3 Houston innovators to know this week

who's who

This week's roundup of Houston innovators includes Moji Karimi of Cemvita Factory, Shanna Jin of Rice University, and Trent Crow of Real Simple Energy. Courtesy photos

Editor's note: In the week's roundup of Houston innovators to know, I'm introducing you to three local innovators across industries — data science, consumer tech, and medical device innovation — recently making headlines in Houston innovation.

Moji Karimi, co-founder and CEO of Cemvita Factory

Moji Karimi joins the Houston Innovators Podcast to discuss how his technology is offering energy execs an innovative way to meat their climate change pledge goals. Photo courtesy of Cemvita

A lot of startups are working on technology that makes existing practices more efficient, cheaper, or faster — or all of the above. But Cemvita Factory, founded by siblings Moji and Tara Karimi, is doing something that's never been done before: biomimicking photosynthesis to convert carbon emissions into useful chemicals.

"There weren't biotech companies working with oil and gas companies for this use case that we have now," Moji Karimi says on this week's episode of the Houston Innovators Podcast. "We're defining this new category for application of synthetic biology in heavy industries for decarbonization."

With this uncharted territory comes unique challenges and opportunities. Click here to read more and stream the episode.

Shanna Jin, communications and marketing specialist of the Data to Knowledge Lab at Rice University

Startups and small businesses are accumulating data daily — here's how to use that to your advantage, according to this Houston expert. Photo via rice.edu

Ironically, the power of data management is almost incalculable. With the right practices and processes in place, businesses can make better decisions and grow more strategically. But, it's not something a lot of startups or small businesses look at regularly. That's where the Rice University Data To Knowledge group comes into play.

"Being able to interpret data and making data-driven decisions becomes the key to the success of a business," writes Shanna Jin in a guest column for InnovationMap. "It is not just a privilege for big companies anymore. Small businesses need it more than ever to make sustainable growth in the digital era." Click here to read more.

Trent Crow, founder and president of Real Simple Energy

Trent Crow, founder and president, and the Real Simple Energy team have moved over to Arcardia with the acquisition. Photo courtesy of Real Simple Energy

Earlier this month, a Houston startup exited to a larger tech company. Trent Crow, co-founder and CEO of Real Simply Energy, says all eight of the company's employees have moved over to Arcadia and more workers will be hired soon. The company has maintained a mix of office and remote workers. Arcadia will look for Houston office space later this year, Crow says.

"Expansion plans include doing more of what we're doing now and offering more features for customers," says Crow, who now is Arcadia's general manager of energy services in Texas. Click here to read more.

Trent Crow, founder and president (left), and Paul Paras, founder and vice president, and the rest of the Real Simple Energy team have moved over to Arcardia with the acquisition. Photo courtesy of Real Simple Energy

Houston energy startup acquired by growing tech company

making moves

February's massive winter weather disaster underscored the fragile availability and volatile cost of electricity in the Houston area and throughout Texas. Just a month after the calamity, a Washington, D.C.-based company has scooped up Houston-based Real Simple Energy to help put power back in the hands of electricity consumers in Texas.

Arcadia, a tech company that connects U.S. homeowners and renters to renewable energy, said March 17 that it had purchased Real Simple Energy. Terms of the deal for the three-year-old startup weren't disclosed.

Real Simple Energy's automated platform matches power usage with the lowest rates in the Texas marketplace to reduce electric bills. The company manages all facets of a customer's monthly power bills.

Trent Crow, co-founder and CEO of Real Simply Energy, says all eight of the company's employees have moved over to Arcadia and more workers will be hired soon. The company has maintained a mix of office and remote workers. Arcadia will look for Houston office space later this year, Crow says.

"Expansion plans include doing more of what we're doing now and offering more features for customers," says Crow, who now is Arcadia's general manager of energy services in Texas.

Aside from Crow, co-founders of Real Simple Energy are Paul Paras and Matt Herpich.

Real Simple Energy says its customers save an average of 36 percent, or $548 a year, on electricity. That figure is based on the power bill for a 2,300-square-foot home. The startup says its fixed-rate and fixed-bill plans aren't subject to the types of spikes in power prices that many Texans experienced during February's winter weather disaster.

"Recent events in the Texas market prove that customers shouldn't be exposed to wholesale or variable rates, and want an energy advocate to protect them," Kiran Bhatraju, founder and CEO of Arcadia, says in a release. "Both Arcadia and Real Simple Energy recognize the challenges Texas homeowners and renters have historically faced in the energy-buying process, and we remain committed to removing these confusing barriers. We'll always be on the customer's side, focusing on the best rate and protecting our customers from bad actors."

Crow says the struggle to bring down energy costs at his home prompted him to start the company. He spent several years as a wholesale power trader at JPMorgan Chase.

"The deregulated energy industry, especially in Texas, has underserved customers and, as a result, most customers overpay for electricity and receive poor customer service. Using technology, we are helping customers realize the promise of deregulation and always get the best fixed rates available," Crow says in a release.

This deal represents the first acquisition for Arcadia, founded in 2014. In partnership with 125 utilities in 50 states, Arcadia oversees 4.5 terawatt hours (4.5 trillion kilowatt hours) of residential demand for energy. It's the biggest manager of residential solar in the U.S.

Arcadia has raised $70.5 million in funding, according to Crunchbase.

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Houston firm invests $150M in leading 'lab on a chip' medical diagnostics co.

fresh funds

Houston-based health technology investment firm Hamershlag Private Capital Management Limited (HPCM) announced a $150.15 million venture investment in Patho Care LLC.

Patho Care is a “lab on a chip” medical diagnostics company known for its noninvasive point-of-care testing platforms, such as its Raman spectroscopy-based platform.

Its digital point-of-care testing devices are programmable, mobile, and reusable and can detect current or future respiratory bacterial or viral infections. The company says the technology is more cost-effective and provides results faster than traditional diagnostic methods.

“Patho Care LLC is a distinguished leader in healthcare diagnostics through the utilization of a novel approach with spectroscopy and this investment aligns with HPCM’s strategy of partnering with high-potential companies in dynamic industries,” L. Mychal Jefferson, Chairman of Hamershlag, said in a news release.

The transaction was structured as an acquisition and recapitalization using newly issued common stock and cash, which will work through a newly formed entity, PathoCare Holdings Inc. The deal will also facilitate the repayment of Patho Care LLC's existing financial obligations and settle Patho Care’s outstanding notes, helping ensure the company’s financial readiness, according to the release.

The investment will help Patho Care LLC improve operational efficiencies, broaden its service offerings and continue to innovate in the diagnostic testing space. The companies hope the collaboration will help “unlock new growth opportunities while maintaining the company’s legacy of excellence in an emerging technology,” according to a news release.

“Our commitment to delivering transformative value through innovative investments underscores our confidence in Patho Care’s vision and capabilities,” Jefferson added.

10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for February

WHERE TO BE

From talks with the hall-of-fame beauty business founders to agtech and AI summits, Houston will host a number of events focused on innovation and innovators in February.

Here’s what not to miss and how to register.

Note: This post might be updated to add more events.

Feb. 7 – SheSpace Offsite: Coffee & Connection

Get out of the office and head over to Midtown network with fellow SheSpace members and working women via coffee and conversation.

This event is Friday, Feb. 7, from 2-4 p.m. at Kefita Coffee. RSVP here.

Feb. 11 – Texas Business Hall of Fame x Ion: Creators Series with Founders Janet Gurwitch (Laura Mercier) and Tiffany Masterson (Drunk Elephant)

Take part in Texas Business Hall of Fame’s launch of its Creators 2025 speaker series. Janet Gurwitch, founder of Laura Mercier, and Tiffany Masterson, founder of Drunk Elephant, will discuss lessons learned while building their global retail brands and their successful exits.

This event is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 8–10 a.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Feb. 11 – How to Start a Startup

Gain insight from Mercury Fund’s Heath Butler and stick around for a happy hour afterward. This session, originally scheduled for Jan. 21, is geared toward entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors and academic partners

This event is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Feb. 15 – Ion Family Tech Day: Youth Entrepreneurship with Lemonade Day University

Bring the whole family out to the Ion for a family-friendly entrepreneurial workshop with Lemonade Day. Kids can compete in a pitch competition to win free supplies, and trained instructors will coach kids on how to set goals, develop a business or marketing plan and budget, create a brand, save and invest money, and more.

This event is Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Feb. 18 — Female Founders and Friends

Connect with like-minded female founders, funders, and allies at this recurring event. Female Founders & Friends is open to all industries and coffee is provided.

This event is Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 9 a.m. at Sesh Coworking. Register here.

Feb. 20 — Diaspora Africa Conference

Come together to hear inspiring speakers, participate in interactive workshops and network with others who are passionate about African heritage and the contributions of the African diaspora. This event will showcase African innovation and allow attendees to connect with funding sources actively seeking high-growth opportunities in Africa.

This event is Thursday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Feb 20–21 — TMC AI Summit 2025

The TMC AI Summit aims to translate advanced AI innovations into practical solutions for real-world biomedical and health care challenges by bringing together researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders. The event features various workshops and tracks with keynote speakers from Rice University, UTHealth, Microsoft Health Futures and other organizations.

This event is Thursday, Feb. 20, from noon–7 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at TMC Helix Park in the TMC3 Collaborative Building. Register here.

Feb. 25 — Houston Methodist Leadership Speaker Series at Ion - Tesha Montgomery

Hear from Houston Methodist’s SVP of System Patient Access about how the health care system is approaching improvements to patient access and highlighting women in health care leadership. Audiences can participate in a 30-minute discussion following Montgomery’s remarks.

This event is Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 4:45–6 p.m. at the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at the Ion. Register here.

Feb. 26 — Inaugural HTX AgTech Rodeo Innovation Summit 2025

Network with farmers, founders, startups and investors at the first-ever HTX AgTech Rodeo Innovation Summit. The all-day event will feature panels, fireside chats, a Saddle Up Pitch Competition and reception with live music.

This event is Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Find more information and register here.

Feb. 27 — NASA Tech Talks

Every fourth Thursday of the month, NASA experts, including longtime engineer Montgomery Goforth, present on technology development challenges challenges NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the larger aerospace community are facing and how they can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. Stick around after for drinks and networking at Second Draught.


This event is Thursday, Feb. 27, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.

Feb. 27–28 – QVIDTVM x The Ion: Inaugural Hack Day Competition

Investment firm QVIDTVM and the Ion are calling all data scientists, analysts, developers and innovators to a new hack day. Participants will aim to find the total value of real estate platformed by Airbnb globally and can participate in a Fireside Chat on AI with Nick King, founder and CEO of Data Kinetic. Teams can include up to four people and prizes for first through third place will be awarded.

This event is Thursday, Feb. 27, at 9:30 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 28, at 5 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.


Houston humanoid robotics startup secures millions in pre-seed funding

my robot

A Houston-based startup developing AI-powered humanoid robots for manufacturers and other businesses has raised more than $10 million in pre-seed funding less than a year after its founding.

Nic Radford, co-founder and CEO of Persona AI, declines to disclose the amount raised. However, he tells InnovationMap that it was an eight-figure total.

While not providing names, Radford says Persona AI’s first outside investors include VC firms, institutions and high-net-worth individuals in the U.S., London and Singapore. One of the high-net-worth investors was among the first employees at SpaceX, Elon Musk’s Brownsville, Texas-based aerospace company, according to Rodford.

No Houston investors have participated in the funding round yet. However, Radford says he’s working on bringing aboard one local investor before the round closes.

“Houston’s the perfect city to do a company like this in,” Radford says. “It’s just not the perfect investor climate, but it's the perfect city from a customer aspect.”

Persona AI’s pre-seed funding comes amid a dramatic surge in investment capital chasing AI startups. Global funding for AI-related companies exceeded $100 billion in 2024, up more than 80 percent from the 2023 total, Crunchbase data shows.

Radford and co-founder Jerry Pratt, the startup’s chief technology officer, bootstrapped Persona AI. The third co-founder, Jide Akinyode, serves as Persona AI’s chief operating officer. Radford and Akinyode helped develop NASA’s six-foot-two-inch Valkyrie humanoid robot and both are former employees of Webster-based Nauticus Robotics, a provider of autonomous subsea robots.

Persona AI launched last June in what Radford calls “anti-stealth mode.” The startup is close to announcing its first customer, which does business in the industrial sector. Persona AI expects customers to take delivery of its first robot in 18 to 24 months, Radford says.

Persona AI will operate primarily as a robotics-as-a-service provider, with the company retaining ownership of the lifelike robots and selling the labor that they supply. Radford says the startup’s robots will help alleviate a shortage of skilled labor in sectors like manufacturing.

A report released last year by consulting firm Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute declared that as many as 1.9 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. could go unfilled between 2024 and 2033 due to a skills gap and a tight labor market.

Persona AI competes in a market with enormous potential. In November, analysts at Citi Global Insights projected that the global market for humanoid robots could soar to $7 trillion by 2050, with 650 million of the robots tackling all sorts of jobs.

Radford says Personal AI is developing a “rugged” five-foot-eight-inch humanoid robot that’s able to survive tough indoor and outdoor conditions and take on tasks like carting around sheet metal, tending to metal-stamping machines, moving storage bins and handling order fulfillment. He likens his company’s robot prototype to a Ford F-150 pickup truck, compared to the less-sturdy versions produced by robotics competitors, which he calls the Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Beetles of the field.

Radford says he and his team “are building a really compelling startup in one of the hottest markets and one of the greatest cities.” Employees work at Persona AI’s headquarters in Houston or its satellite office in Pensacola, Florida, where Pratt is located.

“We don’t hire anybody that’s not a rock star or superstar,” says Radford, “and I think the city is going to benefit tremendously from our efforts at Persona.”

Radford saw his last company, Nauticus Robotics, from founding to IPO, left the company in January and previously told InnovationMap that he couldn't get the idea of advancing humanoid robotics out of his head. Read more here.

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