Applications are accepted until July 11th for the Texas AI Challenge, the first statewide pitch competition dedicated to early-stage AI startups in Texas.
TXAIC offers investments and services up to $100,000 tailored to help our businesses. The live pitch event will be held on August 7th at SMU during Dallas Startup Week.
The application will end on July 11th. The finalists will be announced on July 31st. The event will be held by Fort Worth-based Pro Forma and is hosted by entrepreneurial leaders for the Spears Institute.
A panel of over 40 judges representing venture capital, industry and academia will evaluate submissions and provide practical feedback to selected teams. Finalists will present their pitch live in front of an audience of founders, investors, corporate innovation leaders and local stakeholders during the local annual startup celebration.
Among the judges is Wade Myers, the founder and chairman of Pro Forma and general partner of the Eagle Venture Fund.
Pro-Forma helps startups, founders and investors understand their finances better and make better business decisions.
A veteran and veteran entrepreneur in the US Army, Myers has established, supported or advised over 90 companies. He has built a wide career in venture buildings that began in 1996 after early stints with Mobile and Boston Consulting Group.
For more information, please apply here.
New Hope Equine assigns Susan Altshuler Program Manager
Susan Altshuler has been promoted to Program Manager for New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy.
Altshuler oversees rider intake, develops individual lesson plans, defines volunteer requirements, and matches riders with the perfect horse. She will continue her role as a dedicated instructor for our riders and volunteers.
Her journey with New Hope began several years ago as a dedicated volunteer. Since earning her pass certification in 2019, she has quickly risen and became a lead instructor.
ACU and SABR Partners for Redefine Sports Leadership and Analytics
The Center for Sports Leadership and Learning at Abilene Christian University announced its strategic partnership with the American Association for Baseball Studies (SABR) during the SABR 2025 National Tournament held in Dallas.
The collaboration, presented by Dr. George Saltman of ACU Dallas and SABR CEO Scott Bush, aims to enhance leadership and analytical education across the sports industry. Through the partnership, SABR's respected course content and certification pathways will be integrated into ACU's online academic and professional development programmes.
“This partnership is more than baseball. It brings SABR's thoughtful research and statistical innovation legacy to a wider sports audience,” Bush said.
The two organizations will allocate academic credits to the SABR course and work together to develop new professional development products. The first initiative will integrate SABR analytical training into degree and non-degree programs, with pilot courses expected to begin by the second half of 2025.
Founded in 1971, SABR is known for its deep roots in baseball scholarships and its pioneering role in data-driven thinking in the game. The partnership marks another milestone for the ACU's recently launched center.
Launched in 2025, ACU Online Sports Leadership and Learning Center exists to empower coaches, managers and athletes through holistic leadership education, strategic consulting and applied research.
Runcart Commercial Real Estate Secures Industrial Leases for Rom
The Fort Worth-based Runcart Commercial has announced the lease of its 31,500-square-foot warehouse at 167 Lion Court in Rom, the Northwest DFW Industrial Corridor.
The company said leasing “means sustained momentum in demand for well-positioned functional warehouse products” as the company continues to expand into high-growth regions at the edge of the Metroplex.
“The transaction highlights the strength of the Northwest DFW industrial submarket where high-quality spaces continue to lease quickly,” said Mark Boone, senior vice president of Runcart.
ETHOS commercial advisor Devin Kopas represented the tenants.
Quorum Architects recruits LSU graduates as architectural interns
Quorum Architects, a local commercial architecture and interior design company, hired Adrianna Jordan as an architecture intern. She will provide design and technical assistance to Quorum's Animal Care Design team.
Jordan interned at two design companies in Dallas while earning his master's degree in architecture from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge this spring.
“Adrianna proves to be a valuable asset by bringing fresh ideas and creativity to the team and providing already perfect production support,” said Kim Dowdy-Hickman, Principal and Director of Animal Care Design.
Founded in 1992, Quorum Architects is a Fort Worth-based 32 professional architecture and interior design company. It is registered in 33 states.
Camp Fire First Texas hires Karen Barrow Parrish as a major gift officer
Camp Fire First Texas has appointed Karen Barlow Parrish as the lead gift officer. In this role, Parrish will drive the organization's mission by cultivating and securing key gifts to support Campfire's strategic goals and life-changing programs for youth and families in North Texas.
A Fort Worth native and a Tulane University alumnus, Parish brings more than 20 years of experience in development, communications and non-profit leadership.
Her career includes leadership roles at the Historic Southside Co., Fort Worth Arts Council, and most recently as Director of Development and Communications for the Nashville Anglican Church.
“Karen's passion for building authentic relationships and her deep roots in our community make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Tamara Clement, development director at Camp First Texas.
Parrish has begun working in the council offices of Jim Wright Chairman, Rep. Jim Wright, Rep. Chet Edwards and Rep. Pete Jerren in Washington, D.C.
Parish has a deep connection to the campfires that he grew up in the organization. Her grandmother, Louisa Havn, served as Camp Fire Executive Director from 1958 to 1978.
