Tag: Technology and Startups

  • Perfecting Your Pitch

    Perfecting Your Pitch

    Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck. About the Speakers Dr. Doug Franklin “Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST. Derrell Noris With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further. Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr. Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.

    Source and tickets: https://iondistrict.com/event/perfecting-your-pitch-37/

  • How to Start a Startup

    How to Start a Startup

    You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it, investors won’t be interested anyway. Join us after the session, hosted by Heath Butler, for a networking happy hour! Target Audience: Startups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot Community Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next, small business owners Corporate Innovators: intrapreneurs, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change Academic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup About the Speakers: Heath Butler , Mercury Fund Heath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform, including corporate, service provider, and startup community relationships. Prior to joining Mercury, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP), the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com, founded a fin-tech startup, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. Outside of Mercury, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community, a mentor, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read, golf, cycle, and is an avid poker player.

    Source and tickets: https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-9/

  • GEW AI Lab: Workflow Small Business Automation

    GEW AI Lab: Workflow Small Business Automation

    Bring your laptop. Build the workflow. Test it before you leave. Bring your laptop and work through practical small-business automation workflows in a guided, in-person lab. This three-hour session is designed for small-business owners, founders, and operators who want to move beyond general AI discussion and examine where automation may actually support everyday operations. Participants will identify recurring workflow bottlenecks, map process steps, and build two guided automation prototypes focused on customer-service intake and order-management operations. A Technical Host and AI Engineer will be present throughout the session to manage QR check-in, demonstrate workflow principles, support individual troubleshooting, and help participants define appropriate Human-in-the-Loop review points. The workshop includes an Autumn Harvest Grazing Board, handcrafted espresso, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Participants should bring their own laptop and charging cable. The session uses guided examples and test data; confidential customer information, payment credentials, private access keys, or sensitive business data should not be shared during group exercises. This is an educational workshop. It is not a software sales presentation and does not guarantee cost savings, revenue growth, staffing reductions, or specific automation outcomes.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gew-ai-lab-workflow-small-business-automation-tickets-2004471230409

  • BUSINESS NETWORKING | MEET THE MAYOR SERIES

    BUSINESS NETWORKING | MEET THE MAYOR SERIES

    Connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, industry leaders across 100 industries. Mayor Carol K. McCutcheon, City of Sugar Land . Connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and industry leaders across 100+ industries . Build strategic partnerships, expand your network, and explore new business opportunities. ADMISSION $25 Per Person | Lunch Included RSVP TODAY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT! https://forms.gle/J7eX4ewMVUQjpLbv8

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-networking-meet-the-mayor-series-tickets-2004439032103

  • AI for Business & Workplace Productivity | Dallas, TX | Nov 18th, 2026

    AI for Business & Workplace Productivity | Dallas, TX | Nov 18th, 2026

    Explore practical AI applications for workplace tasks, business communication, information management and everyday productivity. Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses manage information, communicate, and complete everyday tasks, making AI skills increasingly valuable across professional roles. AI for Business and Workplace Productivity explores practical ways to use AI for drafting emails, preparing reports, summarising documents, generating ideas, organising information, and supporting routine administrative work. You will learn how to write effective prompts, evaluate AI-generated content, and identify opportunities to improve your daily workflows while maintaining accuracy and protecting confidential information. Through hands-on exercises, workplace scenarios, case studies, and interactive discussions, you will explore how to apply AI responsibly and determine when human judgement and verification are essential. Whether you are a manager, business owner, team leader, or administrative professional, this session will help you build practical AI skills to work more efficiently and make informed decisions in the modern workplace. NOTE: The course will be delivered by experienced local trainers. We aim to assign a qualified professional trainer based in or near the advertised training location. The trainer’s details and professional profile will be shared with registered participants before the session. Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday business activities, including drafting communications, summarising information, organising documents and supporting routine analysis. Understanding how to use AI appropriately helps professionals evaluate where these tools may fit into existing workflows and where human judgement remains necessary.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-for-business-workplace-productivity-dallas-tx-nov-18th-2026-tickets-2003607772784

  • Austin Tech Startups Networking & Elevator Pitches Event

    Austin Tech Startups Networking & Elevator Pitches Event

    Connect with Tech Founders, Entrepreneurs, Investors & Innovators — Network, Pitch & Discover New Opportunities! Join us for an exciting evening of networking, startup conversations and elevator pitches, bringing together ambitious entrepreneurs, tech founders, investors, innovators and professionals from across the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re launching your first startup, scaling an established tech business, developing an innovative product or exploring new opportunities in the technology sector, this event is designed to help you make valuable connections and grow your professional network. Meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, discover potential collaborations and introduce your business in a relaxed, welcoming and dynamic atmosphere. Great startups begin with great ideas — but they grow through the right connections! Connect with startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, developers, technology professionals and business leaders who share your passion for innovation. Meet potential co-founders, clients, business partners, collaborators and mentors who could help you take your startup or career to the next level. Take advantage of our elevator pitch session to introduce your startup, showcase your idea or share what you’re working on with fellow attendees. Build connections within the investment and startup ecosystem, exchange perspectives and explore potential funding opportunities. Discuss the latest developments in AI, software, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, automation, digital products and other fast-growing technology sectors. Learn from other entrepreneurs, share challenges, discover fresh perspectives and gain inspiration from people building innovative businesses.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-tech-startups-networking-elevator-pitches-event-tickets-2003405420543

  • Houston Tech Startups, Investors, Experts Networking & Pitch Event

    Houston Tech Startups, Investors, Experts Networking & Pitch Event

    Connect with tech startups, investors, and industry experts for an evening of rapid-fire pitches, conversations and opportunities. Join us for a powerful evening designed for tech founders, investors, operators, and industry experts who want real conversations, real opportunities, and a space to showcase what they’re building. This event combines fast pitches with high-quality networking , creating the perfect environment for collaboration, funding, and growth. Whether you’re launching a startup, raising capital, hiring, scouting talent, or looking for partners, this event puts you in the room with the people who can help make it happen. 1-Minute Founder Pitches – Quick, sharp, high-energy pitches to introduce your startup and spark interest. Investor & Expert Introductions – Meet active investors and specialists open to conversations and opportunities. Focused Networking Sessions – Connect with founders, product teams, engineers, operators, advisors, and investors. Collaboration Opportunities – Discover partners, clients, talent, mentors, and early adopters. Simple, Effective Networking Format – No panels, no long talks — just high-value interactions that matter. IT and Technology Professionals Networking Event welcomes all IT and Technology professionals who are passionate about advancing their careers, expanding their networks, and staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. This event is ideal for: Startup Founders : Looking to pitch ideas, find partners, or secure funding. Investors & VCs : Seeking new, disruptive technologies and promising startups to invest in.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-tech-startups-investors-experts-networking-pitch-event-tickets-2003197336157

  • Entrepreneurs, Small Business & Startups Networking Event In Dallas

    Entrepreneurs, Small Business & Startups Networking Event In Dallas

    DALLAS NETWORKING EVENT: This Is A PrePay Only Event. You Have To Get Tickets Here Online In Advance. Tickets Not Available At Venue Door Entrepreneurs! Small Business Owners! Startups! Freelancers! Gamechangers! Investors! Crowdfunding Experts!, Web & Marketing Experts, Job Seekers!, Etc. This event is the perfect opportunity to network with potential business partners, investors, industry professionals and new clients…. Or just come on out and make some new friends! We’ve witnessed countless business connections and friendships form at our past events. Come enjoy fun and easy way to connect with others in a relaxed, low pressure environment. IMPORTANT NOTE: WE WILL HAVE MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES AT THIS EVENT. THE EVENT HOST WILL WRITE YOUR INDUSTRY ON YOUR NAME BADGE SO YOU CAN EASILY FIND AND CONNECT WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE! ** There are no speakers or sales pitches. It’s just a place to come mingle with like minded people. At the beginning of the event our host will hand you a sheet of paper with icebreaker questions that you can use to get to know the rest of the people at the event. The icebreakers are optional but most people love them because they really help you get to meet people. Those who do the icebreakers will be entered into our raffle to win prizes! An email we received about one of our recent events: “Thank you so much for throwing such a great event. The crowd was really great and everyone was super friendly. As a busy professional I don’t get that much time to get out and meet people so it was nice to be in such a relaxed environment. Event well done!” – Danielle

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurs-small-business-startups-networking-event-in-dallas-tickets-2002763748284

  • Houston Pitch Nights at The Ion: What Goes Into Your Pitch Deck

    Houston Pitch Nights at The Ion: What Goes Into Your Pitch Deck

    Register here: https://luma.com/fwo5t7zm ​ Hello friends! ​Join us for our 3rd meetup, where we’ll explore the key “ingredients” of a successful pitch deck, including the all-important “secret sauce.” ​You will learn the essential slide structure every startup needs for investor presentations and discover how to effectively showcase your unique problem, solution, and market opportunity. ​You’ll collaborate with fellow founders at The Ion to refine your core messaging and get actionable feedback to create a compelling, investment-ready slide deck.

    Source and tickets: https://iondistrict.com/event/houston-pitch-nights-at-the-ion-what-goes-into-your-pitch-deck/

  • PolyWes Village Business Mixer

    PolyWes Village Business Mixer

    Come meet fellow business owners, build meaningful relationships, and learn about upcoming Polytechnic Heights district initiatives! Join us for an evening of networking, community connections, and exciting opportunities at the PolyWes Village Business Mixer! Whether you’re a local business owner, entrepreneur, community leader, or resident, this is your opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about strengthening and revitalizing the Polytechnic Heights community. ¡Acompáñanos a una tarde de networking, conexiones comunitarias y emocionantes oportunidades en el Encuentro de Negocios de PolyWes Village! Ya seas propietario de un negocio local, emprendedor, líder comunitario o residente, esta es tu oportunidad de conectar con otras personas que comparten tu pasión por fortalecer, revitalizar y contribuir al crecimiento de la comunidad de Polytechnic Heights.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polywes-village-business-mixer-tickets-2004598365674