Mar3rd2008
If you love technology Startups as much as we do, then you don’t want to miss our next Houston Startup Happy Hour this Thursday , March 6th!
Houston Startup Happy Hour is your chance to meet Houston’s growing network of emerging startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology enthusiasts to share drinks, tips and beta invites. Swap business cards and war stories and learn something new about Houston’s Tech Scene!
Here are more of the specifics:
When: Thursday, March 6th (this week), 6pm - 9pm
Where: Sonoma Wine Bar
Map: Click Here
RSVP: Click Here
Hope to see you there!
Mar3rd2008
A litttle bird mentioned to me that Alert Logic Inc., a Houston-based provider of on-demand IT network security solutions, raised some add-on funding. Today I confirmed $8.25 million in Series CB funding, according to a regulatory filing. Updata Partners led the round, and was joined by return backers Hunt Ventures, DFJ Mercury, Access Venture Partners and OCA Ventures. The company had previously raised $7.5 million.
Alert Logic was founded in 2002 by Misha Govshteyn and has shown solid growth recently with the addition of a new CEO, Michael Turner, whose pedigree include NetQoS and NetSolve.
Mar1st2008
One of our favorite Startup Houston readers asked a great question so I figured I’d give y’all my two cents: what will startups need to do to obtain funding in a frightened economy?
Straight answer: the same thing they would do in good economic times.
But seriously, there are different answers depending on what type of business each startup is in. The process does not change nor do the players. What does change is the scrutiny you need to put on your financial projections given changes to the market you are going after and the honesty you need to have with your own capabilities. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Not all markets/industries react the same to economic downturn
- Venture capital is usually already committed and has a limited shelf life within a fund; it has to find a home
- Investing is a long term endeavor which should survive short term down cycles
- Some of the best returns are made in down markets by those who see arbitrage opportunities
I was involved in two different companies that both closed financings within days after September 11. Don’t let things outside of your control give you doubts. A good business plan going after a large market led by talented leaders almost always get funded.
Agree? What are your thoughts and experiences?
Mar1st2008
So I was curious today about what you, Startup Houston readers, are truly interested in hearing about. Houston is a vibrant technology community and has many industry specializations. Of them, what are you interested in us covering. This will not mean that something will get dropped due to non-interest, but like I stated earlier, I was curious:
- Energy tech
- Nanotech
- Biotech
- Aerospace
- Enterprise IT
- Social Media
- Other (please let us know what)
Give us your feedback so we can work to make Startup Houston even better.
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