Tag: Technology and Startups

  • Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour

    Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour

    Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, Wade Pinder, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, students, professionals, investors, community leaders, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get started. The tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources, events, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases, coworking spaces, public areas, and the on-site restaurants and bars. About Wade Pinder Wade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management, community building, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and innovation. The Vision of the Ion Powered by Rice University, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston. The Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent, academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and opportunities. What to Expect Coworking Spaces : Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and creativity. Public Spaces : Discover spaces designed for networking, inspiration, and community events. Restaurants and…

    Source and tickets: https://iondistrict.com/event/welcome-to-the-ion-an-introduction-and-tour-20/

  • Tech & Business Networking Dallas

    Tech & Business Networking Dallas

    A focused Pitch and Networking night with live startup pitches, direct investor feedback, and time to meet relevant founders and peers. We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. 🎤 Last time in Dallas: five founders pitched; three products were already live, and one of them was raising $500k to $1M. The 3 December lineup is being confirmed now and a few pitch slots are still open. Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session. Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-business-networking-dallas-tickets-2002204773375

  • Entrepreneurs, Small Business & Startups Networking Event In San Antonio

    Entrepreneurs, Small Business & Startups Networking Event In San Antonio

    SAN ANTONIO NETWORKING EVENT: This Is A PrePay Only Event. You Have To Get Tickets Here Online In Advance. Tickets Not Available At Venue 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-san-antonio-tickets-1997046524915

  • Mind & Machine Fort Worth: AI for Business Leaders – Dec 2, 2026

    Mind & Machine Fort Worth: AI for Business Leaders – Dec 2, 2026

    Mind & Machine unites Fort Worth leaders monthly to demystify AI through practical education, use cases, and ethical discussions. Fort Worth’s premier AI networking group Unites Fort Worth leaders monthly to demystify AI through practical education, use cases, and ethical discussions. Sponsorship is $500 per event and covers snacks for the night. Sponsors get five minutes on stage, their logo on every event listing and LinkedIn promotion, and the option to sponsor our Plano chapter for twice the visibility. At Mind and Machine, we believe AI works best when humans stay at the center.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mind-machine-fort-worth-ai-for-business-leaders-dec-2-2026-tickets-2004387611302

  • A New Social Contract: Skills, Jobs, & Economic Security in the Age of AI

    A New Social Contract: Skills, Jobs, & Economic Security in the Age of AI

    The event will center on public policy: how we prepare workers for transition, preserve pathways to economic mobility, and make sure AI’s productivity gains translate into broader economic security. Amjad Masad, founder and CEO of Replit, will join as a panelist, bringing a front-line view of how AI is reshaping software work and entry-level pathways Masad is a Jordanian American entrepreneur and engineer. He is the founder and CEO of Replit, the world’s leading online programming environment and community. Before Replit, Amjad worked at Facebook, overseeing the JavaScript infrastructure team and building some of the world’s most popular open-source developer tools. Before that, he was a founding engineer at Codecademy, the world’s leading online coding school. Dilawar Syed is an entrepreneur, educator, and former senior U.S. government official working at the intersection of business, technology, and public policy. He serves on the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs and McCombs School of Business, and founded the LBJ Business Policy Forum to advance ideas that strengthen American competitiveness. Following bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Dilawar served as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. He helped expand access to capital and federal contracting, and coordinated the SBA’s response to major disasters. Earlier, as Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, he was America’s top commercial diplomat, championing U.S. companies globally and mobilizing private-sector support for Ukraine. For over two decades, Dilawar has built and led ventures in Silicon Valley — as CEO of Lumiata, an AI healthcare company, and in establishing Freshworks’ North American business ahead of its IPO. He currently serves on the board of and advises AI startups. He holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a bachelor’s degree from…

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-social-contract-skills-jobs-economic-security-in-the-age-of-ai-tickets-2003981142543

  • Mercury Fund Day at the Ion: Middle America and the Vertical Era of AI

    Mercury Fund Day at the Ion: Middle America and the Vertical Era of AI

    Welcome to “Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation. This month, join us for a Fireside chat with Jack Selby , managing director, Thiel Capital; managing partner, Copper Sky Capital. One of the original, “PayPal Mafia,” Jack Selby is now the managing director of Thiel Capital, the family office of Peter Thiel. He is also the founder and managing partner of Copper Sky Capital, an Arizona-based VC firm focused on funding the next wave of great entrepreneurs in Middle America. Moderated by Blair Garrou, co-founder and Managing Partner of Mercury Fund, the first institutional VC to carve out Middle America as a region unto itself. This fireside chat will explore Jack and Peter’s vision for entrepreneurs outside the coasts and how Copper Sky Capital is seeking to meet them on their own terms, not Silicon Valley’s terms. What is it: Mercury Fund Day, previously known as Software Day, is a monthly series driving the support, inspiration, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid, sustainable growth. Each month, Mercury Fund Day will include office hours (by application), a keynote session, and networking. Each month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey. Afterward, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture. Apply for Office Hours: Prior to the fireside chat, a select group of early-stage software startups…

    Source and tickets: https://iondistrict.com/event/mercury-fund-day-at-the-ion-middle-america-and-the-vertical-era-of-ai/

  • BizAid Business Orientation (In person)

    BizAid Business Orientation (In person)

    Arm yourself with knowledge, insights, and resources that enable informed decision-making for long-term business success. Starting a business or opening a brick-and-mortar location in Austin can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. BizAid Business Orientation is a foundational class designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs understand what it really takes to launch and operate a business in Austin—before costly mistakes happen. In this session, you’ll learn about the city, state, and federal requirements involved in starting a business, explore permitting, zoning, and licensing basics , and gain a clear overview of the City of Austin’s development process for commercial properties . We’ll also walk through the free tools, local programs, and support services available to small businesses, including planning assistance, technical support, and growth resources tailored to Austin entrepreneurs. Whether you’re still in the idea phase or preparing to open your doors, this class will help you make informed decisions , understand your next steps, and connect with the resources that support long-term business success . Seats are limited—reserve your spot today and start your business journey with confidence. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request – including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact Austin Economic Development at 512-974-7819. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing through Relay Texas 7-1-1.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bizaid-business-orientation-in-person-tickets-1984633949568

  • Agent Mode: Build Your Own AI Assistant

    Agent Mode: Build Your Own AI Assistant

    Come join us in person to create your own smart AI assistant from scratch—fun, hands-on, and super cool! Ready to dive into the world of AI? Join us in person for a hands-on session where you’ll get to create your very own AI assistant . This is the perfect chance to experiment, learn, and bring your ideas to life with some cool tech. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, come hang out and build something amazing!

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agent-mode-build-your-own-ai-assistant-tickets-1999799447982

  • Austin HealthTech, MedTech Networking & Pitch Event

    Austin HealthTech, MedTech Networking & Pitch Event

    Join us for an exciting evening of networking, startup pitches and meaningful business connections with a dynamic community of professionals working at the intersection of healthcare, technology and innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics and medical devices to digital health platforms, remote patient monitoring, digital therapeutics and personalised medicine , healthcare innovation is creating exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists. Whether you’re launching a healthcare startup, developing a medical technology, exploring investment opportunities or looking to expand your professional network, this event is designed to bring together people who are passionate about transforming healthcare through innovation. Discover new ideas, meet inspiring professionals and connect with people who could become your next business partner, investor, collaborator or client. Expand Your Professional Network – Connect with HealthTech and MedTech founders, healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and industry experts. Discover Innovative Startups – Learn about emerging healthcare technologies, new medical solutions and exciting ventures transforming the industry. Explore Business & Investment Opportunities – Meet entrepreneurs and professionals interested in healthcare innovation, funding, partnerships and commercialisation. Find Co-Founders & Collaborators – Connect with people who have complementary expertise in healthcare, technology, research, product development and business growth. Showcase Your Startup – Introduce your business, innovative product or healthcare solution to an engaged professional audience. Exchange Industry Insights – Discuss AI in healthcare, medical devices, digital transformation, healthcare accessibility, regulatory challenges and emerging technologies.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-healthtech-medtech-networking-pitch-event-tickets-2003850978218

  • Houston HealthTech, MedTech Networking & Pitch Event

    Houston HealthTech, MedTech Networking & Pitch Event

    Join us for an exciting evening of networking, startup pitches and meaningful business connections with a dynamic community of professionals working at the intersection of healthcare, technology and innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics and medical devices to digital health platforms, remote patient monitoring, digital therapeutics and personalised medicine , healthcare innovation is creating exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists. Whether you’re launching a healthcare startup, developing a medical technology, exploring investment opportunities or looking to expand your professional network, this event is designed to bring together people who are passionate about transforming healthcare through innovation. Discover new ideas, meet inspiring professionals and connect with people who could become your next business partner, investor, collaborator or client. Expand Your Professional Network – Connect with HealthTech and MedTech founders, healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and industry experts. Discover Innovative Startups – Learn about emerging healthcare technologies, new medical solutions and exciting ventures transforming the industry. Explore Business & Investment Opportunities – Meet entrepreneurs and professionals interested in healthcare innovation, funding, partnerships and commercialisation. Find Co-Founders & Collaborators – Connect with people who have complementary expertise in healthcare, technology, research, product development and business growth. Showcase Your Startup – Introduce your business, innovative product or healthcare solution to an engaged professional audience. Exchange Industry Insights – Discuss AI in healthcare, medical devices, digital transformation, healthcare accessibility, regulatory challenges and emerging technologies.

    Source and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-healthtech-medtech-networking-pitch-event-tickets-2003851013323