Editor's note: This week's top stories were mostly roundups — female innovators to know, medical device companies changing the health tech industry, and blockchain startups to keep an eye on. Check out what InnovationMap readers were drawn to in this roundup of roundups.
Houston hangover pill startup seen on Shark Tank rebrands following multimillion-dollar raise
On his failed investor attempt on Shark Tank, Brooks Powell couldn't secure a shark investment for $400,000. Now, he just closed on $2.1 million for his startup. Courtesy of Cheers
When Brooks Powell's Houston-based startup got passed over by the investors on Shark Tank last year, he didn't let it deter him. Instead, the Houston entrepreneur buckled down and started seeking investments off the screen.
It paid off, and Cheers (née Thrive+) recently closed a $2.1 million seed round. The round was lead by NextView Ventures, which has the likes of TaskRabbit, threadUP, and Letgo among its portfolio. Click here to continue reading the story.
5 Houston companies using blockchain to unlock new opportunities across industries
These five Houston startups are linking up industries and blockchain technology. Getty Images
Blockchain has really started to come into its own as more and more companies are applying the technology across industries — from oil and gas analytics and fundraising to even social media marketing. Five Houston companies have made their mark on these different industries by incorporating this burgeoning technology. Click here to continue reading the story.
3 Houston female entrepreneurs to know this week
Reda Hicks (left) of GotSpot Inc, Ghazal Qureshi (center) of Idea Lab Kids, and Abbey Donnell of Work & Mother are this week's innovators to know. Courtesy photos
Another Monday means another set of innovators to know. This one focuses on a few female startup leaders changing the game in the commercial real estate and education industries. Click here to continue reading the story.
5 Houston medical device companies changing the industry
As medicine and technology both advance, these Houston startups are at the forefront of the industry. Getty Images
With the Texas Medical Center at the heart of Houston, health advancement opportunities are endless. Medical breakthroughs are happening across town, but as technology advances, the industry is seeing more and more startups popping up to take new tech tools and applying them to traditional medical devices and procedures. These five Houston startups are developing the future of the industry — one device at a time. Click here to continue reading the story.
Houston-based pitch contest announces 2019 finalists ahead of SXSW competition
Houston-based HATCH Pitch has revealed its four finalists. The startups will take the stage during SXSW in March. Courtesy of HATCH Pitch
For the eighth year, Houston-based HATCH Pitch is headed to Austin for SXSW to host its pitch competition focused on startups making the world a better place. This year's competition, which takes place on March 11, will be between four finalists. Click here to continue reading the story.