Ion District

FirstCheck: Smart Angels Do Smart Deals (Online Only)
2026-07-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/6qr1fm8g​
This is the class where you stop learning about investing and start operating like a Smart Angel Investor.
You’ll learn how disciplined investors evaluate opportunities and begin making your own invest-or-pass decisions. After this course, you’ll have structured evaluation criteria, the ability to justify a decision, and the beginning of an investor’s discipline.

NASA Tech Talks: Optimizing Sensorimotor Performance During Space Exploration
2026-07-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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.
Living in an altered gravity environment, such as microgravity or the lunar surface, drives adaptative changes in how the brain utilizes sensory information to maintain spatial awareness and control of movement. Dr. Scott Wood will describe how these challenges may impact critical mission tasks astronauts are required to complete, and some of the technology that has been developed to optimize their performance while mitigating these sensorimotor risks. The development of assessment and interventional tools has benefitted from clinical developments to support patient populations. The need for more autonomous operations during exploration missions will also motivate future opportunities for technology sharing with terrestrial medicine.
Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!
About the Speakers
Scott Wood is a neuroscientist for NASA’s Human Health and Performance Directorate at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. He has been the Co-Lead for the Crew Health Countermeasures portfolio for the Mars Campaign Office charged with developing technologies and countermeasures for exploration missions. He is also the Sensorimotor Discipline Lead for the Health and Countermeasures Element with the Human Research Program (HRP). As part of the Neuroscience Laboratory, he has participated in numerous flight studies and supports neurological functional tests used for medical assessments. Dr. Wood began his research career at NASA while completing his doctorate at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. In addition to his spaceflight research, he has also conducted research in clinical and military aerospace laboratories.
Montgomery B. Goforth has more than 40 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of highly technical space and defense-related efforts. After working for a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1990. He has held leadership positions in multiple JSC Directorates and Program Offices. In his previous role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. Mr. Goforth is now serving as Acting Director of the Business Development & Technology Integration Office at JSC, and as the JSC Chief Technologist. In these capacities he will be helping to expand the Houston Aerospace Community through the identification of opportunities to develop space/terrestrial technologies of interest to JSC and Human Space Exploration. Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987).
About NASA Tech Talks
In these presentations, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges, and the associated opportunities, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight. Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as:

From Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise
Disruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment: The New Promise of Graphene
Lunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter
Lunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:
Microbes in Space

Angel Investing 101
2026-07-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Conference Room 032, 4201 Main St, Houston
Register here: https://luma.com/w1itcerp
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.
Join 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.
This session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders:

Prospective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing
Investment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients
Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals
Entrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors

Ion District Investor Activation Program:
The 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.
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.
If 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.

Greater Houston Business Procurement Breakfast
2026-07-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the B2G Victory Team and come by their table at the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBP).
Breakfast Served: 8:00AM- 9:00AM
The GHBP is excited to:

Provide a venue that “Makes Business Happen” for Houston’s small and minority business community and the community at large.
Connects key contacts that lead to contracts and financing
Facilitate management and technical assistance
Assist in the growth and development of the Houston Community
Generates real business Success Stories

For more information about the Greater Houston Business Procurement (GHBP) Forum, visit: https://ghbpf.org/contact/#calendar-fe92efaa-617b-4a09-bd7f-7e198bdab716-event-m681n7cz

NASA Office Hours
2026-07-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday, join us for NASA’s office hours, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups with NASA’s elite experts, capabilities, and technology.

License the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own projects.
Partner for Growth: Explore how to grow your own goals and NASA’s mission together by leveraging unique human spaceflight capabilities and expertise from NASA Johnson Space Center.
Build the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space ecosystem.

Come with a vision, leave with a partnership.
Just come walk up and say hello, or sign up in advance here.

SCORE Office Hours
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
About SCORE Office Hours
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)

Rice Tech Transfer Office Hours
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Have an idea, startup, or company looking for innovative technology? Meet with the Rice University Office of Technology Transfer during office hours at The Ion to explore how university research can power your next breakthrough.
Our team works with startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies to help commercialize cutting-edge technologies developed at Rice. During these office hours, you can:
Discover Available Technologies – Learn about Rice innovations available for licensing across fields like health, energy, engineering, and computing.
Understand the Licensing Process – Get a clear walkthrough of how to license university technology and what is required to move forward.
Explore Collaboration Opportunities – Discuss potential partnerships with Rice researchers and ways to turn research into real-world products.
Whether you’re building a startup, scouting new technology, or exploring research partnerships, stop by and connect with our team.
Come with a question, leave with a path to commercialization.
Stay connected and hear about new technologies available for licensing: https://mailchi.mp/rice/new-email-signup-page

Mapping Houston's Innovation Ecosystem
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion – Conference Room 027, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, Ion’s Mentor in Residence
Houston’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.
Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow
Facilitated 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.
The 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.
This 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.
Ion’s Vision
Helping 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.
From 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.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.
Investors curious about the local startup landscape.
Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.
Anyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.
Community leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.

Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00am
📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX
Register today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem, uncover its flow, and help shape its future.

⭕️Cybersecurity Circle⭕️
2026-07-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Our mission is to DEFEAT CYBER CRIMINALS by making cybersecurity knowledge accessible and relatable to everyone. This event creates a supportive environment for individuals starting their cybersecurity journey, those transitioning into the field, and professionals navigating job transitions—including those rebuilding confidence after layoffs. Together, we strengthen our collective defense against cyber threats while fostering career growth and community connections.
The ⭕️Cybersecurity Circle⭕️ unites practitioners of all levels in an inclusive community committed to defeating cybercrime through shared knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning. Together, we’re securing our digital world—one hack at a time

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2026-07-17 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-03 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 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.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

ENRG HTX - July 2026
2026-07-17 08:30 - 10:00 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/enrg-htx-july-2026-tickets-1992082402090?aff=oddtdtcreator
ENRG (Entrepreneurial Networking Resource Group) is a community for entrepreneurs with 10-250 employees running on EOS or EOS Curious.

ENRG (pronounced energy) is here to stay in Houston!
Erick Garcia, Lesa A Skipper and Craig Ceccanti are teaming up to build the Houston ENRG Chapter and we could not be more excited to invite entrepreneurs running on EOS or EOS Curious to this collaborative room! Join us on July 17th at 8:30am at the Ion District (Downstairs 028) for the first meeting!
What is ENRG?
The vision is to establish an ENRG (Entrepreneurial Networking Resource Group) in Houston for entrepreneurs with 10-250 employees. This is a free EOS Worldwide aligned community for entrepreneurs led by one EOS Implementer and one Integrator.
Each monthly meeting includes:
– Practical training on an EOS tools
– Peer-to-peer issue solving
– Valuable networking
– Content that helps move the needle on your business
– Exposure to Subject Matter Experts
No sales pitches here though, we’re here to help all tides rise!
This is WHERE entrepreneurs find the WHOs and the HOWs to move their business forward.

Houston Linux User Group
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you interested or already invested in the Linux Operating System?
Join us at the Houston Linux User Group, one of the oldest user groups involved with the Linux Operating System. We discuss new trends in operating system usage, software development, and current technological trends, as well as provide one-on-one training or class-based instruction. Learn about how to get more out of your computer or how to leverage any of the Linux-based computational platforms.
All are welcome to attend, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned Linux professional intent on networking or a new Linux user struggling with installation or the command line.
This monthly meeting includes all of the standard Houston Linux User Group meeting activities, which include meet-and-greet, presentations of personal projects, multi-meeting classes, as well as organizational and coordinating announcements.
Visit our website at: https://www.houstonlinux.org/
Visit our calendar and the agenda of each week’s meeting at: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=houstonlinuxusergroup@gmail.com
Join us on social media.
Discord: https://discord.gg/MPzYfeJz
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/houstonlinuxusergroup/

Perfecting Your Pitch
2026-07-15 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.

Why Networking Isn’t Turning Into Deals — And What To Do Instead
2026-07-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991195256614?aff=oddtdtcreator
Networking is one of the most common business development activities in oil & gas, energy, and industrial sectors. But for many companies, networking is not consistently turning into real opportunities.
You’re attending events.
You’re meeting people.
You’re having conversations.
You’re building relationships.
But the pipeline does not always reflect it.
This session is designed to break down why networking often fails to convert into deals—and what companies can do differently to turn conversations into qualified opportunities and real business development momentum.
Because networking alone is not a strategy. A strong relationship can open the door, but without structure, follow-up, and clear movement, opportunities often stall before they ever become real pipeline.
What You’ll Learn
Why networking alone does not create predictable growth
The difference between visibility, conversations, and actual pipeline
Where most companies lose momentum after an event or introduction
How to follow up in a way that creates real opportunities
How to turn relationships into qualified conversations and deal flow
What a simple system looks like for moving from connection to opportunity
Who Should Attend
Oil & gas operators and service companies
Energy and industrial organizations
Executives, business development leaders, and sales teams
Founders and operators responsible for growth
Companies that attend events, conferences, and industry gatherings but want better conversion from those conversations
Event Format
30–40 minute presentation
15–20 minute discussion and Q&A
Optional networking following the session
About the Speaker
Jada Powell is the Founder of Powell Consulting Group, where she works with oil & gas, energy, and industrial companies to build structured, repeatable business development systems that drive consistent pipeline and revenue growth.
Her work focuses on helping mid-market companies move beyond relationship-driven growth into more scalable, measurable commercial strategies.
This session is part of The Pipeline Series: How Oil & Gas Companies Actually Grow Revenue, a monthly in-person series at The Ion focused on helping oil & gas, energy, and industrial companies create more consistent pipeline, stronger follow-up, and better conversion from conversations to revenue.

FirstCheck: Investor Foundations (Online Only)
2026-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Register here: https://luma.com/gcko92gv
Before you invest in anything, you need to understand how smart angel investing actually works. Not the mythology, the mechanics. This course gives you that foundation. ​Participants gain clarity on:
​How early-stage investing functions ​
The role investors play in innovation and wealth creation
​Whether this asset class aligns with their long-term goals
​The simple methodology that creates a more intentional entry point into investing ​
You’ll leave this class with a clear picture of how capital flows, how returns are generated, and whether this asset class belongs in your long-term strategy.

Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
2026-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, Wade Pinder, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, students, professionals, investors, community leaders, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get started.

The tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources, events, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases, coworking spaces, public areas, and the on-site restaurants and bars.
About Wade Pinder
Wade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management, community building, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and innovation.
The Vision of the Ion
Powered by Rice University, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston.

The Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent, academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
What to Expect

Coworking Spaces: Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and creativity.
Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking, inspiration, and community events.
Restaurants and Bars: Experience the on-site dining options that make the Ion a lively hub.

Through its programs and partnerships, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build, solve, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching, accelerating to sustaining, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into reality.

Whether you have a promising product, an intriguing technology, a budding business idea, or are simply curious about the Ion and its offerings, this tour will provide valuable insights into how the Ion can help connect your “What-ifs” with “What now.” Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and be inspired by Houston’s innovation ecosystem.

Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup at Second Draught
2026-07-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/timbergrove
Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup – Monthly Social 🍻
No stage. No slides. No panels.
Just upstream operators, engineers, founders, and digital leaders getting together over beer and pizza.
This is the informal side of the Upstream Digital Tech community. A casual, vendor-light happy hour for people navigating digital change in oil and gas and wanting real conversations.
It’s not a presentation. It’s not a pitch night.
It’s a room full of people who are actually doing the work.
A place to:
• Meet others working at the intersection of upstream and technology
• Trade field stories, lessons learned, and hard truths
• Talk AI, IoT, data, automation, and deployment realities
• Build real relationships without a formal agenda
Whether you’re deploying technology, evaluating it, building it, or leading teams through it, you’ll fit right in.
Come as you are.
Bring a friend.
Stay as long as you like.
📍 Second Draught @ The Ion District, Midtown Houston
🗓️ Second Thursday of every month | ⏰ 5:30 PM
👉 Reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Buying and Selling Businesses
2026-07-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Lenny Saizan, owner of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston, Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, and creator of the Legacy Maximizer exit strategy, for a practical, real-world discussion on selling and buying businesses.
Selling or acquiring a business is one of the most significant financial decisions most entrepreneurs will ever make, yet many owners and buyers go through the process for the first time without a clear roadmap. This session breaks down the transaction process from both sides of the table and highlights how thoughtful planning, proper valuation, and coordinated advice can materially impact outcomes.
For business owners, the discussion centers on how to maximize enterprise value, prepare for a future exit, and align business decisions with personal wealth, tax, and legacy goals. For buyers, the session explores entrepreneurship through acquisition, including how buying an existing business can reduce risk, generate immediate cash flow, and serve as a growth strategy for current operators.
Drawing on his experience as a business broker, investment advisor, and financial professional, Lenny connects the technical aspects of M&A with broader exit planning and wealth strategy considerations, helping attendees understand not just how transactions work, but how they fit into a bigger financial picture.
Topics include:

Current market conditions and buyer demand
When to prepare to sell or buy
Key drivers of business value
How businesses are valued in the real world
Recasting and normalizing financial statements
Overview of the sales and acquisition process
The role of advisors and the deal team
Tax, insurance, and planning considerations before and after a transaction

This session is ideal for business owners considering a sale now or in the future, prospective buyers exploring acquisition, and professionals who support small business owners through growth and transition.
Presenter

Lenny Saizan is the owner and lead broker of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston, where he advises business owners on exit planning, value maximization, and business sales, and supports buyers pursuing acquisitions and franchises. He is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, an investment firm focused on expanding access to private investment opportunities.
Earlier in his career, Lenny spent two decades in engineering, automation, and oil and gas, leading teams across operational controls, financial controls, and audit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. His credentials include Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Project Management Professional. In 2025, he was recognized as Deal Maker of The Year at Houston Dealmakers conference.

What AI, Cybersecurity, and Tequila Have in Common.
2026-07-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/0rfy7te0
Most companies treat AI like a shortcut to growth: it delivers immediate results, but the long-term operational fallout is brutal.
​Everyone is caught up in the rush, plugging automated tools into critical infrastructure without checking the foundation. But speed without security isn’t progress, it’s an open invitation for cyber threats. It’s time to face the structural reality.
​Join Blue People and Alpfa Houston for an unfiltered session with Reynaldo Gonzalez, an industry veteran with 18+ years of experience securing critical infrastructure.
​The Realities We’re Breaking Down:
​AI doesn’t change the value of knowledge; it changes the value of curiosity. The ultimate security edge belongs to leaders who know how to ask the right questions, not just trust the output.
​Your biggest competitive advantage is becoming more human, not less. In a world of automated systems, human judgment and sharp intuition remain the only truly un-hackable firewalls left.
​AI is the greatest operational amplifier ever created. It scales your wins, but it weaponizes your internal flaws. If your baseline security is weak, AI just helps you fail faster and at scale.
​The single biggest risk today isn’t AI, it’s human complacency. The danger isn’t rogue technology or advanced malware; it’s our own blind trust in automated workflows.
​Stop operating on hope. Turn cyber resilience into your unfair advantage.
​📅 July 7th, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 The Ion Houston
Hosted by Blue People & Alpfa Houston
​👉 Ask about our parking options at the end of the event!

How Oil and Gas Professionals are Building Wealth Smarter
2026-07-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-oil-and-gas-professionals-are-building-wealth-smarter-tickets-1992002445939?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Join us for an engaging presentation designed for O&G professionals who want to cut through the confusion, and take well informed steps to growing and preserving their wealth.
We’ll explore how thoughtful decisions around investing, taxes, and retirement planning can significantly influence your long-term financial outcomes.
You’ll learn:
– Practical strategies for building a clear and effective financial plan
– Four key principles that contribute to a successful retirement
– Tax-efficient approaches that may help you retain more of your wealth
– Common investment mistakes that can erode long-term results—and how to avoid them
Whether you’re early in your career or approaching retirement, this session will help you make more informed financial decisions and gain greater confidence in your path forward.

Startup Circle Houston 💫
2026-07-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders, teammates, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include:
Traction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?
ICP – Seeking your beachhead market
Problem Identification – Love the problem, not the solution
Bootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥
Founder capacity, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀

LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/

Independence Day (Observed)
2026-07-03 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

NU PI™ - A PHENOMENAL MATHEMATICAL DISCOVERY
2026-07-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/qm6jzlh4?tk=r7bV5Z
120 Guests for the NU PI ™ event.
Press release info:
NU PI™ Ventures Unveils a Verified Geometric Multi-Dimensional Number as the World Comes to Texas for the 2026 Soccer Games.
The Houston based company has secured major strategic partnerships with The Premium Advantage®, Xie Xie Media, and Doc-Math.com supporting the worldwide rollout
Press Release: https://world.einnews.com/pr_news/916591183/a-number-has-been-found-nu-pi-ventures-prepares-july-2-public-introduction

Latino Founders Forum - Lymbar Hosted
2026-06-30 17:00 - 19:30 | The Lymbar
Register here: https://luma.com/Latino-Founders-Forum
The June edition of the Latino Founders Forum Houston is on June 30th ⚽🎉
​After a strong launch that brought out 50+ founders, operators, investors, creatives, and professionals, the forum is keeping the momentum going with a special World Cup Celebration edition of our monthly gathering.
​Yes, it’s called Latino Founders Forum — but it’s not only for Latinos. Anyone is welcome to pull up, grab a drink, wear their favorite soccer jersey, make meaningful connections, and be part of the community.
​This is a monthly event for people building real things in Houston. While the forum is rooted in supporting and elevating Latino founders, the room is open to anyone who values entrepreneurship, culture, community, and genuine relationships.
They’re back at The Lymbar inside the Ion for another high-quality happy hour designed to bring together founders, funders, advisors, builders, creatives, and professionals who want to meet ambitious people in a room that actually feels worth being in.
​This month, they’re bringing a World Cup vibe to the night and inviting guests to wear their favorite soccer jersey as we celebrate culture, connection, and community in Houston. Expect a great atmosphere, strong energy, good drinks, and the kind of conversations that make these events worth showing up for.
​Come for the jerseys, drinks, and festive energy. Stay for the people, the conversations, and the chance to be part of Houston’s growing startup and business community.
​If you came to one of the earlier events, you already know the energy. If you haven’t yet, this is a great one to start with.
​Built by founders. Powered by community. Open to everyone.

Industrious Coworking Day: Summer Series
2026-06-30 08:30 - 17:00 | Industrious, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Register here: https://luma.com/lpkh8qjc
​Spend the day working from Industrious at the ion.
​Join us for a free coworking day and experience what a better workday can feel like. Bring your laptop, settle in, enjoy coffee and refreshments, and get your work done in a space designed for focus, comfort, and connection.
​Whether you’re working solo, meeting a colleague, or looking for a new home base for your team, this is an easy way to experience Industrious firsthand.
​During the day, you’ll have access to:
​• Thoughtfully designed shared workspace • Coffee, breakfast, and snacks • Comfortable common areas • On-site support from our local team • Opportunities to connect with other professionals in the space
​As well as our Grant Writing Workshop!
​Industrious offers coworking, private offices, suites, meeting rooms, and flexible workplace options for individuals and teams. With 250+ locations across 80+ cities globally, we make it easier to find a workspace that works for you. Space is limited. RSVP to reserve your spot.
​Parking:
Parking is free for the first 3 hours, then $10 for the remainder of the day.
​We look forward to welcoming you!
