Editor's note:We're wrapping up another week of this endless January, so let's roundup the top Houston innovation news from the past few days. Trending Houston tech and startup articles on InnovationMap included a new upcoming location of The Cannon, an oversubscribed pre-seed round of funding, and more.
Houston coworking concept expands with new location
The Cannon is opening a new location just down the road from its headquarters. Photo courtesy of The Cannon
The Cannon has announced its latest coworking location, and it's not too far from where the company's original facility launched.
The Cannon Memorial is expected to open this spring in Two Memorial City Plaza (820 Gessner) within MetroNational's Memorial City, a 265-acre planned development in west Houston. The coworking concept will take up one floor with 21,960 square feet of space.
"We are delighted to unveil The Cannon Memorial as a pivotal addition to Houston's dynamic business landscape," Jon Lambert, CEO of The Cannon, says in a news release. "Our expansion into Two Memorial City Plaza aligns seamlessly with our mission to cultivate innovation, collaboration, and success within the business community. We eagerly anticipate welcoming entrepreneurs and professionals to experience the unparalleled environment we've created. Continue reading.
Houston edtech startup closes oversubscribed pre-seed round to increase access to learning
The edtech company offers a comprehensive approach to shrinking the digital divide with a suite of technology including software, hardware, and more. Photo courtesy of TrueLeap
An edtech startup has just secured funding to further its mission of increasing accessibility to education.
TrueLeap Inc., global digital education startup addressing the digital divide in education, has raised $610,000, which is over its target of $500,000. The round was led by United Kingdom-based Maya Investments Limited.
"This oversubscribed funding round, led by Maya Investments Limited, is a testament to the urgent need for innovative educational technologies in emerging markets. Our commitment to providing affordable and integrated solutions is stronger than ever," says Sandip Bordoloi, CEO and Co-Founder of TrueLeap. Continue reading.
Is Texas a top state for business? New reports find mixed results
When it comes to Texas being a top state for business, we guess the jury's out. Photo via Getty Images
Texas economic development boosters are crowing about a new top-in-the-nation ranking. But they’re probably frowning about a different business ranking that’s mediocre.
Business Facilities magazine just named Texas the 2023 State of the Year in recognition of its business climate, economic development leadership, and “blockbuster” year for capital investment and job creation. It’s the fifth time that Business Facilities has crowned Texas as the top state.
“Texas moves at the speed of business,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. “As recognized by Business Facilities magazine, Texas leads the nation for corporate relocations, business expansions, and job creation.” Continue reading.
New leadership team named to organization advancing climate tech innovation from Texas college students
An organization based out of Greentown Houston has named its two new leaders. Photo via GreentownLabs.com
A collaborative initiative between several colleges and Greentown Labs has named its inaugural executive director.
David Pruner will lead the Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy, known as TEX-E, which is comprised of partners including Greentown Labs, MIT’s Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, and universities across Texas. Additionally, Julia Johansson was appointed chief of staff for TEX-E and will oversee operations and administration responsibilities.
“Dave is the ideal leader for TEX-E to build on the great work that’s been done to develop a robust entrepreneurial energy ecosystem across these five impressive universities in Texas and to directly inspire and support university students to pursue entrepreneurial careers that will power our clean energy future,” Greentown Labs CEO and President Kevin Knobloch says in a news release. “Dave’s expertise will have a tremendous impact on the strategy, evolution, and success of this ambitious and important program.” Continue reading.
Decarbonization tech startup with Houston office scores $20M from United, Microsoft, and others
Among Dimensional Energy's funders are Microsoft and United. Photo via dimensionalenergy.com
Climatech company Dimensional Energy, which operates a Houston office, has scooped up $20 million in series A funding.
Founded in 2014, Ithaca, New York-based Dimensional Energy specializes in producing decarbonization technology, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon emissions-derived fuels and materials.
The company also says it’s working toward becoming a certified B Corporation. Businesses that achieve this certification seek to balance purpose and profit. Continue reading.