Aerospace & Aviation

Houston House Returns to SXSW to Spotlight Tech and Innovation

3/17/23

Houston House returned to Austin for the South by Southwest Conference for its third year, bringing a new group of panelists and industry experts together to deliver a full day of thought-provoking content for over 750 attendees. Houston-based industry leaders and innovators discussed the startup journey, how they’re challenging the status quo in their respective industries to improve products or services, and more. If you were unable to join the Partnership at SXSW, check out our recap of the conversations below. 
 
Demystifying the Startup Journey 
Houston House kicked off its day of programming by dispelling the mystique surrounding the startup journey and answering questions about hiring, funding, and finding the right product-market fit. Panelists discussed in-depth how to find and attract the right talent, including cost-effective strategies and solutions for cash-strapped founders, and what they wished they had done differently during their various rounds of funding. 
Panelists: 
Ted Gutierrez, Co-Founder and CEO, SecurityGate.io 
Gaurav Khandelwal, Founder and CEO, Velostics 
Simone May, Co-Founder and CTO, Clutch 
Moderator: Natalie Harms, Editor, Innovation Map 
 
The Future is Female: Triumphs of Women in Tech 
It’s no secret that female founders face a unique set of challenges compared to their male counterparts, especially when funding their next business venture. The panel discussed funding challenges, how they challenge stereotypes in male-dominated industries, and overcoming the feelings of guilt and inadequacy that plague women in business. 
“The insecurity women feel that ‘we’re not good enough’ needs to go. Men don’t experience that.” – Lydia Davies, Founder & CEO of TEAMATES 
Panelists: 
Lydia Davies, Founder and CEO, TEAMATES 
Taci Pereira, CEO, Systemic Bio 
Janice Tran, Co-Founder and CEO, Kanin Energy 
Moderator: Carrie Colbert, Founding and General Partner, Curate Capital 
 
Building a Tech Unicorn 
Every tech startup hopes to become the next unicorn, but not everyone makes the cut. Featuring an in-depth conversation with Solugen’s co-founder and CEO, Gaurab Chakrabarti, the panel covered his background growing up in Houston, the surprising marketing campaign that put Solugen on the map, and the journey leading to it becoming a tech unicorn. 
Gaurab Chakrabarti, Co-Founder and CEO, Solugen 
Moderator: Payal Patel, Principal, Softeq Ventures and Director, Softeq Venture Studio 
 

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People packed the room at Houston House to hear from Solugen CEO Gaurab Chakrabarti.
 
Unlocking the Power of AI: Insights & Innovations 
Technology and innovation converged in this panel discussing recent developments in artificial intelligence and what the future of business will look like as it becomes more widespread and advanced, including the policies and legislation that may become necessary as AI becomes more intelligent. From song lyrics written in the style of Taylor Swift to how the health care industry is utilizing this technology to better serve its patients, it is clear that we are just beginning to scratch the surface of AI’s capabilities. 
“The Ion [in Houston] is going to bring innovation, elevate clean tech energy, and push health care to the next level. That’s why we want to be involved and that’s why you should too.” – Murat Uralkan, Director of Innovation at Houston Methodist
Panelists: 
Sidd Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Nesh 
Rob Meadows, Founder and CEO, AI Foundation 
Murat Uralkan, Director of Innovation, Houston Methodist 
Moderator: Dave Mathews, Principal Venture Capitalist and CTO Advisor, Softeq 
 
Connecting Industries, Empowering Innovation 
Ever wondered what it looks like when the brightest minds in different industries come together? The nexus of innovation and collaboration across industries in Houston took center stage in this discussion of how industry leaders can continue to break down traditional barriers and create advancements in everything from biotech to the energy transition. 
Panelists: 
Barbara Belvisi, Founder and CEO, Interstellar Lab 
Moji Karimi, Co-Founder and CEO, Cemvita Factory 
Nic Radford, Founder, President, and CEO, Nauticus Robotics 
Moderator: Brad Rossacci, Creative Director, Accenture 
The Houston House program at SXSW 2023 will be available to stream on-demand soon. 
Learn more about Houston’s innovation ecosystem.