Climatetech Angel Investing: From Pitch Deck to Deal Memo
2024-06-18 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you passionate about fueling the future of climate technology? Join us at Greentown Labs Houston for the third workshop in the Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program!
In this session we’ll be learning from host Nisha Desai, Founder and CEO of Intention, and Somesh Singh with TiE Houston. Somesh is an angel investor, C-Suite executive, founder, board director and advisor for global public and private companies. TiE Houston is a nonprofit venture devoted to entrepreneurs in all industries, at all stages, throughout the entrepreneurial life cycle. With a global reach and a local focus, the heart of TiE efforts lies in its five foundational programs, – Mentoring, Networking, Education, Funding, and Incubation.
​​We’ll dive deep into the process of evaluating and investing in groundbreaking climatetech startups. From analyzing pitch decks to crafting deal memos, you’ll gain invaluable insights and tools to support innovative climate solutions.
​The Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program 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.
​This 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. Join the program here.
​Questions? Please reach out to Greentown Labs Investor Program Manager, Dan Cliff (dcliff@greentownlabs.com).
​Please note: By registering for this event, you consent to your name, title, and company/organization being shared with other event attendees. You consent to your image or likeness being used in content associated with the event. You release Greentown Labs and all partners from any and all liability stemming from any event-related incident.

Visionary Voices: Leading Authentically with Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill
2024-06-20 15:30 - 18:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Celebrate Pride Month with a special edition of Ion’s “Visionary Voices” speaker series, featuring a powerful conversation between two leaders who’ve paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in their respective fields – Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill and former Houston Mayor Annise Parker.
A trailblazer in the energy sector, Meg O’Neill’s leadership journey at Woodside has been marked by her commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. As one of the most senior, openly gay leaders in the energy industry, Meg has set the global stage in creating a culture which encourages employees to show up authentically. Mayor Parker will reflect on her own journey as one of the first openly gay mayors of a major U.S. city and a seasoned veteran of the energy sector, as she moderates this discussion with Meg.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the unique experiences and milestones that have shaped both Meg and Annise’s remarkable careers, as well as the importance of visibility and representation in corporate leadership and public service. From driving meaningful change and success in business to championing inclusion, they will explore the profound impact of embracing one’s true self and how diversity enriches leadership and organizational culture.
Key Topics Include:

Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
Navigating Intersectionality in the Energy Industry
The Power of Visibility and Representation
Strategies for Fostering Inclusivity in Corporate Culture

Perfecting Your Pitch
2024-06-20 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-07-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
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.
About the Speakers
Dr. Doug Franklin
“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.
Derrell Noris
With 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.
Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr.
Nick 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.

Houston VR Meetup at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-06-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you captivated by the endless possibilities of Virtual Reality?
Join us at the Ion Prototyping Lab for a monthly Houston VR meetup. Join a diverse community for an engaging session of hardware trials, captivating demos, and engaging discussions, all revolving around the latest trends and advancements in Virtual and Augmented Reality.
All are welcome to attend, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast, a budding developer, or simply curious about the realm of Virtual Reality.
This month’s meeting includes informative presentations that will delve into the realm of both current and forthcoming VR and AR hardware and software, providing attendees with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of these technologies.
Mark your calendars and become part of the virtual revolution. We look forward to seeing you at the next Houston VR meetup!

Cup of Joey
2024-06-21 08:30 - 10:30, 2024-06-28 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.

SCORE Office Hours
2024-06-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-06-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-06-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is at no cost, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Houston Robotics Group at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-06-22 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-29 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-06 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Innovate, Collaborate, and Learn: Weekly Meetings at Ion Prototyping Lab!
Join the Houston Robotics Group for an exciting exploration of a diverse range of projects! Whether you’re interested in software development, AI/Deep Learning, electronics, mechanics, drones, or automation, our group offers a welcoming and supportive community to pursue your passions.
Should you require assistance with your projects, fear not! The Houston Robotics Group is composed of highly skilled experts in various domains, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, motor controls, 3D printing & design, coding, electronics, board assembly, and debugging.
Additionally, we’re well-versed in Jetson Nano, Deep Learning, and various cutting-edge technologies. Our passion for robotics and related fields drives us to continuously push boundaries and explore new possibilities together.
Join the Houston Robotics Group today and immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the world of robotics and beyond!

State of AI - Generating Real Business Value with AI
2024-06-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This comprehensive one-day free event organized by the Houston-based CODE Group is designed to equip decision-makers, C-level executives, and software developers with strategies to harness AI effectively. The event kicks off with a keynote from Markus Egger, Microsoft Regional Director, on “Harnessing AI for Tangible Business Outcomes,” setting the stage by demonstrating how AI can integrate seamlessly into business applications to enhance productivity and innovation.
Further sessions include:
• How to Fail at AI – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• How to Succeed in AI – AI and Copilot Business Value in the Real World
• Realizing the Value of AI: Strategies, Successes, and Lessons Learned
• AI-Based Development: Building Software of Value with AI
This day promises to transform your understanding of AI from a buzzword to a fundamental business tool. Join us to explore actionable ways to leverage AI for genuine business impact.
Register Here: https://codemag.com/event/SOAIHouston24

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2024-06-25 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-02 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-09 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is free, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Ion Bike Club
2024-06-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a 45-minute guided cruise led by BikeHouston around the expanding Ion District and Midtown neighborhoods.
The ride is suitable for all ages, and limited BCycle bikes are available onsite for rental.
We’ll meet up on the Ion Plaza just outside of Second Draught. Following the ride, participants are eligible for a 15% discount on beverages at Second Draught!

NASA Tech Talks: Microbes in Space
2024-06-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.

Featured Program: Microbes in Space!

Characterization of the International Space Station (ISS) microbiome has been enabled by culture-based sampling followed by Earth-based analysis. As human exploration pushes beyond low-Earth orbit, microbial-related crew health, planetary protection, and space research questions require in situ capabilities. Steps toward reducing Earth-dependence for complex sample analysis began in 2016 with the amplification of DNA within the miniPCR thermal cycler and DNA sequencing with the MinION sequencer onboard the ISS; for both, samples were prepared on Earth.

In 2017, these platforms synergistically enabled the in situ identification of unknown bacteria collected and cultured from ISS surfaces, thereby shifting the paradigm that microbial cultures had to be returned to Earth. The following year, a culture-independent, swab-to- sequencer method further advanced spaceflight microbiology, demonstrating that culturing could be excluded and providing enhanced insight into the bacterial profile of ISS surfaces. Following the success of these investigations, these methods have been expanded and utilized for routine microbial monitoring of both ISS surfaces and water. Additionally, capabilities have been expanded for whole genome and shotgun metagenomic analyses. This seminar will focus on the efforts toward advancing modern microbiome profiling onboard the ISS, the data collected to date, and future efforts to expand sample type and nanopore sequencing applications.

About the Speakers

Dr. Sarah Wallace serves as a technical lead in the Microbiology Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is responsible for mitigating infectious disease risk during human spaceflight. Her responsibilities include the assessment of microbial risk based on vehicle and mission architectures as well as crewmember, food, and environmental monitoring. These assessments are used to develop requirements for NASA and commercial spaceflight vehicles, including the International Space Station. In addition to her operational support of human spaceflight, Dr. Wallace leads new technology initiatives for her discipline with the goal of reducing Earth-dependence for complex sample analysis. She has served as PI for numerous spaceflight investigations, including those to increase off-planet molecular biology capabilities.

Houston Methodist Office Hours
2024-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at Ion on select Friday mornings for Office Hours to meet with the Center for Innovation team.
Do you have an idea for an innovative healthcare solution? Do you work on technology in another industry that could be applicable to healthcare? Do you want to learn more about how hospital systems work with innovators? Come meet with us!
NOTE: Due to limited availability, please only sign-up for one session. Each time slot is assigned so please respect your specific timed session. If you are on the waitlist, we will inform you prior to the session if a spot is available. Thank you for your understanding.

Sewn Goods Office Hours at Ion Prototyping Lab
2024-06-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Do you have a new product idea you want to bring to life but don’t know where to start?
IPL+HTX Sewn Goods Office Hours are here to help!
Ion Prototyping Lab is partnering with HTX Sewn Goods team to turn your idea into a tangible prototype. During office hours, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss cutting, sourcing, material, construction, and production options. Plus, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the prototyping process and the next steps you need to take to bring your product to market.

Code4Y'all: Introduction to Machine Learning for Web Developers with TensorFlow.js
2024-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
Are you interested in exploring how to integrate machine learning into your web development projects with TensorFlow.js?
This session will cover the basics of AI and machine learning, demonstrate how to use TensorFlow.js models, and introduce key concepts like custom models and transfer learning. It is perfect for web developers looking to enhance their applications with AI capabilities.
Please register in advance as seats are limited. Code4y’all welcomes everyone.

Cup of Joey
2024-07-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for Cup of Joey in July, hosted by Jonathon Lewis + JetQuest.
Register and check-in a cup of coffee and breakfast taco from Late August, on us!
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.

SCORE, SBA, and SBDC Office Hours
2024-07-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
Resource tables include:

The Small Business Administration
SCORE
Small Business Development Center

How to Start a Startup and Happy Hour
2024-07-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
You have an idea…now what? Before 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.
Join us for a Happy Hour, sponsored by JP Morgan.
Target Audience:

Startups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot
Community Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next, small business owners
Corporate Innovators: intrapreneurs, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change
Academic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup

About the Speakers:
Heath Butler, Mercury Fund
Heath 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.
Prior 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.
Outside of Mercury, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active start-up mentor, including the Houston innovation community, 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.
Wade Pinder, Product Houston
With over 30 years of experience in product management and IT, Wade is a seasoned professional who leads and mentors teams to deliver innovative and customer-centric solutions.
As a co-founder of the Houston Product Community, he is passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise in product management, agile development and scrum with other professionals and aspiring product owners. Wade holds certifications in Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), and Emotional Intelligence, and has developed products for ecommerce, finance, esports, commercial real estate and healthcare. Wade’s specialties include product vision, strategy, road mapping, backlog management, mentoring, public speaking, and problem-solving.

Buying and Selling Businesses
2024-07-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Lenny Saizan, Business Broker and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, for an informative presentation on selling and buying businesses.
The process of selling and buying a business includes many steps and involves collaboration and coordination of professionals across various disciplines. Quite often, sellers and buyers in the market are going through the process for the very first time. Business owners typically have most of their wealth tied to their business; therefore, it is important that they maximize the value of the business and properly plan their exit strategy. For buyers, entrepreneurship through business acquisition is a less risky path to business ownership that increases the probability of success and generates positive cash flow on day one. Business acquisition is also a good strategy for business owners to grow their existing business. Lenny Saizan will discuss the process of selling and buying a business, highlight challenges and mistakes to avoid, and present the benefits of working with an intermediary. If you are a business owner, prospective buyer, or small business service provider, this event will be beneficial to you.
During the session, you can expect discussion on the following:

Market overview
When to prepare to sell or buy
What makes a company valuable
How companies are valued
Overview on how to recast financial statements
The sales process
The deal team
Taxes and insurance considerations

About the speaker
Lenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN), an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston, where he assists business owners with exit planning, value maximization, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises.
Before establishing UCN and his business brokerage, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in automation, controls, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls, as well as audit.
Lenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal.
