Mapping Houston's Ecosystem
2025-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2025-05-16 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

College Pickleball Mixer
2025-05-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Take a break from studying or celebrate the end of the school year with an evening of pickleball with great people!
The Ion Student Ambassadors invite you to paddle your studying stress away! Meet college students from across the Houston area and play a round of pickleball or two at the Ion Pickle Lab.
We will also have lawn games, food, and drinks!
No experience or equipment is necessary. Although, if you have expertise or equipment, those are welcome.

Launch Houston - Startup Event
2025-05-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://lu.ma/irvi7g5e
Launch Houston is a dynamic community hub where innovation meets opportunity in the heart of Texas. Join us for an engaging evening hosted by Scout AI, where you can connect with tech enthusiasts, startup founders, and venture capitalists.
Whether you want to share ideas or simply meet interesting people, this is the place to be. Stop by, have a snack, and enjoy the company!
What to Expect:
​Tech Demos & Talks: Get a firsthand look at cutting-edge AI applications
​Founder Fireside Chat: Insights from experienced entrepreneurs
​Startup Pitches: Watch promising startups compete for recognition (or pitch and get feedback from experienced judges)
APPLY TO PITCH: https://forms.gle/t2LD7X1mhUL6qk9RA
Apply To Pitch Your Company Now! – LIMITED SPOTS
Join the community and spark your next big breakthrough—no spacesuit required! (Though space-themed attire is always welcome at our events!)

Software Day at the Ion: Define and Implement the Right GTM Strategy for Your Startup
2025-05-20 15:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Welcome to “Software 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.
What is it: 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, Software Day will include office hours (by application), a keynote session, and networking.
Each 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.

This month, join Aileen Allen, Venture Partner at Mercury and former B2B SaaS GTM Exec, as she moderates a discussion on Go-To-Market (GTM) best practices for early-stage companies. The panel will touch on:

How to think about the right GTM strategy for your product and your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)
The importance of defining ICP and personas early
Sales, marketing, and RevOps best practices
GTM org design and hiring
Trends and insights from the Early-Stage GTM Report

Panelists include:

Lisa Roberts, CMO, Otto
Mike Miles, VP of RevOps, Cognite
Sean Rohde, VP of Sales and Marketing, Kahuna

Participating Startups
(Startups have already been selected for this month)

Afterward, 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.
“Software 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.

Angel Investing 101: Introduction to Angel Investing
2025-05-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
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 team at Urban Capital Network believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem.
Join the Urban Capital Network 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

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 & Acquisitions 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.

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.

Perfecting Your Pitch
2025-05-21 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.

SOCCER & SPORT INNOVATION SUMMIT
2025-05-22 13:30 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Bridging Innovation in Soccer and Sport Across Borders
Register here: https://www.team-houston.com/events/soccer-summit-five
T.E.A.M. Houston, in collaboration with the Dutch government’s STIB-US program, and Houston based Divinc, proudly presents an international sports technology and sports management event. This program features cutting-edge sport tech and sports management solutions from leading Dutch companies, connecting them with key sports markets in Dallas, Houston, and Mexico City.
Join us for an exciting opportunity to witness innovative technologies and approaches transforming the sports industry. Expert speakers will also provide valuable insights on the role of technology in soccer and sport, comparing trends and opportunities in both the U.S. and Europe. Don’t miss this chance to engage with global leaders in sport innovation and business!
For the event there will be LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY! So, sign up timely.

Open Project Night Houston: Sustainable Cities + Life on Land
2025-05-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Elevation Studio, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002
Hosted by Impact Hub Houston.
UNDER 18 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
Open Project Night Houston is a monthly event convening Houston’s changemakers and collaborators around ideas for improving Houston.
Agenda:
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Networking and Introduction
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Attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with fellow participants over light refreshments.
6:00 PM – 6:20 PM – Featured Projects + Q&A
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The spotlighted speaker will have the opportunity to share their organization’s mission, impact, and any relevant projects, initiatives or needs that they currently have. Attendees will have the chance to engage with you directly through a question-and-answer session, seeking further insights and clarification.
6:20 PM – 6:30 PM – Open Floor (Project Pitches)
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If you have an idea or project that you want to pitch, you will have the opportunity to present two-minute pitches to the crowd, too!
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM – Open Project (Break Out Groups & Dialogue)
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Attendees will break into smaller groups to offer support, perspective, and feedback to those who pitched their projects.
7:15 PM – 7:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Next Steps
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Wrap up the event with closing remarks and discuss next steps for continuing the connections beyond the evening’s gathering.

NASA Tech Talks: Exploring the Science and Innovations Behind Space Food Systems
2025-05-22 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.
Join us this month for an exciting NASA Tech Talk exploring the science and innovations behind space food systems—past, present, and future. As NASA prepares for extended missions to the Moon and Mars, providing astronauts with nutritious, safe, and palatable food remains a critical challenge.
Event Highlights:

Current strategies for feeding astronauts aboard the International Space Station
Food safety and quality considerations in microgravity and closed environments
The science behind the space food systems
Remaining challenges to build space food systems for the Moon, Mars, and beyond

This engaging lecture will offer insights into how NASA scientists and engineers are tackling one of the most fundamental aspects of human spaceflight: keeping astronauts healthy, fueled, and mission ready.
Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

About the Speakers
Xulei Wu serves as Food Scientist/System Manager for International Space Station and Artemis at NASA Johnson Space Center. In this role, she leads the overall management of the food system development, provisioning, production, and delivery to support Crew health and performance. She also works with other government agencies, commercial, and international partners to ensure safe and reliable food systems for low Earth orbit missions. She earned a B.S. in food science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and a M.S. in food science and technology from Oregon State University. She has over 10 years’ experience working in food industry and government agency, with expertise on food safety, freeze drying technology, low moisture foods, shelf-life study, and sensory evaluation.
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 current role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he has established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. He has used this framework to guide Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars 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

Cursor Meetup Houston
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://lu.ma/5ojpvyvl
Rocket Network and Chris Mullins are kicking off a new series of events around Cursor, the AI-powered coding assistant changing how we write and refactor software. This first meetup is a laid-back meet and greet — no presentations, just beers and conversation with fellow devs, founders, and AI-curious folks.
​Whether you’re already experimenting with Cursor or just want to see what the hype is about, this is a great chance to hang out and connect. Future meetups will feature workshops and lightning talks, but this one is all about building community.
​🍺 Drinks and good company provided
🤝 Thanks to The Ion for supporting this event!
​RSVP and swing by — let’s toast to AI-first development in Houston!

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey + SCORE + TXRX Office Hours
2025-05-23 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
New to the Ion? This is your perfect chance to start networking! Long-time community member? Still come through and catch up with the Ion community. In addition to Cup of JoeY, we also offer SCORE mentoring and Office Hours with our Engineer-in-residence from TXRX.
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/

Houston Methodist Office Hours
2025-05-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-methodist-office-hours-at-ion-tickets-1304126339989
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.

Greater Houston Business Procurement Breakfast
2025-05-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://b2gvictory.com/event/ghbp-may/
Join the B2G Victory Team and come by our table at the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBP) March.
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

CHARGE NORTH AMERICA
2025-05-28 - 2025-05-30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register: https://charge.events/north-america/
CHARGE is a global event dedicated to the intersection of energy, branding, and innovation. Bringing together industry leaders, executives, and visionaries, CHARGE offers a dynamic platform to explore how branding, reputation, communication, and customer engagement shape the energy sector’s future.
With a strong focus on trust, likeability, and reputation, CHARGE provides cutting-edge insights into how energy companies can navigate evolving challenges, leverage AI and data, and build stronger connections with customers and stakeholders.
Attendees can expect thought-provoking keynotes, interactive panels, and networking opportunities with top energy brands, utilities, technology providers, and policymakers. Whether you’re in marketing, strategy, or corporate leadership, CHARGE is where the global energy community comes together to drive meaningful change.

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2025-05-30 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-06 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-13 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/

SCORE + LSA Global Office Hours
2025-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, 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)

Founders Live Houston
2025-06-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-live-houston-tickets-1353891549069
Join Founders Live for an incredible evening…
Founders Live is an unforgettable competition sweeping the globe where five handpicked companies take the hot seat, with only 99 seconds to pitch their company and describe their value proposition in front of an eager audience.
5 Founders
99 second each
4 minutes of audience Q&A
YOUR VOTES decide the winner!
So bring your friends and coworkers, grab some food and drink, get to know your local entrepreneurs, and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in Texas.
Starring
Oleg Lysiak as the City Leader
Competing Founders and Startups
TBA
Interested in pitching at this or a future event? Apply here!
Winners
The Founders Live winners package includes:

The Professional Boost membership with over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups
An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global event in the fall.

Buying and Selling Businesses
2025-06-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 032, 4201 Main St, Houston
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.

Presenter:
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.

TXRX Office Hours
2025-06-06 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
TXRX is Houston’s non-profit makerspace.

Join the Ion’s Engineer-in-Residence, Larry Ciscon, for TXRX Office Hours every Friday at the Ion.
TXRX has a diverse network of creators, artist, and inventors coupled with tools and knowledge, enable dreams to become reality.
They teach people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need to build a future full of novelty and inspiration.

For more information about TXRX – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! TXRX 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

Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
2025-06-06 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. 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 Ion Prototyping Lab, 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
The Ion is committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community. Its vision is to cultivate a transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston.
Situated in the heart of Houston’s new innovation district, 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

Prototyping Lab: See how ideas are brought to life with state-of-the-art tools and resources.
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.

SCORE Office Hours
2025-06-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Academic Flex Space, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. 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

Nuclear’s Next Chapter: A Conversation with Maria Korsnick, President & CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute
2025-06-12 07:30 - 09:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Ion for a timely and thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Maria Korsnick, President & CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), in a conversation with Maynard Holt, Founder & CEO of Veriten.
As the world confronts the challenges of meeting growing energy demands and reducing carbon emissions, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a critical solution. In this conversation, Maria will share her perspective on the evolving role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, the innovations shaping the future and how policy and partnerships are driving momentum.
Expect insights on:

How new technologies are making nuclear lower cost and lower risk
The impact of state and federal policy on industry growth
Trends in customer demand and public perception
The role of government incentives and policy in the industry
The impact and mission of the Nuclear Energy Institute

Whether you’re an energy leader, policymaker, technologist or student, this session will offer a front-row view into the future of nuclear and why it matters. Come early for breakfast and networking.

June Transition On Tap at Greentown Labs: New Member Spotlight
2025-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Several startups have joined the Greentown Labs community so far over the past year, working on climate solutions across the agriculture, buildings, manufacturing, electricity, and resiliency + adaptation sectors.
Greentown Labs is thrilled to support these groundbreaking startups—now, let them introduce you! Join them at their June Transition On Tap to hear lightning pitches from some of the newest members of our community and network with entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, philanthropists, students, and other climate champions passionate about innovations in climatetech and the energy transition.

React HTX Meetup at Nexus
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Rice Nexus, 4201 Main St - Suite 175, Houston, TX, 77002
React Current Events – Get updated with the latest changes to the React UI Framework for 2025
At this month’s meeting, React HTX will be stepping into the new year by exploring many of the cutting-edge developments in the React world, including:

the long-awaited official release of React 19,
version updates to beloved libraries like Next.js and React Router,
the beta release of the highly anticipated TanStack Start,
and more!

Each topic will be covered in a beginner-friendly and collaborative manner, providing context into their purpose and significance within the current React ecosystem and opening the discussion to any questions and insights. Audience participation is highly encouraged and welcomed! We also recommend bringing a laptop to help follow along with any articles or documentation covered.
The meeting will conclude with some exciting announcements from the React HTX team for 2025.
Join us in the Ion Prototyping Lab on the second Thursday of every month to meet other like-minded individuals in the React developer community. This is a great opportunity to grow your networking circle, participate in code-along challenges, and get involved in discussions about the React UI Framework and its ecosystem.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned React developer or just getting started. We do our best at covering a variety of topics within the all-encompassing React environment.

Out in Tech Houston Monthly Mixer
2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-in-tech-houston-monthly-mixer-tickets-1269518547149
Out in Tech Houston is the local chapter for Out in Tech, the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders. Out in Tech creates opportunities for our 50,000 members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.
As with the other 30+ chapters around the world, Out in Tech Houston provides an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people and allies working in the technology industry to engage, network, and learn.
About this Event
Join our relaxed, social-mixer event, hosted on the second Thursday of every month. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
This is the first time we are hosting our monthly mixer at The Ion, and we hope to have many more. RSVP and save the date in your calendars for an evening you cannot miss!
For more information, contact houston@outintech.com.

Thriving in the Age of Outrage: Leadership in the Algorithm Era
2025-06-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thriving-in-the-age-of-outrage-leadership-in-the-algorithm-era-tickets-1382862201069
Join Impact Hub at the Social Media Breakfast and learn how to maximize the power of social media for your business! Expand your reach, connect with your audience, and boost your brand’s online presence. Don’t miss out! http://smbhou.com/
