HTC uses three designations to describe distinct engagements and relationships with entrepreneurs and technology companies.
Applicant
Entrepreneurs
and companies, in varying stages of development, are considered
Applicants once the management has attended an Orientation Session and
submitted a Client Company Application, executive summary and full business plan. Applicants are eligible for the following services:
- inclusion in HTC e-mail distribution list/Tech community
- access to HTC's interactive Website & resource packet
- business plan information & referrals
- feedback on Business Plan, business model or concept
Client
The
first step in the review process involves the initial appraisal of the
venture to ensure that the opportunity is an appropriate match for the
HTC's services. Initial requirements of potential HTC Client Companies
include:
- headquartered in Houston, Texas
- strategy
based on new, proprietary technology rather than a business that only
uses technology (HTC primarily focuses on companies in four sectors:
Life Sciences, Information Technology - Hardware/software and
telecommunications, Energy, and NASA-orginated technologies)
- disruptive
technology (the technology creates a solution that is orders of
magnitude better than existing and pending competitive solutions)
- revenue projections or valuations attractive to growth-capital investors (typically, $30 million by year 5)
- demonstrated capability and likelihood of achieving scalability
- willingness to assemble an appropriate management team
- willingness and desire to receive coaching
Note:
HTC does not usually work with most service-oriented ventures due to
the inherent difficulties of scaling their business models.
In addition to filling the role of an advisor to the client, HTC assistance may also include:
- high-level planning and consulting
- business plan strategy, business modeling, marketing, finance and start-up expertise
- access to the Houston Angel Network
- access to the Houston Mentor Network
- access to the Service Provider Network including venture capital organizations
- introductions to corporations and institutions (potential customers and strategic partners)
- office housing in the new HTC incubator facility
Graduate
Companies
that successfully complete the HTC acceleration process qualify for HTC
Graduate status, provided the following criteria have been met:
- formation of a complete and effective management team
- penetration of the target market
- generation of significant revenues
- demonstration of scalability of the business
- acquisition of adequate growth capital (with occasional exceptions)
- six months operating capital
- major liquidity event including merger, acquisition, or IPO.
The
final element in the HTC acceleration path to reaching Graduate status
is a formal presentation to an audience of both internal and external
executives. The reviewers will then discuss and determine the final
approval of the company as an HTC Graduate.
In addition to the continued involvement of the HTC acceleration team, Graduates gain the following services:
- visibility and PR, including a graduation ceremony
- press release announcing the Graduate status of the Client Company
- continued, active introductions to HTC's venture capital, mentor, and service provider networks
