Mover and shaker

MassChallenge Texas names former Houston Exponential leader as local exec

Jon Nordby, former exec at Houston Exponential, will lead the inaugural Houston MassChallenge cohort. Courtesy of MassChallenge

MassChallenge Texas in Houston, a zero-equity startup accelerator, has named its managing director. Jon Nordby, who recently served as Houston Exponential's director of strategy since its launch, will lead the organization's inaugural cohort.

"MassChallenge's not-for-profit, no equity model is uniquely suited to accelerate the development of Houston's innovation ecosystem and is the foundation early-stage startups need to get to the point of disruption or pivot as fast as possible," says Nordby in a release.

Before HX, Nordby served as vice president of talent and innovation at the Greater Houston Partnership, and was essential in creating the organization's Innovation Initiative.

"I was thrilled when MassChallenge established their first Texas office in 2017 and I'm excited to bring my experience leading Houston ecosystem efforts to attract founders from around the world and connect them with everything this city can offer, help them establish roots, and forge the partnerships they need for success," Nordby continues.

MassChallenge's first Houston cohort, which will accelerate 25 startups, begins in July. Applications are open until Friday, May 10, at noon.

The organization, which has locations around the world, looks for early stage startups that haven't raised more than $500,000 in equity-based funding and have generated less than $1 million in revenue over the past year. The selected startups will receive free GreenStreet office space, mentorship, investment opportunities, and more.

Also new to the team is Lauren Mitchell, who will serve as the local chapter's community manager. A native Houstonian, Mitchell comes from leading marketing and partnerships at Discovery Green. Yvette Casares Willis, who oversees statewide partnerships for the organization, is also based in Houston.

"MassChallenge Texas is providing innovation at scale in programs in Austin and Houston by connecting startups to resources throughout this great state," says Mike Millard, managing director of MassChallenge Texas, in the release. "The addition of Jon to our team will accelerate our pace in the state and advance our mission by connecting startups to deep industry resources and expertise that are available to startups in Houston."

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Guess what, Houston innovators. Tickets to this year's Houston Innovation Awards are on sale now. Graphic via InnovationMap

You can now buy tickets to the 2023 Houston Innovation Awards on November 8 — but the deadline to nominate deserving individuals and companies for the prestigious awards is just a few days away.

Tickets are available online for the awards event taking place at Silver Street Studios, and InnovationMap has a few options to choose from. Individual tickets are on sale for $80, with a special founder price of $40 available. This year, individual tickets will have seating at a first come, first served basis, but attendees are also able to opt into a reserved table of 10 for $1,000. Sponsors, judges, and finalists and their guests will receive complimentary tickets.

The nomination period for the annual awards is coming to a close next week on Tuesday, September 19. Click here to read about this year's awards categories.The process includes submitting nominations on behalf of yourself or others, and next week, nominees will be sent an application that will be due October 4. A panel of judges will review the applications and finalists will be announced and notified ahead of the event.

If you are interested in joining our partners, which include The Ion, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more, in sponsoring this event, please reach out to misti@gowmedia.com.

Secure your Houston Innovation Awards tickets now.

Submit a nomination before it's too late!

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