3 Houston innovators to know this week

who's who

This week's roundup of Houston innovators includes Rachel Moctron of ClassPass, Sid Upadhyay of WizeHire, and Ashley Small of Medley Inc. Courtesy photos

Editor's note: In the week's roundup of Houston innovators to know, I'm introducing you to three innovators across industries recently making headlines — from fitness tech and software to PR and communications.

Rachel Moncton, vice president of Global Marketing at ClassPass

Rachel Moncton shares why ClassPass tapped Houston as a prime place to expand. Photo courtesy of ClassPass

ClassPass recently announced its entrance into the Houston market, and at the helm of the company's new local presence is Rachel Moncton. In a guest article for InnovationMap, she shares why ClassPass was so interested in Houston. The search actually started four years ago, but the tech company finally landed in Houston for its fourth location.

"In 2017, the ClassPass team spent nine months conducting an intensive nationwide search for a city that matched our mission and values," Moncton writes. "As a brand focused on supporting an active lifestyle, we wanted a city that offered a connection to the outdoors. One of the most important driving factors in our search was finding a city where we could attract incredible talent to our team. Though we settled on Missoula, Houston was high on the list." Click here to read more.

Sid Upadhyay, co-founder and CEO of WizeHire

A Houston startup has closed a $7.5 million round of funding with mostly local investment. Photo courtesy of WizeHire

Sid Upadhyay's startup has something to celebrate. The software company founded in Houston closed a $7.5 million series A round of funding led by two Houston-area venture capital firms — Amplo and Mercury Fund. According to a news release, WizeHire will use the funds to scale their business, which is centered around providing personalized hiring resources to small businesses.

"We're a small business helping small businesses with a team of people looking out for you," says Upadhyay. "Hiring is complex and personal. Our customers see what we do not just as software; they see us as a trusted advisor." Click here to read more.

Ashley Small, founder and CEO of Medley Inc.

From events to online shopping — here are four tech trends to look out for this year according to Ashley Small. Photo courtesy of Medley

For Ashley Small, founder and CEO of Medley Inc., innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. Business leaders need diverse voices at the table to drive new ideas and innovation.

"Innovation is actually impossible without diversity," Small says on the most recent episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast. "A part of this is also being really open minded to the fact that you are going to hear ideas that sound and look different. Be open to that, because that is 100 percent the point."

Small discusses more about how she's honoring Black History Month with her team and the evolution the PR and media industries have seen over the past decade on the episode. Click here to stream the episode and read more.

Ashley Small, founder and CEO of Medley Inc., joins the Houston Innovators Podcast this week to discuss COVID-19's affect on her business and fostering diversity at startups. Photo courtesy of Medley Inc.

Houston founder calls for business leaders to 'make room for diverse voices'

HOUSTON INNOVATORS PODCAST EPISODE 70

Last year was one of quick pivots and tech solutions for Ashley Small and her company's clients. Small — the CEO and founder of Medley Inc., a Houston-based branding and public relations firm — works with both for-profit and nonprofit entities to tell their stories, and of course 2020 had its challenges in doing so. But they weren't anything Small, her team, and technology couldn't overcome.

Small founded Medley over 12 years ago, and for the past three of those years, her team has been completely virtual. She shares on the Houston Innovators podcast that this give her team a headstart on being able to find and quickly adopt quick tech solutions — but last year's shutdown also meant navigating this for all her clients.

"The biggest obstacle we had to overcome was figuring out what the best technology was for each client," Small says. "Where the learning curve has been is understanding all the available resources out there and understanding how offline experiences can help audiences connect online."

Founded in Houston, Medley has grown to the Los Angeles and Chicago markets over the years — and Small says that was intentional. An Oklahoma native, Small fell in love with Houston's diversity when she attended Texas Southern University, and sought out other diverse markets to expand her business. And, as a Black female founder, she fosters an inclusive community at her company — and wants to remind her fellow business owners how imperative it is to running an innovative company.

"Innovation is actually impossible without diversity," Small says, adding that when you bring different people to the table, you get new ways of thinking. "A part of this is also being really open minded to the fact that you are going to hear ideas that sound and look different. Be open to that, because that is 100 percent the point."

Small knows early-stage companies aren't always able to hire a bunch of people from diverse backgrounds right from the start, but there are other ways to surround yourself with diverse ideas.

"Make room for diverse voices -- and you may have to be a bit creative," Small says.

Medley's team also realizes that not every startup can afford to bring on an in-house or third-party PR team, but the company has a few options for startups, such as a three-month retainer to start as well as a series of workshops available online for as low as $19.

Small discusses more about how she's honoring Black History Month with her team and the evolution the PR and media industries have seen over the past decade on the episode. Listen to the full interview below — or wherever you stream your podcasts — and subscribe for weekly episodes.


This week's roundup of Houston innovators includes Nicole Rogers of Validere, Allie Danziger of Ampersand, and Ashley Small of Medley Inc. Courtesy photos

3 female Houston innovators to know this week

who's who

Editor's note: In the week's roundup of Houston innovators to know, I'm introducing you to three female innovators across industries — from energy tech to business entrepreneurship.

Nicole Rogers, senior vice president at Validere

Nicole Rogers, senior vice president at Validere, joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to discuss how her company has grown exponentially over the past year. Photo courtesy of Validere

Nicole Rogers joined Canadian startup Validere during the summer last year — right smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. But despite COVID-19 and the drop in oil prices, the energy company grew exponentially — in clientbase, in venture capital support, and in employee count.

"One of the things we found that was to our advantage throughout the pandemic was a lot of folks in oil were having a career identity crisis. Oil really struggles with employment elasticity," Rogers says. "A lot of the colleagues we were talking to were just fatigued with the ups and downs going on in the past decade."

Rogers, who's based in the company's Houston office, shares more about Validere's growth and opportunities in the new year — plus what she thinks Houston needs to do to maintain its status of energy capital of the world in the episode. Click here to read more and to stream the podcast.

Allie Danziger, founder of Ampersand

Houston entrepreneur, Allie Danziger, wanted to create a program for young professionals looking to gain experience in unprecedented times. Photo courtesy of Ampersand

Allie Danziger has two small children, but she started thinking about if her kids were college age, would she want them to enroll in a virtual college experience or hold off for a time where they could have a more traditional experience. Realizing she probably wasn't alone, she thought about how she could create an alternative for high school grads — in this time of the pandemic but also in a time where college degrees aren't the best option for job security.

"I really believe that it scales way beyond this pandemic," says Danziger. In her research, she saw a lack of career-focused gap curriculums and resources available. "There are no programs that help you determine what the right path for you is—to really do that self-exploration and then apply it to your career path," she explains. Click here to read more.

Ashley Small, founder and CEO of Medley Inc.

From events to online shopping — here are four tech trends to look out for this year according to Ashley Small. Photo courtesy of Medley

It's a new year and the perfect time to reflect on where society is at from a technological standpoint. In light of the pandemic and an overarching trend of tapping into tech to provide solutions to COVID-19-related challenges, 2021 will likely see more of these trends.

"As a business owner, it's clear to me that many of these shifts will persist long after the pandemic has ended," writes Ashley Small, founder and CEO of Medley Inc., in a guest column for InnovationMap.

From subscriptions to online shopping, Small highlighted the types of tech in the digital realm that deserve our special attention in 2021. Click here to read more.

From events to online shopping — here are four tech trends to look out for this year. Photo courtesy of Medley

Houston expert: 4 tech trends to look out for in 2021

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The events of 2020 dramatically changed the way marketing agencies — like mine, Medley Inc. — do business. As we enter 2021, many executives are reflecting on how many of these changes will be sustained in the coming year.

From subscriptions to online shopping, the digital realm deserves our special attention in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medley, like many agencies, has pivoted to produce virtual events, run more targeted ads on all platforms, and become even more cloud-based and systemized.

As a business owner, it's clear to me that many of these shifts will persist long after the pandemic has ended. Here are four of the greatest changes I have observed and how they will continue to affect the way we do business in 2021.

1. Events will be hybrids on and offline

From the American Academy of Pediatrics to IBM, the 2020 pandemic forced businesses and organizations to fully digitize in-person conferences and events. With the coronavirus vaccine only just now being rolled out, it's likely that we won't be able to bring these events fully offline anytime soon.

While some organizations will probably host offline versions of their events, they may boast smaller attendance than usual or utilize a hybrid on- and offline strategy to account for the health and safety of their attendees. Thankfully, 2020 proved that there are fresh, innovative ways to engage participants in a virtual experience. Plan ahead to continue this innovation in 2021.

2. A platform to look out for

Clubhouse is the latest virtual platform, developed to eliminate the fatigue of online video events while still offering a new way to connect with others — including celebrities, thought leaders, and like-minded peers. What makes Clubhouse unique is that it's a hybrid between a never ending conference and a podcast, letting you tune into speakers and engage in lively discussions at your leisure.

Many experts are speculating that Clubhouse may be the next big social media platform, and for good reason: there's something there for everyone. Personally, I love some of the daily affirmation events happening on the platform. Niche apps like Quilt, which is geared exclusively toward women -- have also emerged, attesting to the growing power of socially distanced connections.

3. Subscription services and content fees will continue

Virtually eliminating offline revenue streams meant that many content platforms had to get creative about how they would continue to be profitable during the coronavirus pandemic. Already, we're seeing more news sites add paywalls and subscription services (or increase pricing on existing services) — a trend that likely won't change anytime soon.

Online video streaming is no exception to the rule. For example, Netflix recently announced a fee increase for 2021. Climbing content fees are likely a result of increased competition in the online streaming space, which has changed the way we consume traditional TV and movies.

As opposed to cable services, which pose a single monthly subscription fee for access to a variety of channels, the shows and films we love are contracted to single streaming platforms. Businesses like Netflix recognize that with this shift, we are increasingly willing to shell out a premium in order to continue consuming the content we love.

4. We will see more options with online shopping

As you may have noticed, Instagram now has a feature called Instagram Shopping. The department store giant Wal-Mart also partnered with influencers and Tik-Tok for Christmas to sell products in time for the holidays. Increased availability of online shopping is a natural evolution of a pandemic that makes it risky to leave our houses to go to the store. However, it's also a reflection of our society's growing need for convenience and instant gratification during the shopping experience.

In 2021, I anticipate that these options will only continue to grow. Expect products to appear at every turn on social media, whether you're scrolling your feed or watching an influencer live. As a result, we'll all need to be prepared to practice restraint each time we see items tailored to our interests.

At Medley, we're leaning into data-driven strategy and imagining the client experiences we've grown to love in a virtual world indefinitely. Regardless of what the future brings, we now know that there's a more convenient way to reach our consumers, connect and indulge a bit too.

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Ashley Small is the founder and CEO of Houston-based Medley Inc., a digital marketing and PR firm.

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7+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for November

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Editor's note: From life sciences to space and energy, Houston's most notable sectors will host signature conferences and opportunities to connect this month. Here’s what not to miss in November and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to add more events.

Nov. 4 — Startup Heat Simulation

Build a team and simulate fundraising, team building, resource allocation and go-to-market decisions that real founders face in their startup journey. This in-person simulation event helps prepare participants for when the stakes are real.

This event is Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Ion. Register here.

Nov. 9 — HAN Life Science Kick-off

Houston Angel Network will host this engaging event focused on AI in the clinical space. Expect panel discussions, networking and pitches from HAN portfolio companies. Dr. Peter Pisters, former president of M.D. Anderson, will deliver a keynote address.

This event is Monday, Nov. 9, from 4-8 p.m. at the Texas A&M School of Engineering and Medicine. Register here.

Nov. 10 — Texas Life Science Forum

Rice Alliance and BioHouston will host the 15th annual Texas Life Science Forum this month, bringing together industry, emerging life science companies, academics and investors. Nearly 50 companies will present their novel concepts during the event. Michael Tores, founder and former CEO of CrossBridge Bio, will be featured in a fireside chat. Dr. Arthur Sands, president and CEO of Nurix, will present the keynote address.

This event is Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 4-5:15 p.m. at Rice University's McNair Hall. Register here.

Nov. 11 — Envision 2026: Clinical Research, Reimagined

TMCi's annual Envision conference returns this month. This year, the event will take a look at what sets Houston apart as a hub for clinical research and how TMC is exploring strategies to address the roadblocks Houston and Texas face in clinical trial efficiency.

This event is Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 3:30-6 p.m. at TMC Innovation Factory. Register here.

Nov. 11 — First Principles: Inside the Texas A&M Space Institute

Dr. Rob Ambrose, associate director of the Texas A&M Space Institute, will present on the Texas A&M Space Institute's planned 400,000-square-foot facility at NASA’s Exploration Park at the latest installment of this series. A moderated Q&A will follow.

This event is Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 3:30-6 p.m. at TMC Innovation Factory. Register here.

Nov. 12 — Technology Transfer Thursdays

Join for the third installment of Tech Transfer Thursdays, hosted by Rice University's Office of Technology Transfer. The event series focuses on how emerging university research can become commercial ventures. This month's event will focus on artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Stick around after for a community happy hour.

This event is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Nov. 12 — Transition on Tap

Greentown Labs’ signature networking event returns in November to foster conversations and connections within Houston's climate and energy transition ecosystem. Entrepreneurs, investors, students, philanthropists and more are invited to attend, meet colleagues, discuss solutions and engage with the growing community.

This event is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Greentown Labs. Register here.

Nov. 18-19 — American Data Centers & AI Conference and Exhibition 2026

Set to redefine the intersection of energy and digital infrastructure, the American Data Centers & AI Conference and Exhibition convenes in Houston for its second annual event. The event will address the increasing demand for high-performance computing and the sustainable development of AI infrastructure, which requires significant power. Participants can expect to learn about practical solutions in energy integration, modern data center design, and scalable approaches. The agenda includes presentations from leading experts, demonstrations of new technologies for thermal management and grid optimization, and detailed discussions on AI's environmental impact and how to reuse generated heat.

This event begins Nov. 18 at the DoubleTree Hotel at Greenway Plaza. Register here.

Houston tops best cities for small biz expansion and more innovation news

Trending News

Editor's note: The top innovation news in recent weeks finds Houston at the top of the pack for small business friendliness, as well as a new facility at Generation Park. Plus, an innovative air taxi network will land in Texas next year. Below are the most-read InnovationMap stories published Oct. 14-31, 2026.

Houston ranks high on best cities for small-business expansion report

For small businesses looking to expand, Houston might be the right place. Among 56 major U.S. metros, Houston grabbed the No. 6 spot on a new list of the metros boasting the strongest environments for small-business expansion. A 2025 report from the state comptroller’s office showed roughly 970,000 small businesses operate in the 13-county Gulf Coast region. The region includes the majority of the Houston metro area. Continue reading.

Generation Park lands new facility to scale xeno-organ production

Maryland-based United Therapeutics Corp. has opened a new 77,448-square-foot facility to manufacture xeno-organs in Northeast Houston’s growing biotech hub, Generation Park. The new Houston location is United Therapeutics’ third Designated Pathogen-Free (DPF) site, named for transplant pioneers Dr. Bartley P. Griffith and Dr. Robert A. Montgomery. The company says the new facility will enable it to scale commercial production of its xeno-organs once they receive regulatory approval. Continue reading.

Air taxi network to land in 'Texas triangle' of Houston, Austin, DFW next year

San Jose, California-based aerospace company Archer Aviation is bringing its air-taxi system to the “Texas triangle” of Houston, Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth. Currently, the planned zero-emission electric air taxi networks will use Archer’s Midnight air taxi to “turn 60- to 90-minute drives to major airports, business districts and major destinations into 10- to 20-minute flights,” the company said. Archer plans to begin flights in the Texas triangle next year. Continue reading.

Rice University launches AI initiative, plans to hire 75 faculty

Houston’s Rice University announced a university-wide artificial intelligence initiative this week that includes hiring 75 new AI-focused faculty. It also shared new details about its planned state-of-the-art facility, The Arc. Fresh off the announcement of Rice’s new Master of Artificial Intelligence (MAI) coming next fall, the university shared that it plans to expand its AI-related courses and be a “global leader in advanced computing and responsible AI.” Continue reading.

Houston's Rice University named the No. 1 best Texas college for 2027

Rice ranks No. 1 in Texas on new 2027 list. Rice University/Facebook

With early application season in full swing, a local university is racking up accolades on a new list of the 10 best Texas colleges for 2027. Rice University topped the list as the No. 1 best university in Texas in WalletHub's annual "College & University Rankings" report, showing Houston students don't have to travel out of state to earn a top-notch degree. Continue reading.

7 finalists compete to be crowned Houston's 2026 Startup of the Year

Cast Your Vote

Each year, the Houston Innovation Awards program recognizes the best and brightest in the local innovation community. And while most of the award winners are selected by our esteemed panel of judges, one winner is determined by you.

Voting is now open for our people's choice award: 2026 Startup of the Year. Seven exceptional finalists are in the running for the title, and your votes will determine who wins.

From innovative platforms benefiting the education, commerce, health, investment and IT sectors to next-gen memory technology and improvements for robotic supply chains, these startups are making an impact in Houston and beyond.

Read about our Startup of the Year finalists and their missions and achievements below, then cast your vote. You can vote once per day through Nov. 13, so make your voice heard.

The winner, along with the winners in all other categories, will be revealed in mid-November right here on InnovationMap.com. Stay tuned.

FluxWorks

FluxWorks

Fluxworks is aiming to shape the future of the robotic supply chain with its flagship Celestial Gear. The magnetic gearbox offers a contactless design that leads to less wear, debris and maintenance. In 2026, Fluxworks closed a $5 million seed round to scale the product.

IronLattice

IronLattice

IronLattice is developing next-generation, ferroelectric memory technology for AI and high-performance computing workloads. In June 2026, the company closed a $3 million angel round. It began wafer production this fall, with its first working device targeted for completion in spring 2027.

Lumino

Lumino

Lumino is a unified commerce ecosystem and payments platform designed to provide businesses with the technology, payments infrastructure, intelligence and tools they need to grow while creating impact in their communities. Lumino publicly launched its platform in 2026 in Houston and is rolling out its next stage of global expansion.

Progress Report

Progress Report is a K-12 learning-intelligence platform designed to go beyond identifying that a student is struggling. It traces performance to learning gaps and prerequisite skills, helping educators understand where a student is struggling and what may be causing it. Progress Report recently released a fully built production platform and launched pilots with 35 educators and 200 students across Texas and Arizona.

Rosarium Health

Rosarium Health is a platform that coordinates the full process for home accessibility upgrades and modifications for seniors and people living with disabilities. In 2026, the startup announced $6 million in seed funding and scaled to a national network of 800-plus clinicians and 3,000-plus contractors.

Thread

Thread

Thread is building an AI-powered service desk platform for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Its technology combines agentic AI, assistive AI, automation, and real-time communication to help MSPs resolve IT support requests faster and with less manual work.

TokenRoster

TokenRoster is an AI-powered assessment platform for early-stage startups, providing founders with an investor-grade evaluation of their company before the pitch and giving investors a curated roster of vetted companies. Since launch, TokenRoster has grown to 65 companies and 43 founder accounts, with 10 assessment frameworks available.

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