BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Impact Hub Houston: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Community! - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://houston.impacthub.net X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Impact Hub Houston: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Community! REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T113000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231453Z CREATED:20260930T231453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231453Z UID:111802-1791541800-1791545400@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Startup Circle Houston 💫 DESCRIPTION:Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders\, teammates\, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: Traction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?ICP – Seeking your beachhead marketProblem Identification – Love the problem\, not the solutionBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥Founder capacity\, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀 \nLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/ URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/startup-circle-houston-%f0%9f%92%ab-6/ LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105587_image_Startup-Circle-Houston.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T103000 DTSTAMP:20261005T134016Z CREATED:20261003T025024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T134016Z UID:111949-1791534600-1791541800@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:How to Tell Better Stories That Inspire Action DESCRIPTION:Discover how intentional storytelling can shift perspectives\, shape conversations\, and inspire people to take action.\n\n\nThe stories we tell influence what people notice\, how they interpret what they see\, and what they choose to do next. \nAt the October Social Media Breakfast Houston\, Grace Rodriguez will explore how framing\, perspective\, and repetition affect the way audiences respond to messages. We will examine the stories we tell ourselves\, the assumptions we make about others\, and how social media algorithms and AI can reinforce the perspectives that we and our audiences already give our attention. \nThis conversation is designed to help marketers\, communicators\, creators\, business owners\, nonprofit leaders\, and community builders become more intentional about the stories they tell and the responses those stories invite. \nBy the end of the session\, attendees will be able to: \n\nSee how algorithms push audiences into narrower content bubbles and how stronger stories can reach across them.\nRecognize how the same message can land differently with different audiences.\nWork with the algorithm without losing your brand voice or integrity.\nUse framing and perspective to shape what your audience thinks\, feels\, shares\, or does next.\nAsk better questions before creating\, posting\, sharing\, or reacting to content.\nAttendees will also work through a short exercise to identify an idea they care about\, where they have influence\, and one story they could tell differently.\n\nREGISTRATION \nSpace is limited. Please reserve your spot in advance so we can plan for breakfast and seating. \nSPEAKER \nGrace Rodriguez\, Executive Director\, Impact HUB Houston \nGrace Rodriguez helps do-gooders do greater. Whether through helping people tackle problems and get support\, to helping startups and organizations connect and grow more effectively\, to helping community and ecosystem builders align efforts and strengthen local+global relationships\, Grace has built a life around helping people transform their ideas-worth-spreading into real world impact for the greater good. \nWebsite \nLinkedin \nFacebook \nInstagram \nDETAILS \n📅 Date & Time: Friday\, October 9\, 2026\, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (9:00 AM online) \n📍 Location: The Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002 \n🚗 Parking: Red Lot– Enter 4203 Fannin Street for direct access. Complimentary up to 3 hours. Ion District Parking Garage– Enter 4111 Fannin Street. Complimentary up to 2 hours. \n🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee. \nLIVESTREAM LINKS \nTo be added. \nTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS \nA special thank you to our sponsors: Walmart\, Impact HUB Houston\, The Ion\, Zoetica Media\, Mighty Strategic Consulting\, and SmartSocialMastery. \nSMBHOU NEEDS YOU \nThe Social Media Breakfast of Houston connects a community of over 1\,600 PR\, Marketing\, and Small Business professionals who meet monthly to learn\, connect\, and collaborate. We’re looking for breakfast sponsors to help fuel the conversation for just $100 per month. Want to be an exclusive sponsor in your category? 📧 kami@zoeticamedia.com \n  URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/how-to-tell-better-stories-that-inspire-action/ LOCATION:The Ion\, 4201 Main street\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US CATEGORIES:connect,empower,featured,houston,inspire ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/111947_image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T120000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231453Z CREATED:20260930T231453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231453Z UID:111803-1791622800-1791633600@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Ion Family Tech Festival DESCRIPTION:Join the Ion and our partners at the Ion Family Tech Fest! During the event\, your family will have access to hands-on Science\, Technology\, Engineering\, Arts\, and Math (STEAM) and Entrepreneurial workshop experiences. Students will leave Family Tech Festival with inspiration and the understanding that accessing STEAM-related careers is a possibility\, as well as with access to a network of like-minded peers to help make that possibility a reality. Check back soon to see our participating activity partners! URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ion-family-tech-festival/ LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/111803_image_26_ION_Family-Tech-Fest-Save-the-DateWebsite-Linkedin_V2-scaled-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T140000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231454Z CREATED:20260930T231454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231454Z UID:111804-1791882000-1791900000@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Ignite Possibilities with SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation DESCRIPTION:Register here 📢 IGNITE Possibilities:Careers. Workforce. skills.✔️Strengthen your free.✨️Lunch is provided with a fee. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ignite-possibilities-with-supergirls-shine-foundation/ LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/111804_image_SGSF-Ignite.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T190000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231454Z CREATED:20260930T231454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231454Z UID:111805-1791905400-1791918000@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Mercury Fund Day at the Ion DESCRIPTION: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. \nWhat 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 here. \n“Mercury Fund Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors\, promising startups\, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations.   \n  URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/mercury-fund-day-at-the-ion/ LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/105606_image_260105-Generic-Website.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T120000 DTSTAMP:20261002T121807Z CREATED:20260306T121757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T121807Z UID:106530-1791889200-1791892800@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:How to Start a Nonprofit Webinar DESCRIPTION:Learn the essential steps to start your nonprofit. Join our monthly Tuesday webinar and get clear guidance on launching successfully.\n\n\nJoin Our Monthly Live Webinar!\nAre you considering starting a nonprofit? Join our weekly online session hosted by the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) to learn the essential steps to launch and operate a successful organization. This webinar is designed to provide clear guidance on the process\, helping you move forward with confidence. \nDuring this session\, you will learn: \n\nKey steps to legally establish a nonprofit organization\nHow to conduct a feasibility study and define your mission\nDifferences between nonprofit and for-profit operations\nRequirements for IRS Form 1023 and tax-exempt status\nBest practices for building a strong organizational foundation\n\nWho Should Attend: \n\nIndividuals exploring the idea of starting a nonprofit\nCommunity leaders and volunteers ready to take action\nAnyone seeking clarity on nonprofit requirements and processes\n\nHosted by ESCH\, a trusted nonprofit consulting organization with years of experience supporting Houston-area nonprofits\, this webinar is your first step toward creating meaningful impact in your community. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-weekly-live-webinar-32/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/106512_image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T190000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231454Z CREATED:20260930T231454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231454Z UID:111806-1791999000-1792004400@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Buying and Selling Businesses DESCRIPTION:Join Lenny Saizan\, owner of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston\, Managing Director of Urban Capital Network\, and creator of the Legacy Maximizer exit strategy\, for a practical\, real-world discussion on selling and buying businesses. Selling or acquiring a business is one of the most significant financial decisions most entrepreneurs will ever make\, yet many owners and buyers go through the process for the first time without a clear roadmap. This session breaks down the transaction process from both sides of the table and highlights how thoughtful planning\, proper valuation\, and coordinated advice can materially impact outcomes. For business owners\, the discussion centers on how to maximize enterprise value\, prepare for a future exit\, and align business decisions with personal wealth\, tax\, and legacy goals. For buyers\, the session explores entrepreneurship through acquisition\, including how buying an existing business can reduce risk\, generate immediate cash flow\, and serve as a growth strategy for current operators. Drawing on his experience as a business broker\, investment advisor\, and financial professional\, Lenny connects the technical aspects of M&A with broader exit planning and wealth strategy considerations\, helping attendees understand not just how transactions work\, but how they fit into a bigger financial picture. Topics include: \nCurrent market conditions and buyer demandWhen to prepare to sell or buyKey drivers of business valueHow businesses are valued in the real worldRecasting and normalizing financial statementsOverview of the sales and acquisition processThe role of advisors and the deal teamTax\, insurance\, and planning considerations before and after a transaction \nThis session is ideal for business owners considering a sale now or in the future\, prospective buyers exploring acquisition\, and professionals who support small business owners through growth and transition. Presenter \nLenny Saizan is the owner and lead broker of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston\, where he advises business owners on exit planning\, value maximization\, and business sales\, and supports buyers pursuing acquisitions and franchises. He is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network\, an investment firm focused on expanding access to private investment opportunities. Earlier in his career\, Lenny spent two decades in engineering\, automation\, and oil and gas\, leading teams across operational controls\, financial controls\, and audit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. His credentials include Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, Six Sigma Green Belt\, and Project Management Professional. In 2025\, he was recognized as Deal Maker of The Year at Houston Dealmakers conference.   URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/buying-and-selling-businesses-3/ LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/107172_image_DSC_0501-scaled-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T200000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231455Z CREATED:20260930T231455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231455Z UID:111807-1792000800-1792008000@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Women In Wealth DESCRIPTION:Register here: banker.What does a bank actually look for before lending?When should an entrepreneur begin building a banking relationship?How can debt be used strategically to acquire or grow an asset?And as your business grows\, how should your banking and capital strategy grow with it? \nThis conversation takes attendees beyond simply making money and into understanding the relationships\, financial readiness\, and capital structures behind building long-term wealth. ModeratorShavée HoFounder & Chair\, Alpha Woman AssociationShavée Ho leads Alpha Woman Association (AWA)\, a economic development nonprofit organization\, advancing women through education\, funding pathways\, and strategic partnerships. With over 15 years in branding\, marketing\, an education\, she builds platforms that connect leaders\, investors\, and institutions to drive measurable economic impact. Through the Women in Wealth Series\, Shavée is helping make conversations around capital\, ownership\, investment\, and economic opportunity more accessible to women while creating direct proximity to the professionals and institutions operating within those ecosystems. Featured Expert Lenny Saizan\, MBAM&A Advisor | Venture Capital Fund ManagerManaging Director\, Urban Capital NetworkCEO\, Murphy Business – West HoustonLenny Saizan advises business owners on growth\, acquisitions\, exits\, and reinvestment strategy. As founder of the Legacy Maximizer System™\, he integrates M&A advisory\, private investing\, and wealth structuring to help entrepreneurs maximize enterprise value and build generational wealth. For The Capital Conversation\, Lenny brings the perspective of both sides of ownership: what it takes to acquire a business and what it takes to build one worth acquiring. He’ll help connect acquisition strategy\, business valuation\, capital structure\, investor readiness\, and exit planning — including how decisions made while building a company can ultimately affect its value when it is time to sell. Featured Financial InstitutionBANK OF AMERICAInside the Bank: What Happens Before the Yes? One of the most valuable relationships an entrepreneur can build may begin long before they ever apply for a loan. Representatives from Bank of America will take attendees inside the banking side of the capital conversation — exploring what financial institutions consider when evaluating businesses\, borrowers\, growth opportunities\, and requests for capital. The discussion will explore: • What makes a business bankable • What bankers evaluate before extending capital • Business loans\, lines of credit\, and financing options • Using financing in business acquisition and expansion • Financial preparation before seeking capital • Building a banking relationship before you need funding • How banking needs change as businesses and assets grow • The role of banking relationships throughout acquisition\, growth\, investment\, and exit The goal is not simply to understand what financial products exist. It is to better understand how to position yourself to use them strategically. Because your first conversation with your banker shouldn’t happen when you urgently need the money. What You’ll Gain BANKING RELATIONSHIPS Understand why building the relationship before you need capital matters. CAPITAL ACCESS Explore lending\, lines of credit\, acquisition financing\, and other capital pathways. ACQUISITION & GROWTH Understand how capital can be strategically used to buy\, build\, and scale. DEBT vs. EQUITY Explore how entrepreneurs evaluate borrowing\, outside investment\, and ownership. BUSINESS VALUE Learn how financial decisions made today can affect the value and marketability of a company tomorrow. EXIT STRATEGY Explore what entrepreneurs should consider financially before transitioning or selling a business. Who Should Attend Entrepreneurs • Founders • Executives • Professionals • Business Owners • Emerging Investors This conversation is designed for women who are ready to move beyond simply earning income and begin thinking more strategically about capital\, ownership\, leverage\, and long-term wealth. Presented By ALPHA WOMAN ASSOCIATION Alpha Woman Association advances women’s economic growth through education\, funding pathways\, strategic partnerships\, and access to opportunity. Women in Wealth creates proximity between women and the people\, institutions\, information\, and opportunities shaping today’s capital economy. Event Details Tuesday\, September 29\, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CT The Ion Houston 4201 Main Street Houston\, TX 77002 Registration required. Limited seating available. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/women-in-wealth/ LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T200000 DTSTAMP:20261004T165625Z CREATED:20261003T165737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261004T165625Z UID:111959-1792000800-1792008000@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Prospective Member Open House DESCRIPTION:Get up-to-date information at: fund.In our first Giving Season\, we reviewed 101 applications and awarded $25\,000 in unrestricted grants to five Black-led https://discord.gg/d6XT77qeJZReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/houstonlinuxusergroup/ URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/houston-linux-user-group-2/ LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/111809_image_HLUG_Crest.png ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T103000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231456Z CREATED:20260930T231456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231456Z UID:111811-1792139400-1792146600@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Ion Networking with Cup of Joey DESCRIPTION:What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning\, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks\, talk about tech\, inspire innovation\, and create community. So\, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it! At the Ion\, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So\, show up\, be friendly\, and make new connections. Know your why\, and we will get to the future together. The future is only a cup away. Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/ URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ion-networking-with-cup-of-joey-8/ LOCATION:Ion – Lobby\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103812_image_CoJ1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T100000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231456Z CREATED:20260930T231456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231456Z UID:111810-1792139400-1792144800@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:ENRG HTX - October 2026 DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/enrg-htx-october-2026-tickets-1992150124650?aff=oddtdtcreator ENRG (Entrepreneurial Networking Resource Group) is a community for entrepreneurs with 10-250 employees running on EOS or EOS Curious. \nENRG (pronounced energy) is here to stay in Houston! Erick Garcia\, Lesa A Skipper and Craig Ceccanti are teaming up to build the Houston ENRG Chapter and we could not be more excited to invite entrepreneurs running on EOS or EOS Curious to this collaborative room! Join us on October 16th at 8:30am at the Ion District (Downstairs 028) for the first meeting! What is ENRG?The vision is to establish an ENRG (Entrepreneurial Networking Resource Group) in Houston for entrepreneurs with 10-250 employees. This is a free EOS Worldwide aligned community for entrepreneurs led by one EOS Implementer and one Integrator. Each monthly meeting includes:– Practical training on an EOS tools– Peer-to-peer issue solving– Valuable networking– Content that helps move the needle on your business– Exposure to Subject Matter ExpertsNo sales pitches here though\, we’re here to help all tides rise! This is WHERE entrepreneurs find the WHOs and the HOWs to move their business forward. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/enrg-htx-october-2026/ LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 028\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/110960_image_ENRG-General.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T110000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231457Z CREATED:20260930T231457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231457Z UID:111812-1792143000-1792148400@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:AI Circle Houston DESCRIPTION:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/18970005/ AI Circle Houston is a weekly Friday morning gathering for people building\, implementing\, or exploring AI. We bring together builders\, engineers\, product leaders\, founders\, operators\, researchers\, students\, and anyone interested in putting AI into practice. Each week includes networking followed by a focused session on a practical AI topic\, with discussions spanning AI agents\, AI-native products\, models\, development tools\, reliability\, interfaces\, computer vision\, and emerging approaches to building with AI. The format is community-driven\, with an emphasis on learning from people actively working with AI and sharing what is working\, what isn’t\, and what we’re learning along the way. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/ai-circle-houston-6/ LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States CATEGORIES:connect ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T110000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231457Z CREATED:20260930T231457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231457Z UID:111813-1792144800-1792148400@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Mapping Houston's Innovation Ecosystem DESCRIPTION:Facilitated by Wade Pinder\, Ion’s Mentor in Residence Houston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself\, full of opportunities\, resources\, and talent. Yet\, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur\, investor\, educator\, student\, community leader or curious professional\, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it. Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s FlowFacilitated by Wade Pinder\, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence\, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management\, community building\, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table\, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration. The heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving\, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps\, sharing knowledge\, and adding their insights. This session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey\, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital\, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling\, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business\, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally\, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks\, support systems\, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth. Ion’s VisionHelping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections\, creating opportunities\, and sharing perspectives\, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey. From forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business\, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation\, attract talent\, and build a vibrant ecosystem. Who Should Attend?This session is ideal for: \nEntrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s landscape.Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation entrepreneurship.Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local ecosystem. \nRegister today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem\, uncover its flow\, and help shape its future. URL:https://houston.impacthub.net/calendar/mapping-houstons-innovation-ecosystem/ LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 027\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002 CATEGORIES:connect ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://houston.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/103837_image_Mapping-Houston-Website-scaled-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Tracie Jae":MAILTO:calendar-invite@lu_ma END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T110000 DTSTAMP:20260930T231458Z CREATED:20260930T231458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T231458Z UID:111814-1792144800-1792148400@houston.impacthub.net SUMMARY:Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour DESCRIPTION: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 bars.About Wade PinderWade 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 Houston. \nThe 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 creativity.Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking\, inspiration\, and community hub. \nThrough its programs and partnerships\, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build\, solve\, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching\, accelerating to sustaining\, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into