Editor's note:It's officially the new year, and the end of the first week of 2024 — it's time to round up the top headlines from the past few days. Trending Houston tech and startup articles on InnovationMap included events not to miss this month, how a tech platform plans to grow following funds raised, and more.
5+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for January
Don't miss these January events — from startup showcases to tech talks. Photo via Getty Images
Ring in the new year with fellow Houston innovators at everything from networking meetups to startup showcases.
Here's a roundup of events you won't want to miss out on so mark your calendars and register accordingly. Continue reading.
Houston HR tech platform plans to grow team, expand internationally with recent $21M raise
Kahuna CEO Jai Shah shares how he plans on deploying the $21 million his Houston company just raised. Photo courtesy of Kahuna
With a recent $21 million series B funding round set to fuel more growth and expand an impressive client roster, Kahuna Workforce Solutions is riding a big wave into 2024.
CEO Jai Shah tells InnovationMap that the Houston skills management software service company’s Hawaiian name captures their style.
“Kahuna is that kind of expert, competent leader in a tribe or family,” Jai says. “That’s all because we had this concept of really wanting to be providing a very..family-oriented consulting approach. Treat our customers like family, and with respect, love and really just try and deliver on that promise.” Continue reading.
Raising the roof: These were the top 5 investment rounds raised by Houston startups in 2023
These five deals were the largest rounds raised by Houston startups, according to InnovationMap. Photo via Getty Images
As 2023 comes to a close, InnovationMap is looking back at the year's top stories in Houston innovation. When it came to the money raised in Houston, these five startups raised the most, according to reporting done by InnovationMap. Continue reading.
Texas company lines up hundreds electric-hybrid planes for takeoff
Behold the future JSX Aura Aero Era 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft. Rendering courtesy of JSX
Hop-on jet service JSX is soaring into a more eco-friendly future with plans to acquire more than 300 hybrid-electric airplanes.
The Dallas-based air carrier revealed in a release that they'll add up to 332 small hybrid planes in 2028, allowing them to connect to smaller, underserved communities around the country.
"Following the Biden Administration’s call last week for the aviation industry to cut carbon emissions ... JSX expects to take delivery of its first hybrid-electric aircraft in 2028, shepherding the next chapter of regional aviation as the first in its category to adopt this impactful cutting-edge renewable energy technology," JSX says in the release. Continue reading.
Houston sustainability startup secures million-dollar prize after global competition
Revterra was selected from among 10 finalists receiving up to $1 million piloting opportunities. Photo via ADNOC
A Houston sustainability startup has secured a major win on a global scale.
Revterra, which produces novel batteries made from recycled steel, has been awarded a million-dollar piloting opportunity by ADNOC following a global competition.
The ADNOC Decarbonization Technology Challenge, in collaboration with AWS, bp, Hub71, and the Net Zero Technology Centre, sought to find emerging climate tech innovations that are ready for scale. Continue reading.