Mark Walker is the CEO, co-founder and chairman of Direct Digital Holdings, a Houston-based adtech company that’s providing a platform for both sides of the advertising equation. It’s been one year since direct digital went public, and Mark shares on the show today how Houston has been integral in his company’s success — as well as what technology he’s keeping a close eye on in the ever evolving world of digital media.

Ben Jawdat is the founder and CEO of Revterra, a Houston startup that’s created a kinetic battery technology that can enable rapid EV charging. A physicist by training, Ben explains how he took an idea he had in his postdoctoral work and turned it into the growing company it is today. He also shares what all he has on the horizon for Revterra, including building out a new lab and launching new pilot programs.

Madison Long is the CEO and co-founder of Clutch, a creator economy platform that empowers users to make a sustainable income with their existing skills and interests. Last week, the platform launched nationwide after completing its original beta on a few college campuses. Madison explains what all they’ve learned from their beta — including the power of a pivot — and shares how integral Houston has been in clutch’s success.

Hannah Le is the founder and CEO of RE.STATEMENT, a platform where buyers and sellers can connect for unique up-cycled clothing. The company just had its soft launch last month after winning one of the City’s Liftoff Houston awards. Hannah joins the show to discuss how she plans on growing her platform to reach more people looking to shop and sell more creatively and sustainably. 

Stephanie Tsuru is the founder and CEO of SheSpace, a coworking space for women to meet, work, and find support. Stephanie shares the origin story of SheSpace, how it’s grown since opening its doors, and how she hopes to continue to provide the ideal workplace for Houston’s female entrepreneurs in the new year.

Richard Seline is the co-founder of Resilience Innovation Hub and major advocate for all things resilience innovation, policy, and more. Richard and I discuss what all Houston accomplished in risk mitigation and disaster proofing initiatives in 2022, including HCC’s rising Resiliency Center of Excellence, as well as why he expects this year to be a year of implementation for resilience innovation.

Steve Latham is the co-founder of DonateStock, a Houston startup that simplifies stock-based donations for both nonprofits and their donors. Steve and I discuss how DonateStock’s platform has evolved to make a greater impact for nonprofit organizations. He also shares how he’s seen the Houston innovation ecosystem evolve since his early days at the Houston Technology Center followed by decades of entrepreneurship within tech.

On this episode of the podcast, host Natalie Harms is looking back on some of her favorite podcast episodes of 2022 — featuring guests from startup founders, venture capital investors, health care leaders, startup development organization professionals, and more.

Samantha Lewis is principal at Mercury, a Houston-based Venture capital firm. Today, Sam and I look back at some tech and venture trends she’s focused on — like blockchain, web3, crypto and more — as well as dive into what she thinks founders need to focus on in the new year.

Jason Pesterfield is the CEO of Optellum, a digital health company with AI-based software for lung cancer diagnostics. Optellum recently established its US headquarters in Houston, and Jason joins the show today to discuss how the company has settled into Houston and what the future holds as it expands both locally and beyond.