-service design and development company with offices in Uruguay and Houston — and what the pandemic has meant for business and the evolution of the workforce.
2020-10-1427 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 52 - Nanotech vs. the pandemic - Shay Curran of Curran BiotechSeamus Curran, a physics professor at the University of Houston and CEO and founder of Integricote and Curran Biotech, joins the show to discuss his nanotechnology work and a patented coating substance that he has invented and first used in construction industry. Now, he’s using the same technology to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by coating face masks and air filters.
2020-10-0739 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 51 - The future of 3D printing and sustainability - Samantha Snabes and Charlotte Craff of Re:3DRe:3D was founded to accomplish two goals: grow access to larger-scale 3D printing and seek sustainable options for manufacturing new items. Now, that's exactly what this Houston startup is doing — in its own fun and modern way. Samantha Snabes, co-founder, and Charlotte Craff, who oversees community relations, join the show to share what makes their company different and where the industry is headed.
2020-09-3042 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 50 - The role of university innovation in Houston - Kyle Judah of Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & EntrepreneurshipNew to his role of executive director of Rice University’s Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Kyle Judah joins the show to discuss what all is on his to-do list and his first impressions of the Houston innovation ecosystem.
2020-09-2335 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 49 - The possibilities of digital first coworking - Jon Lambert of The CannonIt's not a secret that the pandemic has had a great effect on coworking companies. However, The Cannon, which exists to help startups in more ways than just providing office space, has a solution: Virtual coworking.
2020-09-1641 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 48 - What are Houston's tech niches? - Josh Pherigo of Greater Houston PartnershipBased on research from the Greater Houston Partnership, Josh Pherigo has identified Houston's tech niches — and some of them might surprise you.
2020-09-0930 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 47 - Fostering inclusion in Houston VC - Lenny Saizan Jr. of Urban Capital NetworkLenny Saizan and his team at Urban Capital Network launched their organization to foster inclusion among Houston's venture capital scene.
2020-09-0231 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 46 - Female Venture Capitalists Unite! - Sandy Guitar of HX Venture FundSandy Guitar, who serves as managing director of the HX Venture Fund, wanted to create an organization for women in venture capital in Houston. So, she did. Now the collaborative of women is meeting virtually at a time where support is needed more than ever.
2020-08-2629 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 45 - From space to deep sea: Houston's role in robotics - Nicolaus Radford of Houston MechatronicsA former NASA specialist in robotics, Nicolaus Radford founded Houston Mechatronics to focus on developing cloud robotics that can operate underwater. Now, he's taking his company global.
2020-08-1933 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 44 - Introducing HTX TechList - Serafina Lalany of Houston ExponentialSerafina Lalany has been working toward launching the HTX TechList — a one-stop shop for Houston innovation connections and data — for over a year. Now, the platform launches this week with a huge can't-miss virtual event on Thursday, August 13.
2020-08-1230 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 43 - Houston's role as a hub for insuratech - Richard Seline of ResilientH2O PartnersThe innovations and Houston startups that came out of Hurricane Harvey are no coincidence. Richard Seline of ResilientH2O Partners joins the show to explain how he's helping foster new hurricane and flood prevention technologies in the Bayou City.
2020-08-0532 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 42 - The future of autonomous vehicles in Houston - Sola Lawal of NuroIs Houston on track to be a hub for autonomous vehicles? Sola Lawal of Nuro thinks so. The artificial intelligence and robotics company is focused on Houston growth — and even serving residents in low-income food deserts around town.
2020-07-2931 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 41 - The increasing challenge of connecting medical devices - Chris DuPont of Galen DataMost medical devices aren't connected to the internet, and Chris DuPont of Galen Data is creating a turn-key solution for the emerging medical device companies that are prioritizing connectivity and data. And, amid a global pandemic, this sort of quick solution is more important than ever.
2020-07-2225 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 40 - Starting a biotech company during a pandemic - Rebecca Vaught of Van Heron LabsRebecca Vaught started her biotech company just ahead of COVID-19, but she shares on the Houston Innovators Podcast that it's meant more opportunities than challenges.
2020-07-1529 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 39 - Is your company a #BLM ally? - Denise Hamilton of WatchHerWorkDenise Hamilton's life work is helping women navigate their careers and now is writing the book on how to be an ally amid #BlackLivesMatter — or rather, she's helping allies write it themselves. As the founder of WatchHerWork, she joins the show to share her thought leadership for women and for the African American community.
2020-07-0839 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 38 - Focusing on diversity in startup acceleration - Juliana Garaizar of Greentown Labs HoustonJuliana Garaizar was recently named to the team for Greentown Labs' Houston launch. She joins the show to discuss her focus on diversity and inclusion, what she's looking for in startups and corporate partners, and more.
2020-07-0136 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 37 - PR during a pandemic - Aimee Woodall of The Black Sheep AgencyAs the pandemic hit, most entrepreneurs had only their own company to focus on keeping afloat. Aimee Woodall had her own creative agency — The Black Sheep Agency, a brand strategy for exclusively impact-based businesses — as well as its entire client list. On the show, she shares resources for advocates and social impact startups, as well as her thoughts on how companies and individuals can be more cognizant moving forward.
2020-06-2431 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 36 - Getting oil out of the paper world - Travis Parigi of LiquidFrameworksTravis Parigi isn't afraid of an oil downturn, but he couldn't have foreseen the effect COVID-19 would have on demand. He join the show to discuss how he's watching the market and looking to team up with a fellow Houston innovator through a strategic partnership.
2020-06-1728 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 35 - COVID-19's opportunity for esports - Chris Buckner of MainlineChris Buckner, co-founder and CEO of Mainline, a Houston-based esports software startup, shares how the pandemic has afforded his company both opportunities gor growth as well as challenges.
2020-06-1030 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 34 - Virtually accelerating early stage startups - Eléonore Cluzel of gBETA HoustonEléonore Cluzel, director of gBETA Houston, joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to share how the cohort has been going — and to introduce each member of the inaugural cohort.
2020-06-0332 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 33 - Summer camp during a pandemic - Tudor Palaghita of CamppediaCamppedia — which Tudor Palaghita founded with his sister, Ana, in late 2018 — is an online marketplace that acts as a one-stop shop for parents looking for and managing local programming and activities for their kids. As the pandemic began to derail after school activities and summer plans, Palaghita quickly pivoted to provide essential needs like virtual offerings and connecting community members with new resources.
2020-05-2735 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 32 - Joe Alapat - CEO of LiongardFresh off a $17 million series B fundraising round for his SaaS startup, Liongard, Joe Alapat joins the show to discuss raising money during a pandemic, the growth of the Houston innovation ecosystem, and more.
2020-05-2032 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 31 - Paul A. Pavlou - Dean of the Bauer College of BusinessDean Paul Pavlou of Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston shares how the school quickly pivoted to online classes and services amid the COVID-19 crisis — and how he's taking that tech into future semesters.
2020-05-1334 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 30 - Megan Eddings and Amanda Cotler of Accel LifestyleSimilar to other startups across town that have made pivots amid the COVID-19 crisis, Accel Lifestyle, a Houston-based athletic wear company, has quickly designed facemasks and created them by the thousands for individuals, companies, and hospital systems. Founder and CEO Megan Eddings and Director of Operations Amanda Cotler share their story on today's episode.
2020-05-0623 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 29 - Amanda Ducach - Founder and CEO of SocialMamaAmanda Ducach has been juggling leading her startup, entertaining her toddler, and caring for the rest of her family — and she is not alone. SocialMama, which just launched a new expert program that allows users access to health care professionals, exist to help support and connect moms — especially in the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
2020-04-2931 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 28 - Lawson Gow - Founder of The CannonIt's not the best time to be in the coworking business, and Lawson Gow, founder of The Cannon, which has three locations in Houston, has seen better days for his business. What Lawson is more worried about, however, is how Houston's innovation ecosystem will weather the storm that is COVID-19.
2020-04-2225 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 27 - Josh Feinberg - Co-Founder of Tenavox and OtsoCOVID-19 forced closed the majority of small businesses' physical space, which takes away from their ability to generate revenue. But, rent is still due — as are landlords' payments to their lender. Josh Feinberg discusses this quandary and how he thinks relief efforts will play out. Plus, he introduces his new fintech startup that could provide a solution.
2020-04-1538 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 26 - Sean Guerre - Managing Director at InnovateEnergySean Guerre of Innovate Energy joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to share how energy startups are especially challenged in the current climate — from how COVID-19 is affecting business events to how the oversupply of oil is reeking havoc on the energy industry.
2020-04-0832 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 25 - Kim Raath - Founder and CEO of ToplKim Raath has transitioned to CEO of the startup she co-founded. She takes the helm of the blockchain-as-a-service company just as a global pandemic and expected recession is sweeping the planet, but to her, it's game on.
2020-04-0143 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 24 - Lance Black - Associate Director of TMCxLance Black leads the Texas Medical Center's startup accelerator program, TMCx, and he joins the show to explain how COVID-19 has affected the program — as well as to offer his advice to startups during this time. Lance also explains why this crisis is an important time for telehealth and remote care.
2020-03-2530 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 23 - Brittany Barreto - Venture Associate at Capital FactoryFormer startup founder Brittany Barreto discusses her passion for making Houston a hub for femtech innovation as well as expert info for founders on pitch decks and how to get involved with Capital Factory.
2020-03-1833 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 22 - Adam Gilles and Lance Richardson - Co-Founders of Hitched Inc.Fresh off a $5.5 million raise, Hitched Inc. is growing full speed ahead. Co-Founders Adam Gilles and Lance Richardson join the show to discuss what makes their technology so different and where they are headed in 2020.
2020-03-1134 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 21 - Reda Hicks - Founder of GotSpotReda Hicks has been to Austin's annual SXSW interactive festival and felt underrepresented as a female founder. Now, she's changing the game with Texas Female Founders Day on March 13.
2020-03-0432 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 20 - Harvin Moore - President of Houston ExponentialHarvin Moore, president of HX, joins the show to discuss the upcoming Houston Tech Rodeo. The week full of innovation-focused events takes place March 2 to 6, and Harvin shares his must-attend events and the story of how the week came to be.
2020-02-2636 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 19 - Alex Robart - CEO of AmbyintFresh off a $15 million series B raise, Alex Robart, a Houston-based entrepreneur, joins the podcast to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the energy industry, his plans for growth, and how he works with his twin brother on investing and at Ambyint.
2020-02-1935 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 18 - Gabriella Rowe - Executive Director of The IonGabriella Rowe has been busy — to say the least. The former CEO of Station Houston has transitioned into her role as executive director of The Ion, a 270,000-square-foot innovation hub being developed by Rice Management Company, following Station's merger with Austin-based Capital Factory. Gaby discusses the merger and how it's bringing Station back to its roots, as well as how she plans to position The Ion to be a diverse and inclusive environment and key component of Houston's innovation ecosystem.
2020-02-1239 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 17 - Marc Nathan - Vice President of Client Strategy at Egan NelsonThe Texas startup scene should be familiar with Marc Nathan's name — whether it's from his time at the Houston Technology Center, his work with startup lawyers in Austin, or his statewide innovation newsletter. On this episode, Marc shares his observations about Houston's evolving innovation ecosystem, gives his tips about SXSW, and more.
2020-02-0543 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 16 - Spencer Randall - Principal & Co-Founder of CryptoEQGetting involved with cryptocurrency might seem riskier than traditional investment platforms simply because it's a new and, to a lot of people, confusing. Spencer Randall, co-founder and principal of Houston-based CryptoEQ turned his passion for cryptocurrency into a business. Now, that business exists to guide cryptocurrency users and investors through this emerging world that's changing with new technologies.
2020-01-2925 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 15 - John Berger - CEO of SunnovaJohn Berger, CEO and founder of Sunnova, discusses how he scaled his residential solar energy startup all the way to IPO last year.
2020-01-2233 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 14 - Dorit Donoviel - Director of the Translational Research Institute for Space HealthThe Translational Research Institute for Space Health, or TRISH, is a NASA-backed, Houston-based organization that focuses on research within space health. TRISH's director, Dorit Donoviel, who is also an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Space Health, joins the podcast to discuss the future of space exploration and the challenges in the industry.
2020-01-1534 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 13 - Sandy Guitar Wallis - Managing Director of HX Venture FundAs managing director of the HX Venture Fund, Sandy Guitar Wallis oversees the portfolio for the fund of funds. With her 20-year career in venture capital, Wallis shares her expertise on the podcast — discussing everything from why the IPO process has slowed to what startups need to know about venture capital.
2020-01-0833 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 12 - Matthew Costello - CEO & Co-founder of VoyagerWith any maritime shipment, thousands of emails are exchanged between all the various companies involved in the shipping process. That, to Matthew Costello, is extremely inefficient. Costello co-founded Voyager, a software-as-a-service company based in Houston that allows for email-less communication that uses data analysis to enhance and streamline maritime shipping. Costello discusses his plans for the company in the new year and what it was like fundraising across the world.
2019-12-1829 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 11 - Roberta Schwartz - Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer of Houston Methodist HospitalRoberta Schwartz is cultivating new avenues of innovation within health care at Houston Methodist — from wearable technology and virtual reality to a human resources chatbot and a patient messaging platform. Schwartz discusses these new technologies — as well as a new tech hub the hospital system is working on to demonstrate the future of health care — in this episode.
2019-12-1131 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 10 - Emily Reiser - Senior Manager of Innovation Community Engagement at the Texas Medical CenterThe Texas Medical Center just celebrated five years of helping to drive health tech and innovation, but the TMC Innovation Institute isn't resting on its laurels. Emily Reiser joins the podcast to discuss her career, changes to the TMCx accelerator, new programs, her favorite health tech startups, and more.
2019-12-0430 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 9 - Andrew Bruce - CEO of Data GumboWhen Andrew Bruce was laid off during the energy downturn, he took that as a sign to start a company of his own — a blockchain-as-a-service startup within oil and gas. That company, Data Gumbo, has gone on to raise $9.3 million in venture capital, expand into the construction industry, and save its clients millions within its contracts operations. And, Andrew has big plans for where he's headed next with his business.
2019-11-2728 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 8 - Ody De La Paz - CEO of SensytecOdy De La Paz describes himself as a serial entrepreneur, and he turned his class project into a growing startup. Sensytec uses smart technology in cement, which can help prevent catastrophic events and save companies millions. Ody joins the show to discuss his experience with pitch competitions and accelerator programs and shares where his company is headed within the construction industry.
2019-11-2028 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 7 - Brad Rossacci - Creative Director of Accenture's Houston Innovation HubBrad Rossacci gets out of bed every day to explore the unexpected and simplify how humanity lives, works, and plays. As creative director of Accenture's Houston Innovation Hub, Brad combines science and technology with design to innovate. Brad comes on the podcast to discuss his winding career path and the Houston Digital Fight Club.
2019-11-1326 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 6 - Grace Rodriguez - CEO/Executive Director of Impact Hub HoustonGrace Rodriguez has had a winding career that's led her in and out of entrepreneurship in Houston. She discusses Impact Hub and the role it plays in Houston, as well as about upcoming programming the organization has, which includes The Houston Innovation Week November 18-24.
2019-11-0632 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 5 - Live from The Cannon Grand OpeningFor this week's episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast, we're mixing things up. InnovationMap Editor Natalie Harms reports live from The Cannon Houston's grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 24, to interview several entrepreneurs about their companies, which include Sapmok, DrySee, Bayardo Safety LLC, Statistical Vision, sEATz, Skippermyboat, Win-Win, Co-Counsel Potentia, MiTyket, and Four Tower LLC.
2019-10-3042 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 4 - Patrick Lewis - Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BBL VenturesThe energy industry is at an inflection point. With various challenges being hurdled at oil and gas companies, energy execs are looking for ways to innovate and evolve. That's what Patrick Lewis has seen when he co-founded BBL Ventures, a Houston-based venture group that's reverse engineer the innovation process within energy companies. Lewis joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to discuss his 25-year career in innovation, how he's seen the city transform, and what keeps him up at night.
2019-10-2345 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 3 - Rakesh Agrawal - Founder and CEO of SnapStreamRakesh Agrawal knows the ins and outs of Houston innovation. As the founder of SnapStream and an active investor, he's been on both sides of the table. In this episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast, Agrawal sheds some light on the Houston innovation ecosystem and breaks some news coming out of SnapStream.
2019-10-1634 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 2 - Samantha Lewis - Director of the GOOSE SocietyA key factor in growing an innovation ecosystem is having the funds to fuel startup growth. Samantha Lewis, director for The GOOSE Society of Texas — a local group of investors — and an entrepreneur herself, shares why Houston's major investment players need to help move the needle and how startups can get in front of these deep pockets.
2019-10-0931 minHouston Innovators PodcastEpisode 1 - Jon Nordby - Managing Director of MassChallenge HoustonIn the first episode of the new Houston Innovators Podcast, InnovationMap editor Natalie Harms sits down with Jon Nordby, managing director of MassChallenge Texas’ Houston program. Jon discusses the new accelerator’s impact on Houston, as well as why he’s pretty glad he didn’t decide to move to Austin. Catch more innovation news from Houston at InnovationMap.com.
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