Editor’s note:Another week has passed and it’s time to round up the top headlines from the past few days. InnovationMap’s Houston tech and startup trend news included Mercury Fund’s latest and largest funding, must-see events this month, and more.
Houston-based VC secures $160 million in oversubscribed funding for early-stage startups
Originally expected to raise $150 million, Mercury’s latest funding is its largest to date. Photo courtesy: mercuryfund.com
A Houston venture capital firm has announced big news regarding its latest fund.
Mercury, founded in 2005 to invest in startups not based in major technology hubs on both coasts, closed its latest fund, Mercury Fund V, with an oversubscription of $160 million. . Initially expected to raise $150 million, Fund V will be Mercury’s largest fund to date.
“We are pleased with the tremendous support we have received for Fund V from both new and existing investors and are excited to join Mercury,” Blair Garou, co-founder and managing director of Mercury Funds, said in a news release. I am grateful for the trust placed in me.” “Their support is a testament to the strength of our team, proven investment strategy, and compelling opportunities for innovation that exist in cities across America.” read more.
10+ Business and Innovation Events You Can’t Miss in Houston in October
From enlightening talks to networking opportunities, here’s where to attend in October. via photo Getty Images
From networking meet-ups to pitch contests, October is packed with opportunities for Houston innovators.
Mark your calendars and register for our roundup of events you won’t want to miss. read more.
Houston Innovation Awards Names Prestigious Judges for 2023 Awards
This year’s Houston Innovation Award nominees are: Photo provided
Ten Houston residents are in the spotlight to determine the best companies and individuals in Houston’s innovation ecosystem.
Innovation Map has announced the 2023 Houston Innovation Awards judging panel, which includes startup founders, nonprofit leaders, investors, corporate innovators and more.
Ten selected judges will evaluate the entries from around 400 nominations submitted this year. read more.
Real estate giant taps downtown Houston tower for new smart building technology
The tenants of this downtown office building have been upgraded. Rendered via 717texas.com
Houston-based real estate giant Hines is rolling out a new smart building platform with the goal of better serving workers and workplaces in its buildings across the United States. That includes a building in Houston aimed at becoming the office building of the future.
From an employee perspective, the new Hines app allows employees and employers to book space in their buildings, order food from on-site cafes and restaurants, and book on-site fitness classes. , you will be able to access buildings through your smartphone or smartwatch. For employers and tenants, the app will help gain insight into building performance, occupancy data, ESG goals and employee satisfaction, according to a statement from Hines.
“We are committed to human-centered experiences, and this investment takes that effort to the next level,” Eileen Goldfein, chief digital strategy officer at Hines, said in a statement. “Traditional systems were managed on a building-by-building basis, making it difficult or impossible to track performance across portfolios. resulting in long-term cost savings.” read more.
Houston hospital wins $10 million grant to launch new neurology institute
This gift will establish the John M. O’Quinn Foundation Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders at Houston Methodist. Photo courtesy of houstonmethodist.org
Houston Methodist announced it has received a $10 million gift from the John M. O’Quinn Foundation to support research into neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The gift will establish the John M. O’Quinn Foundation Neurodegenerative Disorders Laboratory at Houston Methodist, led by Dr. Jun Lee, director of neurology at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute. The NIH-supported researchers and their teams will provide care, clinical trial opportunities and subspecialty programs through the laboratory, according to a Houston Methodist release.
The funding will also be used to recruit neurodegenerative disease experts to the lab by creating endowed research chairs, research fellowships, and funding for pilot studies. read more.
