Editor's note:Let's roundup the top Houston innovation news from the week. Trending Houston tech and startup articles on InnovationMap included overheard moments at SXSW, a fresh fund for a female-focused VC firm, and more.
Overheard: Innovators sound off on future of work, converging industries at Houston House at SXSW 2024
Houston House at SXSW 2024 featured conversations about startup scaling, tips from CEOs, and more. Photo via Allie Danziger/LinkedIn
Houston innovators talked big topics at SXSW 2024 — from the startup scaling and converging industries to the future of work.
Houston House, which was put on by the Greater Houston Partnership on March 11, hosted four panels full of experts from Houston. If you missed the day-long activation, here are some highlights from the experts who each commented on the future of the Bayou City when it comes to startups, technology, innovation, and the next generation's workforce. Continue reading.
Texas-based 'hop-on' jet service offers exclusive eclipse flight flown by NASA pilot
The special two-hour flight will fly the path of totality during its peak shadow casting, led by former NASA astronaut and JSX pilot Bill Gregory. Photo via JSX
With Texas set to be the prime location for the Great North American Solar Eclipse, airlines are lining up to offer the best vantage point and that includes JSX: The private carrier is offering a once-in-a-lifetime in-flight experience to 12 people, to join a specialty flight from Dallas on Monday, April 8.
This special two-hour flight will fly the path of totality during its peak shadow casting, led by former NASA astronaut and JSX pilot Bill Gregory. Those onboard will receive eclipse viewing glasses for safe solar viewing, themed Solar Eclipse cocktails, and complimentary sun protection. Continue reading.
Houston falls behind other Texas cities in report ranking best tech hubs
Was Houston snubbed? Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
In a recent report analyzing metrics for best cities for tech hubs, Houston failed to crack the top 20 — unlike a few other Texas cities.
The new report, "The Top Tech Cities in the US: Ranking 100 Cities in 2024," by online security experts Cloudwards, examined 100 tech-reliant cities in the nation across 17 key indicators, including salaries for information technology professionals, a city's cost of living, internet quality, job opportunities and tech-related companies, and more.
Austin is the No. 7 best tech city in the nation, yet somehow not the best in Texas; The Dallas suburb of Plano outshone the capital city at No. 4, and its neighbor Frisco came in at No. 10. Houston, however, came in at No. 22. Continue reading.
Houston-based, female-focused VC closes $36M fund
The Artemis Fund has announced that it's closed its second fund. Courtesy photo
A women-led venture capital group based in Houston has closed its second fund to continue its mission of supporting female-founded startups in fintech, commerce, and care.
The Artemis Fund announced its $36 million second fund this month. Co-founded in 2019 by General Partner Stephanie Campbell, General Partner Diana Murakhovskaya, and Venture Partner Leslie Goldman Tepper, the firm has invested in more than 20 female-led startups — with over 60 percent with Black, Latinx, or immigrant leadership.
"Many funds have come to market that focus on diverse founders. Few are also funding the technology to address key barriers faced by overlooked businesses, communities, and families in the U.S.," Artemis leadership writes in a news release. Continue reading.
Houston health tech company announces $10M in fresh funding to bolster customer care
Roshal Health provides on-site and on-demand ultrasound and echocardiogram services to ERs, micro-hospitals, rural hospitals, and offsite health care facilities. Photo via Getty Images
Roshal Health, a Katy-based provider of ultrasound and echocardiogram services for health care facilities, has secured $10 million in structured equity financing.
New York City-based investment firm Catalio Capital Management led the financing, with participation from Austin-based investment firm Green Street Impact Partners.
“This is an important next step in our journey and will further bolster our ability to meet customer care delivery targets with cost-efficient and high-quality diagnostic services,” Michael Hall, CEO of Roshal Health, says. Continue reading.