In-Person Event

Startup Founder Forum (In-Person Networking Event)

Hear deep insights from one (or some) of the startup community's top leaders

Date
Jan 06, 2026
Time
08:00 pm - 09:00 pm
Address
The Cannon Houston - West Campus, 1336 Brittmoore Rd. , Houston, Texas, USA
Event Banner Image
If you are building, advising, or funding startups in Houston, then don't miss this in-person event featuring some of the region's top entrepreneurs. After a 'Fireside Chat' panel there will be a lengthy Q&A session with audience questions, followed by an open networking forum with top local entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors from the Founder Institute network. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the region's top innovators, and meet others in the startup community. Accepted Founders are strongly encouraged to attend this event.

About the Keynote Speaker/Panel 

Amy Tran - Startup Investor and Managing Partner at Impavidus, and Investor-in-Residence at FI Houston. Amy partners with visionary founders to invest in secure, scalable solutions addressing mission-critical business challenges. She also provides strategic insight in identifying and evaluating opportunities across AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, supporting disciplined, high-conviction investment decisions.

Gary Katz - Business investor and startup mentor; Founder and CEO of Katz Water Technologies; and Managing Attorney at Katz Law Group, with a focus on business and intellectual property law.

Jeff Murphy - Startup Advisor, Exit Planning and M&A Advisor, and Fractional CFO dedicated to helping founders and family-owned businesses build enterprise value and achieve successful outcomes. With extensive experience at Sony and other Fortune 50 companies, Jeff leverages helps founders plan for the right foundation, drive profitability, strengthen cash flow, and prepare businesses for a successful sale or transition.

Additional Resources:
Find more Startup Events, learn about Finding a Co-Founder, or visit our Insights Blog for more startup tips.

About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.

Speakers

Gary

Gary Katz

Patent Attorney & Managing Attorney @ Katz Law Group

Mery

Mery Ramirez

Founding Partner @ DataNexum Consulting

James

James Phelan

Investment & Growth @ The Cannon

Amy

Amy Tran

B2B AI-Blockchain-Cyber Venture Builder @ IMPAVIDUS

Jeff

Jeff Murphy

Founder and Managing Member @ Murphy Advisory Solutions ·

Platinum Partners

Local Partners

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The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,900 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.


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