Houston Ventures
Venture capitalHouston · Seed–Growth · 3 people tracked
Investment thesis
Houston Ventures pursues a dedicated vertical investment strategy in enterprise software, having shifted from its origins as a generalist software investor to focusing on the energy industry since 2004. The firm views complex operating problems as market opportunities for well-positioned solutions and treats portfolio companies as clients rather than dependents. It emphasizes mapping a company's growth toward the behaviors of potential large acquirers, drawing on a deep energy industry network and extensive deal-structuring experience. The firm has exited companies to acquirers including IBM, AT&T, Siemens and IHS.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 2, 2026.
Team · 3 people
from the firm's websiteChip launched Houston Ventures' predecessor funds and rebranded the firm with Fund III in 2011, followed by Fund IV in 2017. He has over 20 years of experience investing in early-to growth-stage technology businesses and a deep energy industry network.
Fred joined Houston Ventures full time in 2011 and handles sourcing, screening, structuring, due diligence, financial modeling and reporting. He previously worked as a commercial banker in Houston and holds a B.A. in Economics from Trinity University and an M.B.A. from Rice University.
Stephanie joined Houston Ventures in 2011 as Administrative Office Manager and manages the firm's day-to-day operations and information flow to fund investors. She previously worked in investor relations at Sanders Morris Harris and holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Houston.
Investments · 12 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathPlano, US
Charles L. Davis(Director)Greg A. Watson(Director)Mark S. Slaughter(Director)James S. MacLean III(Executive Officer, Director)
Oklahoma City, US
Anderson Evan(Executive Officer, Director)James Newell(Director)Greg Watson(Director)Erik Gilje(Director)
San Juan Capistrano, US
John Burke(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Miles Mahoney(Director, Promoter)Stuart Frost(Director, Promoter)Michael Colaco(Director)
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Houston Ventures invest at?
- Houston Ventures invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What sectors does Houston Ventures focus on?
- Houston Ventures focuses on Energy, Enterprise Software, SaaS.
- Where is Houston Ventures located?
- Houston Ventures is headquartered in Houston, US.
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