On March 13-14, Rice Business is hosting its 11th annual Veterans Business Battle — a forum for veterans to connect with investors, advisers and resources. Each year, the event gives military veterans an opportunity to pitch business ideas for a chance to raise capital.
This year, the Veterans Business Battle is working with the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce to increase the event’s impact by inviting Houston-based, veteran-owned businesses to participate in two days’ worth of education, networking and showcasing their business as part of a small business expo.
The Veterans Business Battle began in 2015 with a goal of inspiring and encouraging our nation’s military heroes to become successful entrepreneurs. During the competition, finalists pitch investors, receive feedback from industry professionals, network with potential investors and learn from other entrepreneurial success stories. With more than $5 million in investments, it’s the largest veteran business competition in the country.
What: Veterans Business Battle
When: March 13-14. Agenda can be found here.
Where: Rice University’s McNair Hall
An all-veteran ownership team, Summit Point Leadership LLC, which launched through the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and its Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Lab, has acquired the business of LDR Leadership LLC, a nationwide leadership, management and supervisory training firm.
Congratulations to Robert J. Gaudette on being named President of NRG Energy, and on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 30, 2026. Rob is a distinguished Rice Business alum and continues to give back to the school through the Board of Advisors and joined us this year as a speaker at the Rice Energy Finance Summit.
A new study co-authoered by Rice Business’ Tommy Pan Fang provides the first large-scale statistical analysis of data center location strategies across the United States. It offers policymakers and firms a clearer starting point for understanding how different types of data qcenters get located in response to economic and strategic incentives.
