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

WHERE TO BE

Don't miss these July events — from meetups to hackathons. Photo via Getty Images

From networking meetups to expert speaker summits, July is filled with opportunities for Houston innovators.

Here's a roundup of events you won't want to miss out on so mark your calendars and register accordingly.

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

July 4 — Houston Blockchain Alliance Monthly Meetup

Check out the Houston Blockchain Alliance Monthly Meetup at The Cannon, in partnership with Lucrisma, Event Horizon Capital, and CryptoEQ. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Houston area. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, come and engage in lively discussions, share insights, and network with like-minded individuals.

This event is Thursday, July 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Cannon. Click here to register.

July 9 — Software Day at the Ion: An Intro to Central Texas Seed Stage VCs

Over the course of 2-hours, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Speakers on the panel "An Intro to Central Texas Seed Stage VCs” include: Eric Engineer, S3 Ventures; Rajiv Bala, Clutch Ventures; Cat Dizon, Active Capital; Mike Marcantonio, LiveOak; and moderator Aziz Gilani, Mercury.

This event is Tuesday, July 9, from 3:30 to 7 pm at The Ion. Click here to register.

July 9 — Tech+Tequila Talk: The Future of Tokenization and Capital Raising

Guest speaker, Ed Nwokedi, the Founder and CEO of RedSwan CRE Marketplace will unpack the process of converting ownership rights in an asset into digital tokens on a blockchain, how tokenization allows for fractional ownership, and the impact these innovations can have on capital raising and asset management.

This event is Tuesday, July 9, from 8 to 8 pm at Esperson Building. Click here to register.

July 11 — Out in Tech Mixer

Out in Tech Houston provides an inclusive networking space for LGBTQ+ people and allies working in tech. Check out this relaxed, social-mixer event, hosted on the second Thursday of every month.

This event is Thursday, July 11, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Second Draught. Click here to register.

July 15 — 2024 Young Leaders Institute: Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions

Asia Society Texas' Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long summer program for high school students that promotes global competence, elevates leadership skills, and connects students from across diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Institute invites students to explore some of the most timely, relevant global issues for young leaders today.

This event starts Monday, July 15, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Asia Society Texas Center. Click here to register.

July 17 — Open Project Night at Impact Hub Houston

A chance to work on solutions for some of Houston’s most pressing issues, the theme of this month's meeting will be gender equality. Network and workshop pitching materials with likeminded entrepreneurs.

This event is Wednesday, July 17, from 5:30 to 8 pm at 808 Travis St. Click here to register.

July 18 — First of a Kind (FOAK) Networking Lunch

Inspired by the recent FOAK Roundtable hosted by Deanna Zhang, the Energy Underground team of professionals are diving deep into the world of innovative initiatives. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just dipping your toes into the realm of groundbreaking projects, this lunch is for you. The Energy Underground is a group of professionals in the Greater Houston area that are accelerating the Energy Transition.

This event is Thursday, July 18, from 12 to 1 pm at The Cannon West Houston. Click here to register.

July 20 — FIONA: 5th Annual HACKATHON

Get ready for a day filled with coding challenges, teamwork, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting out, this event is great for anyone passionate about technology and creativity. Go in person a day of brainstorming, coding, and presenting your projects to a panel of judges. Collaborate with fellow hackers, learn new skills, and showcase your talents.

This event is Saturday, July 20, from 11 am to 2 pm at 15500 Voss Rd. Click here to register.

July 24 — Houston Methodist Clinician Speaker Series

Dr. Desai, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Medical Officer & Chief Quality Officer at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, will discuss the plans for Houston Methodist's ninth hospital which is scheduled to open in early 2025.

Agenda:

4:30pm - Arrival & Registration

5:00pm - Presentation by Dr. Desai

5:30pm - Audience discussion

6:00pm - Event concludes

This event is Wednesday, July 24, from 4:30 to 6 pm at The Ion. Click here to register.

July 25 — DivInc Demo Day: Sports Tech Spring 2024

The Spring 2024 Sports Tech Demo Day will be a celebration and showcase of the growth of founders using technology to enhance human performance, fan experience, fantasy sports & betting, future of media, NIL innovation (i.e. Name, Image, Likeness), and stadium & venue innovation.

This event is Thursday, July 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at The Ion. Click here to register.

July 30 — Texas Small Business Expo

Texas Small Business Expo is a trade show, educational business to business conference, exhibition & networking event for entrepreneurs, start-ups and anyone who owns a business. Network, build new business relationships, and learn from industry experts on how to enhance your business.

This event is Tuesday, July 30, from 4 to 9 pm at Wakefield Crowbar. Click here to register.


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Houston airports poised for 1.3 million travelers on Memorial Day weekend

Taking Off

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are estimated to see 1.3 million travelers during the Memorial Day period (May 20 - May 28). Despite large crowds, the airports say they have prepared with multiple new improvements designed to slow traffic and make check-ins easier.

“Air travel drives jobs, business and tourism — and this summer, Houston Airports is powering that growth,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports.

“From streamlined security to a smarter website to new flights and fresh amenities, we’re delivering improvements that support Mayor Whitmire’s call for a more user-friendly Houston. These upgrades aren’t just about moving people — they’re about moving our economy forward.”

IAH in particular has seen remarkable drops in wait times thanks to the new IAH International Arrivals Curb. Part of the $1.458 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), it reduced airport traffic during the Christmas holidays by a whopping 99 percent, with the average wait time reaching only two minutes. Other improvements include TSA Precheck enrollment pods at both airports and the agility for international travelers to recheck bags without leaving the terminal after they have passed through customs.

The amount of travelers expected for Memorial Day is slightly below 2024 numbers, but Houston Airports expects record-breaking travel over the summer. Current estimates show 19.5 million people moving through both airports through Labor Day, a 250,000 increase over last year. Part of this can be attributed to IAH's increasing status as the gateway to Mexico, Central America, and South America, running nonstop flights to new tourist hot spots like Puerto Escondido.

In additions to streamlining the flight processes, Houston Airports are expanding concession and shop offerings. Hobby recently opened The Rustic, Chick-fil-A, Pei Wei, and Throughgood Bistro. Bush added Hip & Humble, a boutique gift and souvenir seller focused on the items for women travelers and those looking for a little luxury when they return home. And, as always, Houston Airports have some of the finest art in the country. All of it together makes traveling to and from the city much less stressful than the big crowds would portend.

"We’re ready to welcome millions with efficiency and a warm Houston spirit,” said Szczesniak. “This summer, travelers will see and feel the difference we’ve made.”

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This story originally appeared on our sister site, CultureMap.com.

Houston e-commerce unicorn reaches $1.6B valuation with $50M fundraising round

fresh funding

Houston-based Cart.com, a provider of fulfillment and logistics services for B2C and B2B brands, has raised $50 million in venture capital, pushing its valuation to $1.6 billion. Since it was founded in 2020, Cart.com has raised $475 million.

Cart.com earned “unicorn” status in 2023 after securing a $60 million Series C round of funding. In the startup universe, “unicorn” refers to a private company that’s valued at $1 billion or more. Last year, Cart.com nailed down $130 million in debt funding, lifting its valuation to $1.2 billion.

Technically, Cart.com no longer qualifies as a startup. Rather, it’s now in “scaleup” territory. This term refers to a startup that has notched substantial growth and has maintained a stable workforce, among other positive achievements. Notable brands that have graduated from startup to scaleup include Airbnb, Peloton and Uber.

The $50 million round includes money from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock and Neuberger Berman, and new investors such as eGateway Capital, along with several unidentified venture capital firms, investors and family offices.

The company said it will use the fresh capital to fuel its global expansion through investments in infrastructure, technology, and M&A.

“Cart.com is continuing our strong growth trajectory across all operating metrics, and we intend to utilize this additional capital to accelerate the expansion of our platform and bring our customers new capabilities to enable their growth,” Omair Tariq, founder and CEO of Cart.com, said in a news release. Tariq added that his company is “well on our way to building the largest and most comprehensive platform in our space.”

Over the past 12 months, Cart.com completed its acquisition of OceanX, the fulfillment operation of direct marketing company Guthy-Renker, and Amify, an Amazon marketplace optimization and advertising platform. Bill Guthy, founder of Guthy-Renker, now sits on Cart.com’s board of directors

Texas luxury bus service adds route connecting The Woodlands and Dallas

Travel Time

Houston-area business and leisure travelers have a convenient new route to check out thanks to Vonlane. The Texas-based luxury motor coach service is adding a new daily service between The Woodlands and Dallas starting June 13.

Vonlane already offers service between Dallas and downtown Houston, at the Hyatt Regency at 1200 Louisiana St., eight times per day starting at 6 am. The ride takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

According to Vonlane founder and CEO Alex Danza, The Woodlands has been a much-requested route.

“The Woodlands area has been our most requested geographic addition for several years, so we’re thrilled to announce this expansion, our 10th destination on our 11th anniversary,” Danza says. “Bringing our elevated bus service to suburban areas is a strategic priority as we seek to relieve the hassles of driving and air travel for our passengers and better meet them where they live, work, and play.”

The new service brings a convenient nonstop route to and from the northern fringe of Houston — The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Conroe, Montgomery County, and northern Harris County.

Beginning June 13, The Woodlands-Dallas route will offer the following departures:

  • Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 6:15 am, 10:15 am, 2:15 pm, and 6:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 10:15 am and 2:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
  • Saturday: 9 am: departing The Woodlands
  • Saturday 1 pm: departing Dallas

This ride will take 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The new drop-off point for The Woodlands service will be at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr.. According to Danza, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott offers easy access to I-45, ample parking, and high-quality accommodations.

Riders will depart in Dallas at the established stop at Doubletree Love Field, 3300 W. Mockingbird Ln. The new route offers proximity to major employers in the area such as Alight Solutions, Baker Hughes, Chevron Phillips, Entergy, ExxonMobil, Hewlett-Packard, Houston Methodist, Huntsman Corporation, Lone Star College, McKesson, Memorial Hermann, Occidental Petroleum, St. Luke’s Health, and Texas Children’s.

Visit The Woodlands president Nick Wolda says in a statement that The Woodlands is a popular destination for Dallas residents.

“Visit The Woodlands is excited to welcome Vonlane to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Conference Center. This first-class amenity is a fantastic addition to our vibrant community, perfectly designed to elevate the travel experience,” Wolda says. “The Woodlands is the go-to destination for trips from the DFW area—whether you're a corporate conventioneer, a Pavilion concertgoer, a college student coming home, or a weekend shopping trip with friends. With this new service, getting to and from The Woodlands has never been easier or more enjoyable!"

Vonlane buses have 22 first-class leather seats, ample workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onboard attendant offering premium cabin service with snacks, meals, and beverages included.

Fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply. Rates increase with less than seven days’ notice and within 24 hours before departure.

Tickets can be booked at www.vonlane.com.

Vonlane was founded in Texas in 2014 and offers more than 475 weekly departures across 10 destinations.

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A version of this story originally appeared on CultureMap.com.

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