Houston’s energy scene isn’t just about oil and gas, it’s a wild world of startups, big ideas, and the uphill battle of getting funding in an industry built on tradition. Jason and Nada from Energy Tech Nexus join Chuck to talk about what it really takes to build an energy tech company in this city, from wrangling investors to breaking through the old-school mindset. They’re on a mission to turn Houston into a true innovation hub, connecting founders with the right people and resources to make things happen. Whether it’s venture capital hurdles, customer adoption headaches, or the hidden advantages of Houston’s energy infrastructure, they lay it all out, no sugarcoating, just real talk on what it takes to win in the energy startup game.
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Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Energy Tech Startups, Innovation
03:42 - Energy Industry’s Adoption of New Technology
06:45 - Innovation vs Invention in Energy
10:35 - Finding Your Initial Customer in Tech
12:41 - Overview of Energy Tech Nexus
15:00 - Revenue Model of Energy Tech Nexus
17:25 - Real Life Example of Energy Tech Nexus
22:30 - Houston’s Seed Ecosystem for Startups
26:20 - Funding Real Assets vs Intellectual Property
28:50 - Resources for Securing Funding
32:41 - Requirements for Series A Funding
35:29 - Coastal Investment in Houston Companies
37:38 - Insights on C3.ai
39:43 - Advice for CEOs in Energy Tech
41:54 - Impact of Colin’s A Round Funding
45:50 - Managing Culture During Growth
51:35 - Potential for a16z or Sequoia in Houston
54:00 - Rice University’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
1:00:33 - Colin Finally Gets a Job in Tech
1:02:55 - How to Connect with Energy Tech Nexus
1:04:09 - Chuck Yates Arm Wrestle Fund
1:06:20 - Herb Keller's Arm Wrestling Story
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