Houston Innovators Podcast

Mark Walker is the CEO, co-founder and chairman of Direct Digital Holdings, a Houston-based adtech company that’s providing a platform for both sides of the advertising equation. It’s been one year since direct digital went public, and Mark shares on the show today how Houston has been integral in his company’s success — as well as what technology he’s keeping a close eye on in the ever evolving world of digital media.

Ben Jawdat is the founder and CEO of Revterra, a Houston startup that’s created a kinetic battery technology that can enable rapid EV charging. A physicist by training, Ben explains how he took an idea he had in his postdoctoral work and turned it into the growing company it is today. He also shares what all he has on the horizon for Revterra, including building out a new lab and launching new pilot programs.

Madison Long is the CEO and co-founder of Clutch, a creator economy platform that empowers users to make a sustainable income with their existing skills and interests. Last week, the platform launched nationwide after completing its original beta on a few college campuses. Madison explains what all they’ve learned from their beta — including the power of a pivot — and shares how integral Houston has been in clutch’s success.

Hannah Le is the founder and CEO of RE.STATEMENT, a platform where buyers and sellers can connect for unique up-cycled clothing. The company just had its soft launch last month after winning one of the City’s Liftoff Houston awards. Hannah joins the show to discuss how she plans on growing her platform to reach more people looking to shop and sell more creatively and sustainably.

Stephanie Tsuru is the founder and CEO of SheSpace, a coworking space for women to meet, work, and find support. Stephanie shares the origin story of SheSpace, how it’s grown since opening its doors, and how she hopes to continue to provide the ideal workplace for Houston’s female entrepreneurs in the new year.

Richard Seline is the co-founder of Resilience Innovation Hub and major advocate for all things resilience innovation, policy, and more. Richard and I discuss what all Houston accomplished in risk mitigation and disaster proofing initiatives in 2022, including HCC’s rising Resiliency Center of Excellence, as well as why he expects this year to be a year of implementation for resilience innovation.

Steve Latham is the co-founder of DonateStock, a Houston startup that simplifies stock-based donations for both nonprofits and their donors. Steve and I discuss how DonateStock’s platform has evolved to make a greater impact for nonprofit organizations. He also shares how he’s seen the Houston innovation ecosystem evolve since his early days at the Houston Technology Center followed by decades of entrepreneurship within tech.

On this episode of the podcast, host Natalie Harms is looking back on some of her favorite podcast episodes of 2022 — featuring guests from startup founders, venture capital investors, health care leaders, startup development organization professionals, and more.

Samantha Lewis is principal at Mercury, a Houston-based Venture capital firm. Today, Sam and I look back at some tech and venture trends she’s focused on — like blockchain, web3, crypto and more — as well as dive into what she thinks founders need to focus on in the new year.

Jason Pesterfield is the CEO of Optellum, a digital health company with AI-based software for lung cancer diagnostics. Optellum recently established its US headquarters in Houston, and Jason joins the show today to discuss how the company has settled into Houston and what the future holds as it expands both locally and beyond.

Anas Al Kassas is the founder and CEO of INOVUES, a Houston-based company that has developed a process to retrofit commercial buildings with energy efficient window treatments. Anas joins the show today to discuss how he’s scaling and expanding the company — both to provide his customers with easy-to-install energy efficiency as well as move the needle on the energy transition within the built environment.

Devin Dunn is the head of TMC’s HealthTech Accelerator. Devin joins the show today to pull back the curtain a little bit about how TMC Innovation selects its accelerator cohort and the unique bootcamp opportunity the program has for its startups. Devin also discusses a new international program recently announced at TMC and how the greater ecosystem has evolved over the past decade.

Zimri Hinshaw is the CEO of BUCHA BIO, a Houston-based materials company that is manufacturing a plant-based alternative to plastic and leather for a handful of industries. Zimri joins the show today to talk about how Bucha Bio is scaling following its $1.1 million dollar raise earlier this fall and how the company is moving into its new facility later this month.

Stuart Corr is the executive director of Pumps and Pipes, a Houston organization that promotes collaboration and innovation across aerospace, energy, and medicine. Stuart, who is also the Director of Innovation Systems Engineering at Houston Methodist and associate professor of biomedical engineering research, shares what all to expect at the magical pumps and pipes event on December 5 that will feature thought leadership across industries and technologies.

Betsy Furler is the CEO of For All Abilities, a Houston-based software-as-a-service company providing tools for employers to support their neurodiverse workforce. Betsy shares on the show today how she’s grown and scaled her tech platform — including introducing her new co-founder — as well as how she balances being both a mission-driven and for-profit company.

Natara Branch is the newly named CEO of Houston Exponential. Today on the show, Natara discusses her background and passion for Houston, and also explains how she sees this new era for HX. Natara also shares what all she's excited about for the Houston Innovation Awards Gala, next week on November 9.

Juliana Garaizer is the head of the Houston incubator and vice president of innovation at Greentown Labs, an energy tech startup incubator. Juliana joins the show today to discuss some of the recent goings on at Greentown Houston — as well as what people can expect from the Greentown Climatetech Summit in Houston on Nov. 2

Dr. Katie Eick is the founder and CEO Rockin' Pets, Rollin’ Vets, an innovative mobile vet care company that’s expanded from Houston to The Woodlands and Austin. After raising $5 million last year, Katie explains how she’s growing her company at a fast pace during a challenging time for veterinary health care.

Tatiana Fofanova is the co-founder and CEO of Koda Health, a B2B Enterprise SaaS solution that guides patients through the process of proactive healthcare planning and document authentication. Koda is currently expanding nationwide following a $3.5 million seed round earlier this year. Tatiana joins me today to discuss how she’s growing her team and tackling the challenges of expansion.

Sarah Essama is the founder of The Dream Lab and director of social innovation at Teach For America Houston. Sarah joins the show today to discuss how she’s both innovating within TFA and allowing the organization’s students the ability to tap into their imagination to dream up ways to innovate in the future. A couple weeks ago, The Dream Lab held a mini accelerator at the Ion and Sarah shares what’s next with the initiative.

Asma Mirza is the CEO and co-founder of Steradian Technologies, a startup that has created a portable and affordable device called the RUMI that can provide breath-based diagnostics for less than the price of a latte. Last week, the company announced that it has received a prestigious grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. On the show today, Asma shares how tapping into the Houston innovation ecosystem and pivoting during the pandemic got to where she is today.

Brad Burke is the managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. The Rice Alliance has been bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and more for 22 years now, and today Brad and I will discuss the impact the organization — including its annual Rice Business Plan Competition — has had on the Houston innovation ecosystem.

Loretta Williams Gurnell is the founder executive director of the SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation, a Houston nonprofit based in the ion that is focused on increasing access to STEM opportunities for girls age 10 to 17. Loretta joins the show today to discuss how she pivoted her efforts amid the pandemic and how she hopes to expand nationwide.

Aleece Hobson is venture partner at the HX Venture Fund, a fund of funds that’s hosting Venture Houston on Monday, September 12, at the Ion. The event will be a full day of showcasing Houston innovation with speakers and guests alike coming into town to participate in the conversation — including Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of Goop, an HXVF portfolio company. Aleece shares what all people can expect from the event on the show today.

Joanna Nathan is the CEO and founder of Prana Thoracic, a Houston-based medical device company that hopes to enhance early-stage lung cancer diagnostics. Last week, Prana announced its launch with a $3 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and Joanna joins the show today to discuss how the company will use that funding to get to first in-human trials and grow its team. Joanna also shares her passion for Houston’s growing innovation ecosystem and what motivates her as a health care innovator.

Benjamin Foster is the CEO and founder of Nurseify, a Houston-based platform and resource for connecting nurses to short-term job opportunities. Having launched the platform in 2020 amid the pandemic, Benjamin shares how the nurse-friendly platform works to help facilities staff up when they need it most while enhancing nurse’s stressful job experiences. He also shares some of the trends in health care he’s keeping a close eye on and what the future holds for Nurseify.

Bill Voss is the founder and CEO of Everest.com, a digital marketplace for outdoor equipment, clothing, and more. Everest was founded to bring consumers a one-stop-shop experience, and the company is on the cusp of upgrading its website with an enhanced UX, as well as premiering a new app for customers and sellers on the platform. Bill joins the show today to discuss the origin story of Everest, some early challenges he’s facing, and the big-picture potential he sees for the company.

Jeff James is the founder and CEO of PickleJar, a platform that connects musicians and artists to their fans for tipping, merchandise purchases, and more. Jeff joins the show today to discuss the challenges he’s solving within live music performances and how the platform has evolved over the past year to allow for longterm, strengthened relationships between artists and their fans.

Jim Sledzik is the managing director for Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, a Houston-based corporate venture arm that’s invested $320 million into 33 portfolio companies in the U.S. over the past decade. Jim joins the show today to discuss what types of technology he is looking for and how he’s partnered up with the Ion to tap into the Houston innovation ecosystem. He also shares his advice for energy tech companies and how they can best get on the radar of corporate venture groups.

Craig Ceccanti is the president and CEO of T-Minus Solutions, a tech-focused consulting startup for early stage and growing companies. Also a co-founder of Pinot’s Palette and mobile ordering company SEATZ, Craig joins the show today to share both his franchise and tech startup experience, as well as the opportunities he sees for entrepreneurs in Houston.

Paresh Patel and Ed Pettitt are the co-founders of InnoGrid, a cost-effective and equitable plan to build Houston’s first microgrid. With rising temperatures and an increase in devastating storms, it’s time to rethink the grid, and that’s exactly what InnoGrid is focused on. The company, a member of the Ion’s Smart and Resilient Cities Accelerator, is looking to grow partnerships and awareness for their technology in order to enable more energy security in the local community.

Founded by Maggie Segrich and Meredith Wheeler, Sesh Coworking is an inclusive coworking space in Midtown Houston that just recently fully opened its new facility. Maggie and Meredith discuss what makes Sesh different and how they are intentionally growing their membership in Houston and, eventually, beyond.

Kate Evinger is the director of Pokatok Labs, a scale-up program for seed and series a-stage sportstech companies. The labs component is part of a bigger mission of Pokatok to make Houston a hub for sports innovation. The company is part of the same business family as InnovationMap and Gow Media. Kate joins the podcast today to share how the inaugural cohort went and what types of companies should apply for the next class this fall.

Samuel Dike is the manager of strategic initiatives at Rice Management Company, the owner and operator of The Ion and the rising Ion Innovation District. Sam joins the show today to share a bit about the Ion’s origin story and how it fit with Rice University and RMC’s missions — as well as what Houstonians can expect from the development of the district, from startups and technology to restaurants to the arts.

Adam Putterman is the co-founder of OURS, a Houston-based tech startup focused on optimizing and destigmatizing couples counseling. Adam joins the show today to discuss the virtual therapy platform and its recently closed fundraising round, which was supported big-name investors including Serena Williams.We also discuss how the company manages its fully remote team — and how its hiring and looking to grow and expand.

Amanda Ducach is the founder of Social Mama, a Houston-based company looking to connect women to improve the isolated and lonely journey that is motherhood. Launching originally as a social platform, Amanda shares how she’s gearing up for a total rebrand and launch of a whole new product — one that’s focused holistically on women’s health and wellness from fertility to menopause.

John Reale is the executive in residence at Texas Medical Center Innovation and managing director of Integr8d Capital. In this second episode of a two-part series, he shares how he’s leading the TMC Venture Fund, which recently expanded to a $50 million fund. He also discusses the impact TMC3, which is currently in construction, will have on Houston innovation.

John Reale is the executive in residence at Texas Medical Center Innovation and managing director of Integr8d Capital. In this first episode of a two-part series, he discusses his career in Houston innovation from co-founding Station Houston to what he's doing now as an investor in innovative businesses in Houston and beyond.

Pete O’Heeron is the CEO, founder, and chairman of FiberBiologics, a Houston-based company that’s using fibroblast cell technology to treat a variety of chronic diseases. Pete shares how the company is gearing up to IPO, move into a new combined lab and manufacturing space, and launch two more clinical trials to further prove out the impact of fiber blast technology.

Kerri Smith is the executive director of Rice Alliance’s Clean Energy Accelerator. The program, which launched last year, is currently accepting applications for its second class that will run later this year. Kerri and I chat about what she’s looking for in the cohort as well as some of the successes from Class one. Kerri also shares some of her observations of the Houston innovation ecosystem, how its evolved over her tenure, and what’s next for the city.

Trevor Best is the co-founder and CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, an innovative company creating a photocatalyst technology that is aimed at disrupting the energy industry. Trevor and I discuss the new facility the company is moving into this summer and how syzygy’s first full-scale reactor is expected to debut next year.

Armand Paradis is the co-founder and CEO of ComboCurve, a cloud-based energy analytics and operating platform that more effectively forecasts and reports on energy assets. Armand discusses his career and the problems his software is solving, as well as how he’s managed to scale so quickly and raise over $60 million dollars in venture funding to support the company’s growth.

Dr. Kimon Angelides is the executive chairman and CEO of FemTec Health, a Houston-founded company that's created a comprehensive solution for women’s health — from beauty and lifestyle to fertility and hormonal analytics. Kimon joins the show to discuss how he’s created a career as a serial entrepreneur and where the femtech industry as a whole — as well as Houston’s innovation ecosystem — is headed.

Zain Shauk is the co-founder and CEO of Dream Harvest Farming Co., an indoor vertical farming company based in Houston that grows leafy greens and herbs using 95 percent less water and reducing food waste. Zain discusses the impact he’s looking to make within agriculture and the future of vertical farming. He also shares some key things Houstonians can do to shrink their carbon footprint on Earth Day as well in their daily lives.

CEO Phil Sitter and VP of sales Chris Chomenko of RepeatMD, a fintech and rewards platform working in the aesthetics and med spa industry, join the show today. The company has scaled significantly over the past year or so, growing to a team of 50 employees and adding around 200 new businesses to its custom rewards platform monthly. Phil and Chris explain the perfect storm they’re working in and what’s next for the company.

Ody De La Paz is the co-founder & CEO of Sensytec Inc, a hardware and software startup that’s creating a smart concrete solution for the construction and infrastructure industries. Ody and I discuss the latest from his company, including a new project with the department of defense and how the pandemic and the recent infrastructure bill has spurred business and the need for Sensytec’s technology.

Scott Schneider is the president and CEO of HTX Labs, a Houston-based software startup with a team focused on creating virtual reality technology for training a next generation workforce. Scott shares how he pivoted to work closely with the department of defense on providing the military with innovative technology for training purposes. He also explains how HTX Labs has grown alongside of Houston’s innovation ecosystem and where extended reality is headed.

Allie Danziger is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ampersand Professionals, a Houston-based tech platform that trains and upskills interns for business placement. Today on the show, Allie discusses the challenges employers are facing with hiring this next generation of workers and how she’s partnering with the city of Houston's Hire Houston Youth initiative.

Houston innovators have flocked to SXSW in droves and some with the sole purpose of participating in Houston House, an activation set up by the Greater Houston Partnership to showcase tech and startups from Houston. Natalie Harms, editor of InnovationMap, spoke to four Houstonians after their discussions to dig a little deeper into some key points from the panels.

Roberta Schwartz of Houston Methodist and Dr. Roderic Pettigrew of Texas A&M University's EnMed program weigh in on health tech and the future medical industry workforce at a panel for Houston Tech Rodeo.