Thinking Outside the Cereal Box

Round 3 with In the Loop Houston

AuthorAuthor

Aubrie Smith & Jorge Ortiz
June 27, 2024

Hey there, it's In the Loop Houston again, ready to keep your week buzzing with the best of Clutch City. Whether you're diving into business or hunting for a good time, we've got the ultimate guide to keep you in the know.

Last week was packed with excitement, but this week, we've got even more! From exclusive business events to unique entertainment, there's something for everyone. And if you’re new or this email was forwarded to you, make sure to join our growing community and stay in the loop. Loving our content? Share it with your friends and spread the word!

Houston-Sized Happenings

Small Beer

In case you missed it last week, be sure to check out our new friends, Small Beer! For the big thinkers of Houston, Small Beer reinvigorates the lost tradition of lower alcohol beer with their bespoke brewing process, crafting quality beers up to 2.8% ABV. Trust us they are fantastic! Next time you want a brew without the punch, pick one up. Embrace innovation, savor quality, and toast to big ideas with Small Beer—Small Beer for big plans.

Upcoming Events - for business

Upcoming Events - for pleasure

Top Picks of The Week

Tweet of the Week: From AMEX debt to unexpected wins and hard-earned lessons, being a founder is a rollercoaster. Kevin L. Curry faced four failed ventures in ten years. Despite the setbacks, each failure brought invaluable lessons. Read about his journey below.

Product of the Week: Live more and scroll less with The Minimal Phone!

Foodie Spot of the Week: Be sure to check out The Gripper Kitchen - Pearland and read this awesome article to learn more about the legacy of the “Yung Gripper” sandwich!

The Gripper Kitchen

Stories that Inspire: A Masterclass in Creativity and Perseverance – Airbnb’s Cereal Saga

Airbnb Cereals

Airbnb Inc., now a giant in the home-sharing industry, started with a unique and unusual marketing strategy that set it apart from the 600,000 small businesses founded in its launch year: cereal boxes.

When the company was still known as AirBed and Breakfast, the two co-founders faced the challenge of gaining public attention and interest as well as surviving the initial financial challenges of a start up. In a creative and bold move, they started producing cereal boxes with entertaining branding tied to the 2008 presidential campaign. They came up with quirky names like "Obama O’s" and "Cap’n McCain’s," which captured the imagination of the public and the media.

The Turning Point:

This inventive marketing tactic did more than just draw attention and earn them some much needed extra cash; it played a crucial role in securing one of Airbnb’s most significant early backers, Paul Graham. During the financial crisis, it wasn’t the business model that impressed Graham but the sheer creativity and determination displayed through the cereal box campaign.

A memorable quote from co-founder Brian Chesky highlights this moment:

“We need founders who’ve got survivor instinct and won’t die,” Mr. Chesky remembers Mr. Graham said. “We want cockroaches, and you are cockroaches, you will not die. You’re selling cereal boxes for God’s sake.”

The Lesson:

Airbnb’s story is a powerful lesson in creativity and perseverance. When faced with adversity, the founders didn’t just survive—they thrived by thinking outside the box, quite literally. Their willingness to try unconventional methods and their unyielding persistence helped them capture the attention they needed to grow their startup into the global powerhouse it is today.

For Houston founders and business people, this story serves as an inspiring example of how innovative thinking and tenacity can overcome even the toughest challenges. As you navigate your entrepreneurial journey, remember that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Hot Reads of the Week

Koda Health Secures New Funding to Expand Advance Care Planning Capabilities

Led by Ecliptic Capital with strategic investment from Memorial Hermann Health System, AARP and the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund

apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/medical-technology-4fca867bf3c0d7a6b76108c82b17358f

8 Ideas on Productivity That Changed My Life

Breaking down the adage of working "smarter", not harder.

www.andrew.today/p/8-ideas-on-productivity-that-changed

Building a High-Quality Team in a Startup: Navigating Uncertainties and Limited Resources — SEBASTIAN SAJOUX

Building a High-Quality Team in a Startup: Discover essential strategies for onboarding top talent despite limited resources and uncertainty. Learn how to define your vision, offer equity, create a positive work environment, leverage networks, invest in development, and foster a culture of trust.

sebastiansajoux.me/blog/building-a-high-quality-team

Artifacts From Hip-hop History Are on Display in Houston

The “Straight Flexin’, No Plexin” exhibit demonstrates how the city and the culture became inextricably linked.

www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/houston-hip-hop-exhibit-straight-flexin-no-plexin

Prana Thoracic, Inc - Raised $2.2M in Additional Investment

Prana Thoracic, Inc., a medical device startup based in Houston, TX has raised $2.2M in additional investment. The company has raised $8.2M to date.

tracxn.com/d/companies/prana-thoracic/__jnYfV35VjcV1SpqReb1T5OYW27USMce0W2H5SZ1gQTU/funding-and-investors

Greentown Labs and Prithvi Ventures Establish New Fund Proceed Partnership - Greentown Labs

The early-stage climatetech fund will make quarterly donations to the incubator Somerville, Mass., and Houston, Texas, June 25, 2024 — Greentown Labs, the largest climatetech incubator in North America, and […]

greentownlabs.com/greentown-labs-and-prithvi-ventures-establish-new-fund-proceed-partnership

Have a wonderful Thursday and don’t forget to think outside the cereal box!

Attack the day with unparalleled enthusiasm,