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How to Start a Startup: Closing Corporate Contracts

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Category: Academic Network, Corporate Innovators, Founders & Startups, General Community, Investors & Capital, Networking, Start Here

Free

How to Start a Startup

WHEN

Wednesday

February 18, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CST

WHERE

4201 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002

what

As part of Black History Month, this event is a special addition to Heath Butler’s How to Start a Startup, highlighting real-world strategies founders use.

Hosted by Heath Butler of Mercury Fund and Zach Ellis of South Loop Ventures, learn how founders win enterprise deals, manage long sales cycles with confidence, and turn pilot programs into predictable, recurring revenue.

Speakers:

  • Cameron Badger, Co-Founder of Praxispro
  • Paulin Byusa, Co-Founder of Nucleus
  • Rashaun Brown, Co-Founder of Screen Skinz

Photo/Video Release

By entering the premises, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded.

You agree that such photography, film and/or recording may be used, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, for any purpose whatsoever by Rice University and its affiliates without compensation to you.

You release Rice University and its affiliates and their successors, assigns and licensees from any liability in connection with such photography, film or other recording.

Do not enter this area if you do not wish to be subject to the foregoing.

PARKING

Ion District Parking Garage

Enter 4111 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to this parking garage, located a block from the Ion. Parking in the Ion District Garage is free for the first two hours.

Red Parking Lot

Enter 4203 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to the red parking lot, located across the street from the Ion. This lot is for overflow guest parking and tenant parking and is free for the first three hours.

For information and access to pay online for parking in the red lot, click here.