10 Top Houston Startups to Watch in 2024
Last Updated: By Michaela Dale
Move over, Austin – Houston, Texas is an up-and-coming startup haven with innovations spanning dentistry to mineral management software.
Houston isn’t always the first thought when it comes to thriving startup ecosystems. However, the area boasts several disruptive innovators, with startups making waves and solving widespread pain points. We take a look at some of our favorites below.
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Best Startups in Houston to Follow
Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting Houston startups of 2024 that startup lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting startups launching and growing, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. Graylog
- Industry: Cybersecurity, Software, Analytics
- Founders: Hass Chapman, Lennart Koopmann
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: $71.4 Million
- Investors Include: Piper Sandler, Harbert Growth Partners
Graylog offers valuable software for teams to combine, enrich, search, and visualize their data all in one convenient place, saving time and increasing productivity. Not to mention, users receive alerts and compliance reporting to help protect the business from every angle.
2. m1neral
- Industry: Fintech, Software, Energy
- Founders: Jacob Avery, Kyle Chapman, Shawn Cutter
- Founded In: 2019
- Funding: $1.6 Million
- Investors Include: MassChallenge, Pheasant Energy, Amnis Ventures
m1neral is an energy tech startup creating a software platform for oils and gas, minerals, and royalties. Capabilities include managing land agreements and contracts, capturing seller data, managing campaigns, as well as creating and executing projects and negotiations.
3. Axiom Space
- Industry: Space, Aeronautics
- Founders: Kam Ghaffarian, Michael Suffredini
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: $500 Million
- Investors Include: Aljiazira Capital, Chanel Capital
Axiom Space builds commercial space station modules and spacesuits for low-earth orbit, the moon, and more. Connected with the International Space Station (ISS), Axiom Space is the leading human spaceflight services provider, executing missions in tandem with their industrial manufacturing of space equipment.
4. Hello Alice
- Industry: Information Technology (IT)
- Founders: Carolyn Rodz, Elizabeth Gore
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: $26.1 Million
- Investors Include: NAACP, QED Ventures, Alumni Ventures
Hello Alice is a business services platform offering funding and other resources to business owners to help increase revenues. By identifying business health scores and providing valuable resources, businesses on the Hello Alice platform can overcome roadblocks to their success and get rewarded for growth.
5. Sunnova
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Founders: John Berger, Jordan Fruge, Lynda Attaway
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: $3.2 Billion
- Investors Include: US Department of Energy, Credit Suisse
Sunnova is a clean energy company boasting a network of solar installation partners to provide homeowners with solar service. With a track record of helping more homeowners implement solar power than any other provider, Sunnova is a powerhouse in the renewable energy movement.
6. Onit
- Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS), Software
- Founders: Eric Elfman, John Gilman
- Founded In: 2011
- Funding: $216.6 Million
- Investors Include: K1 Investment Management, Texas Halo Fund
Onit makes increasing business legal productivity a breeze through their Onit app builder. Their contract-management solution streamlines legal processes using generative AI, allowing business owners to combine project, information, and business process management needs into one.
7. MacroFab
- Industry: Internet of Things (IoT), SaaS
- Founders: Chris Church, Parker Dillmann
- Founded In: 2013
- Funding: $96.2 Million
- Investors Include: Trinity Capital, Edison Partners
MacroFab is rethinking the electronics manufacturing industry. Their platform was developed to automate the manufacturing process, allowing manufacturers to upload designs, receive quotes, and place and track orders all on one platform.
8. Cloud Dentistry
- Industry: Healthcare, Healthtech, SaaS
- Founders: Trey Tepichin
- Founded In: 2014
- Funding: $4.2 Million
- Investors Include: Paul Sims, Dental Innovation Alliance
Cloud Dentistry is giving the dental sector a software upgrade. Their platform connects dental offices with eligible applicants quickly and easily. With over 284,000 dental positions filled, users are able to easily find work or hire for their dental practices without hassle.
9. BrainCheck
- Industry: Fitness, Wellness
- Founders: David Eagleman, Yael Katz
- Founded In: 2015
- Funding: $26.2 Million
- Investors Include: Next Coast Ventures, Small Business Innovation Research
BrainCheck is a mobile cognitive health test born out of 20 years of research by Dr. David Eagleman. Used by both clinicians and large healthcare organizations, BrainCheck provides valuable insights into cognitive function, resulting in better, more holistic patient care for seniors and other patients alike.
10. Vroom
- Industry: Mobility, Ecommerce, Automotive
- Founders: Allon Bloch, Elie Wurtman, Kevin Westfall, Marshall Chesrown, Scott Chesrown
- Founded In: 2013
- Funding: $1.3 Billion
- Investors Include: Eastward Capital Partners, Poalim Equity
Vroom is an automotive sales startup that allows you to shop, sell, and buy vehicles online. Users can have vehicles delivered to or picked up directly from their doorstep. Their innovative platform streamlines the used vehicle purchase process and puts power back into the hands of consumers.
Recommended: Check out our full list of the top startups to watch!
