BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Ion District - ECPv6.18.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://iondistrict.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ion District
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T183000
DTSTAMP:20261021T194215Z
CREATED:20261021T194215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T194215Z
UID:10006218-1794418200-1794421800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:First Principles: Inside the Texas A&M Space Institute
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/4gxizyq2 \nHouston is about to have something no other city has: football field sized lunar and Martian surface simulations\, built indoors next to Johnson Space Center. \nThe Texas A&M Space Institute is the first tenant of NASA’s Exploration Park. It’s a 400\,000 square foot facility built to let companies and researchers test hardware against the Moon and Mars without leaving Texas. Dr. Rob Ambrose\, the Institute’s Associate Director\, will walk through what’s being built\, how it will operate\, and where startups and industry fit in. \nFew people are better placed to explain it. Rob spent three decades at NASA Johnson Space Center\, where he led development of Robonaut and lunar rover prototypes and retired as Division Chief for Software\, Robotics and Simulation. Today he also directs space programs for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. \nFirst Principles is a Houston series on space\, semiconductors\, and robotics\, with technical talks and real Q&A for founders\, engineers\, operators\, and investors. Come with questions. \nWednesday\, November 11 · 5:30–6:30 PM · The Ion\, Midtown Houston. Space is limited; RSVP required.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/first-principles-inside-the-texas-am-space-institute/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/first_principles_rob_ambrose_luma.png?ver=1792609543
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T190000
DTSTAMP:20261102T224806Z
CREATED:20261102T223542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261102T224806Z
UID:10006232-1794504600-1794510000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Technology Transfer Thursdays
DESCRIPTION:​Houston’s top research institutions are driving the next wave of foundational computing breakthroughs. Join us at The Ion District for the third installment of Tech Transfer Thursday\, focused squarely on Computing: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies. \n​Whether you are an aspiring founder looking for proven IP to launch your venture\, an active entrepreneur seeking an unfair technical advantage\, or an investor tracking deep tech spinouts\, this event bridges the gap between lab discovery and market scale. \n​What to Expect \n​Demystifying Tech Transfer: Rice University Office of Technology Transfer will walk through how founders and companies can identify\, evaluate\, and license patented inventions\, algorithms\, and software from university portfolios. \n​Early-Stage IP & Startup Strategy: Keynote discussion led by Womble Bond Dickinson covering critical legal considerations for deep tech founders\, including company formation\, IP protection\, and avoiding costly early equity mistakes. \n​CounselConnect Launch: Official announcement of Rice OTT’s CounselConnect and the Startup Counsel Award. \n​Regional Faculty Innovation Showcase: Rapid-fire 5 to 7 minute spotlights from leading researchers presenting commercializable AI and Quantum projects out of Rice University \n​Agenda \n​5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception \n​Check in and connect with founders\, investors\, researchers\, and ecosystem leaders. \n​6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Tech Transfer & Legal Strategy \n​Overview: How to License University IP (Rice OTT) \n​Keynote: Startup Formation & IP Strategy (Womble Bond Dickinson) \n​Launch Announcement: CounselConnect & Startup Counsel Award \n​6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Faculty Technology Showcase \n​Short-form spotlights on emerging AI & Quantum Computing IP across Texas research institutions. \n​7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Community Happy Hour \n​Open networking and strategic connections. \n​Location & Time \n​Date: Thursday\, November 12\, 2026 \n​Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST \n​Location: The Ion District | Room 032 | 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX 77002 \n​Parking: Free 3 hour parking
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/technology-transfer-thursdays/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/nov12tech-transfer-thursday-general-flyer.png?ver=1793223121
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261116T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261116T130000
DTSTAMP:20261028T172809Z
CREATED:20261028T172809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261028T172809Z
UID:10006228-1794826800-1794834000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Entrepreneurship Roundtable with OPEN
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: https://luma.com/uah9mtju \nThis event will be a facilitated discussion bringing together founders\, builders\, and innovators to explore what it takes to create\, scale\, and sustain meaningful ventures. Every roundtable will have different topics of discussion as well. Here is the following criteria for individuals to join: \n​1. Emerging Founders \n– ​Actively developing a startup\, product\, or business concept \n– ​May be pre-revenue or early revenue (<$500K ARR)\nCommitted to launching or validating their idea within the next 12 months \n​2. Established Entrepreneurs \n– ​Have founded or co-founded a company (past or present)\n– ​Are seeking to scale\, pivot\, or build their “next best thing”\n– ​Have raised funding\, bootstrapped\, or achieved meaningful revenue milestones \n​3. Intrapreneurs & Innovators \n– ​Corporate or technical professionals building new initiatives\, divisions\, or technologies within their organizations\n– ​Interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship or investing in early-stage ventures \n​Those who are selected will be sent a link to purchase their optional lunch ticket for $20. The cost is to cover the food. If you opt out of lunch\, the event is free.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/entrepreneurship-roundtable-with-open-5/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Entrepreneurship_Roundtable_Promo-1.png?ver=1793136493
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T193000
DTSTAMP:20261021T202050Z
CREATED:20261021T202050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T202050Z
UID:10006216-1794938400-1794943800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Houston Pitch Nights at The Ion: What Goes Into Your Pitch Deck
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/fwo5t7zm​ \nHello friends! \n​Join us for our 3rd meetup\, where we’ll explore the key “ingredients” of a successful pitch deck\, including the all-important “secret sauce.” \n​You will learn the essential slide structure every startup needs for investor presentations and discover how to effectively showcase your unique problem\, solution\, and market opportunity. \n​You’ll collaborate with fellow founders at The Ion to refine your core messaging and get actionable feedback to create a compelling\, investment-ready slide deck.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/houston-pitch-nights-at-the-ion-what-goes-into-your-pitch-deck/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/HPN-11-17.jpg?ver=1792598468
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T190000
DTSTAMP:20260114T172310Z
CREATED:20260113T213748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T172310Z
UID:10004451-1795021200-1795028400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-9/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T183000
DTSTAMP:20261029T202405Z
CREATED:20261029T202405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T202405Z
UID:10006238-1795023000-1795026600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Perfecting Your Pitch
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur\, a visionary startup owner\, or a tech aficionado\, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck. \nAbout the Speakers \nDr. Doug Franklin \n“Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management\, marketing\, and operations experience\, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola\, ExxonMobil\, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST. \nDerrell Noris \nWith more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development\, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further. \nNicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr. \nNick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC\, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction\, Technology\, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/perfecting-your-pitch-37/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 028\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_8090-scaled.jpg?ver=1747613455
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T190000
DTSTAMP:20260824T153141Z
CREATED:20260824T153141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T153141Z
UID:10005592-1795078800-1795114800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Houston Startup Speedrun
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wades-houston-startup-speedrun-at-the-ion-tickets-1988360089553?aff=erelexpmlt \nThe Houston Startup Speedrun is an intensive and fast-paced program designed to provide both early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive understanding of the Startup Founder’s Journey and the Houston startup ecosystem through a carefully curated curriculum consisting of 10 consecutive 50-minute sessions. Wade Pinder\, your host and facilitator\, is an experienced and trusted ecosystem guide for many Houston-based stakeholders. With a focus on efficiency and accommodating the schedules of full-time working professionals\, this program aims to quickly give you a “lay of the land” while preparing you for your entrepreneurial journey.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/houston-startup-speedrun-10/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wade-Houston-Startup-Speedrun.avif?ver=1741041257
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261120T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261120T110000
DTSTAMP:20260824T153357Z
CREATED:20260824T153357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T153357Z
UID:10005595-1795168800-1795172400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Mapping Houston's Innovation Ecosystem
DESCRIPTION:Facilitated by Wade Pinder\, Ion’s Mentor in Residence \nHouston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself\, full of opportunities\, resources\, and talent. Yet\, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur\, investor\, educator\, student\, community leader or curious professional\, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it. \nDiscover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow\nFacilitated by Wade Pinder\, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence\, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management\, community building\, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table\, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration. \nThe heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving\, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps\, sharing knowledge\, and adding their insights. \nThis session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey\, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital\, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling\, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business\, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally\, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks\, support systems\, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth. \nIon’s Vision\nHelping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections\, creating opportunities\, and sharing perspectives\, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey. \nFrom forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business\, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation\, attract talent\, and build a vibrant ecosystem. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis session is ideal for: \n\nEntrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.\nInvestors curious about the local startup landscape.\nProfessionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.\nAnyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.\nInnovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.\nCommunity leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.\n\nRegister today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem\, uncover its flow\, and help shape its future.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/mapping-houstons-innovation-ecosystem-9/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 027\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mapping-Houston-Website-scaled.jpg?ver=1739378156
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T190000
DTSTAMP:20261104T185628Z
CREATED:20261026T011707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261104T185628Z
UID:10006223-1796225400-1796238000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Mercury Fund Day at the Ion: Middle America and the Vertical Era of AI
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to “Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury\, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation. \nThis month\, join us for a Fireside chat with Jack Selby\, managing director\, Thiel Capital; managing partner\, Copper Sky Capital. \nOne of the original\, “PayPal Mafia\,” Jack Selby is now the managing director of Thiel Capital\, the family office of Peter Thiel. He is also the founder and managing partner of Copper Sky Capital\, an Arizona-based VC firm focused on funding the next wave of great entrepreneurs in Middle America. Moderated by Blair Garrou\, co-founder and Managing Partner of Mercury Fund\, the first institutional VC to carve out Middle America as a region unto itself. This fireside chat will explore Jack and Peter’s vision for entrepreneurs outside the coasts and how Copper Sky Capital is seeking to meet them on their own terms\, not Silicon Valley’s terms. \nWhat is it: Mercury Fund Day\, previously known as Software Day\, is a monthly series driving the support\, inspiration\, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid\, sustainable growth. Each month\, Mercury Fund Day will include office hours (by application)\, a keynote session\, and networking. \nEach month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising\, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey.\n \nAfterward\, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught\, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer\, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, investors\, and industry professionals\, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture. \n Apply for Office Hours: \nPrior to the fireside chat\, a select group of early-stage software startups will participate in office hours. Over the course of 2-hours\, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Startups are invited to apply to participate here.\n\n“Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors\, promising startups\, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/mercury-fund-day-at-the-ion-middle-america-and-the-vertical-era-of-ai/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Keynote,Mentorship,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ION-26_MercuryFundDay_MiddleAmericaAI_12-2_Website_V1.jpg?ver=1793818566
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261215T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261215T183000
DTSTAMP:20260615T184335Z
CREATED:20260126T192036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T184335Z
UID:10004777-1797355800-1797359400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-13/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T190000
DTSTAMP:20260824T153203Z
CREATED:20260824T153203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T153203Z
UID:10005593-1797498000-1797534000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Houston Startup Speedrun
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wades-houston-startup-speedrun-at-the-ion-tickets-1988360089553?aff=erelexpmlt \nThe Houston Startup Speedrun is an intensive and fast-paced program designed to provide both early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive understanding of the Startup Founder’s Journey and the Houston startup ecosystem through a carefully curated curriculum consisting of 10 consecutive 50-minute sessions. Wade Pinder\, your host and facilitator\, is an experienced and trusted ecosystem guide for many Houston-based stakeholders. With a focus on efficiency and accommodating the schedules of full-time working professionals\, this program aims to quickly give you a “lay of the land” while preparing you for your entrepreneurial journey.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/houston-startup-speedrun-11/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wade-Houston-Startup-Speedrun.avif?ver=1741041257
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261218T110000
DTSTAMP:20260824T153419Z
CREATED:20260824T153419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T153419Z
UID:10005596-1797588000-1797591600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Mapping Houston's Innovation Ecosystem
DESCRIPTION:Facilitated by Wade Pinder\, Ion’s Mentor in Residence \nHouston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself\, full of opportunities\, resources\, and talent. Yet\, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur\, investor\, educator\, student\, community leader or curious professional\, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it. \nDiscover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow\nFacilitated by Wade Pinder\, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence\, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management\, community building\, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table\, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration. \nThe heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving\, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps\, sharing knowledge\, and adding their insights. \nThis session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey\, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital\, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling\, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business\, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally\, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks\, support systems\, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth. \nIon’s Vision\nHelping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections\, creating opportunities\, and sharing perspectives\, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey. \nFrom forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business\, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation\, attract talent\, and build a vibrant ecosystem. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis session is ideal for: \n\nEntrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.\nInvestors curious about the local startup landscape.\nProfessionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.\nAnyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.\nInnovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.\nCommunity leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.\n\nRegister today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem\, uncover its flow\, and help shape its future.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/mapping-houstons-innovation-ecosystem-10/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 027\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,General Community,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mapping-Houston-Website-scaled.jpg?ver=1739378156
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR