Editor’s note:The new year has officially arrived and the first week of 2024 is over. Here’s a roundup of the top headlines from the past few days. InnovationMap’s Houston tech and startup trends articles included can’t-miss events this month, growth plans for tech platforms after funding, and more.
Houston HR technology platform grows team, plans to expand internationally after recently raising $21 million
Kahuna CEO Jay Shah shares how the Houston company plans to use the $21 million it just raised. Photo courtesy of Kahuna
Kahuna Workforce Solutions is riding a big wave into 2024, with $21 million in a recent Series B funding round and plans to fuel further growth and expand its impressive customer roster.
CEO Jai Shah told Innovation Map that the Houston skills management software services company’s Hawaii name represents their style.
“Kahunas are such professionals and capable leaders of their tribes and families,” Jay says. “It all came about because we had a concept where we wanted to offer a very family-oriented consulting approach. Treat our customers like family, love them with respect, and really try to deliver on that promise. .” Keep reading.
Texas company lines up hundreds of electric hybrid planes for takeoff
Meet the future JSX Aura Aero Era 19-seat hybrid electric aircraft. Rendering provided by JSX
Hop-on jet service JSX is rapidly growing towards a greener future with plans to acquire more than 300 hybrid-electric planes.
The Dallas-based airline said in a release that it will add up to 332 small hybrid planes in 2028 to help connect small and underserved communities across the country.
“Following last week’s call from the Biden administration for the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions…JSX plans to deliver its first hybrid electric aircraft in 2028, making it the first company in its category to do so. “An impactful, cutting-edge renewable energy technology that will usher in the next chapter of regional aviation,” JSX said in a release. Keep reading.
Houston sustainability startup wins $1 million prize after global competition
Revterra was selected from among 10 finalists to receive up to $1 million in pilot opportunities. Photo via ADNOC
A Houston sustainability startup has scored a major global win.
Revterra, which manufactures new batteries made from recycled steel, has won a $1 million pilot opportunity from ADNOC after a global competition.
The ADNOC Decarbonization Technology Challenge collaborated with AWS, bp, Hub71, and the Net Zero Technology Center to find new climate technology innovations that can be scaled up. Keep reading.