Prizes

Goose Capital is proud to sponsor the Grand Prize Investment Award (“Grand Prize”) for the Rice Business Plan Competition this year, as it has since 2005. Goose Capital is an early stage investment firm comprised of successful serial entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 executives. Goose Capital invests ~$7 M annually in early-stage breakthrough technology ventures primarily in Seed and Series A rounds. Goose Capital prides itself on helping founders navigate the complexities of scaling startups by utilizing the deep industry and business expertise within the group's ranks.

Through the Grand Prize, Goose Capital aims to develop a close relationship the winner, and help the entrepreneurs launch and build a successful business. Goose Capital is committed to the mission of the RBPC and the success of its Grand Prize winners.

The investment structure for the Grand Prize is a convertible note, the key terms of which are summarized in a separate document. This structure is intended to be concise, simple, and founder-friendly, and are "better than market” terms for a Company of this stage (no valuation cap, interest rate of 8%, discount rate of 20%). Thus, Goose Capital expects that the Company will sign the term sheet within two weeks of winning and close the investment within one month of the RBPC.

As it has done in the past, Goose is interested in opportunities to invest capital beyond the Grand Prize amount. For example, the largest initial investment in a Grand Prize winner to date has been as high as $2,500,000. The largest total investment in an RBPC winner (over several rounds) has been over $6 million. In total, Goose Capital has invested more than $20 million in past RBPC winners. To expedite funding of the Grand Prize, however, Goose prefers to explore and negotiate these additional investment opportunities after the initial $150,000 Grand Prize investment is closed.

The second place finisher at the Rice Business Plan Competition will receive a $100,000 investment. The investment prize will be provided by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, and is sponsored by Finger Interests, the Anderson Family Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Greg Novak, and Tracy Druce. The investment structure for the 2nd place overall prize will most likely be a convertible note, intended to be concise, simple, and founder-friendly, with “better than market” terms for a Company of this stage (no valuation cap, interest rate of 8%, discount rate of 20%, no board seat).

The third place finisher at the Rice Business Plan Competition will receive a $50,000 investment. The investment prize will be provided by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, and is sponsored by Finger Interests, the Anderson Family Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Greg Novak, and Tracy Druce. The investment structure for the 3 nd place overall prize will most likely be a convertible note, intended to be concise, simple, and founder-friendly, with “better than market” terms for a Company of this stage (no valuation cap, interest rate of 8%, discount rate of 20%, no board seat).

All finalists will be awarded a prize with 4th-7th place receiving $5,000 cash each sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, EY, Chevron Technology Ventures and Shell Ventures

Teams that finish first or second in the First Round flights on Friday will advance to the Semi-final Round. In addition, Friday’s highest-scoring third place team overall will also advance to the Semi-Final Round.

These fifteen teams will compete in the Semi-Final Round, split into three flights.  The top 2 teams in each of the 3 Semi-Final flights will advance to the Final Round.

Teams that compete in the Semi-final round that do not advance to the finals will receive the following cash prizes:

• Semi-Final Round – Flight 1: 3rd Place: $2,000; 4th Place:  $1,500; 5th Place:  $1,250
• Semi-Final Round – Flight 2: 3rd Place: $2,000; 4th Place:  $1,500; 5th Place:  $1,250
• Semi-Final Round – Flight 3: 3rd Place: $2,000; 4th Place:  $1,500; 5th Place:  $1,250

All other startups that do not make the semi-finals will be awarded $950 each. 

All teams that do not advance to the Semi-Final Round will advance to the Wildcard Round on Saturday morning. The top scoring team from the Wildcard Round will advance to the Final Round. Teams must compete in the Wildcard Round and be present at the Awards Banquet to receive their cash prizes.

All teams will win cash prizes in the Wildcard Round. There will be six Wildcard Flights, and every team will win one of the following prizes, depend in on where they finish in their flight:

• 1st Place:  $1,000
• 2nd Place:  $900
• 3rd Place:  $900  
• 4th Place:  $800  
• 5th Place:  $800

The top 3 overall teams in the Wildcard Round will receive the special Ed Molter Memorial Prizes sponsored by Egan Nelson, in lieu of the lesser prizes mentioned above. These 3 teams will win the following:

• Wildcard Round Winner:  $2,000 prize and advance to the Finals
• Wildcard Round Runner-up (2nd place):  $1,750 cash prize
• Wildcard Round Third Place (3rd place):  $1,500 cash prize

All 42 teams are eligible for, and compete for, all of the Mercury Elevator Pitch cash prizes. Teams will present their elevator pitch on Thursday afternoon, April 7, 2022. Judges will score the elevator pitches based on their effectiveness and persuasiveness of their pitch!

Five top teams with the best elevator pitches will win cash prizes:

• First place overall: $1,000
• Runner Up in Each Sector: $500 each

You can re-watch the pitches on YouTube after the Elevator Pitch Competition by Friday, April 9 at YouTube.com/RiceAlliance.

$5,000 cash divided among 5 winners  ($1,000 each)

The Anbarci Family is providing five $1,000 prizes for Company Showcase prize winners which will be voted on throughout the Company Showcase & Networking Reception at the Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 6, from 6pm to 7pm. Attendees will “vote” on their favorite showcased by placing stickers on the score sheets at each table.   The 3 startups that secure the most stickers will each win $1,000.  Teams are encouraged to attract attendees to their table and try to secure the votes (i.e., “stickers”) from attendees.  All startups are eligible for this prize.

Five winners: $1,000 each

As the fastest growing city in the Houston region, Pearland offers affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods and superb quality of life - everything a growing company needs to be successful. As the lead economic development agency for this thriving, business-friendly community, the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC), offers assistance with state and local incentives, relocation services, and workforce training and development. 

Whether you need assistance with your business relocation, expansion, or start-up, the PEDC is perfectly positioned to help you discover all that Pearland has to offer. For more information, visit www.pearlandedc.com. 

Eligibility: The $40,000 Pearland EDC Spirit of Entrepreneurship cash prize (non-dilutive) will be given to a team that exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship as determined by the Pearland EDC judge group at the Rice Business Plan Competition. All 42 teams at the competition are eligible for this cash award, regardless of where the team finishes at the competition.

In partnership with the Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC.org) at Texas Children’s Hospital / Baylor College of Medicine, this annual pediatric medical device prize has been awarded at the Rice Business Plan Competition for the past 5 years. Up to $25,000 in cash awards are available to support the advancement and commercialization of novel pediatric medical devices.

Eligibility: Eligible devices must be FDA-regulated medical devices with a pediatric indication (0 - 21 years of age). If no teams meet the criteria or requirements, the prize will not be awarded. The prize will be decided by the SWNPDC judging team. Up to two startups at the RBPC may be awarded the SWPDC Prize. If two startups are chosen, the cash award for each will be $12,500.

$25,000 cash prize, with additional in-kind services (up to $25,000 in value)

Jacobs will award a $25,000 cash prize to companies with the most potential to offer beneficial work related to the JETS II contract. This work may include applications that advance NASA’s missions, projects that align with JSC focus areas, systems that are based on NASA-licensed intellectual property, or products/services that support a low Earth orbit or lunar-based economy. The prize also includes up to $25,000 of in-kind services with access to Jacobs’ subject matter experts in helping advance Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), access to Jacobs’ lab facilities, and venture development advisory support through Jacobs JETS II teammate Intuitive Machines and partner WRX.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Under the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract, we are taking giant steps to support NASA’s mission to lead human space exploration. Jacobs provides engineering and science services and solutions for JSC in support of major programs such as the Artemis Moon missions, the International Space Station, the Orion Crew Module, astromaterials and deep space research, along with project collaboration with numerous NASA centers and commercial aerospace companies. In partnership with NASA, we have created, designed, developed, and tested systems that enable human spaceflight to achieve breakthroughs in our understanding of Earth, the universe, and ourselves.

Eligibility: The prize will be awarded to the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) team(s) that meet the criteria defined above as determined by the “Rising Stars Space Technology and Commercial Aerospace Award” judges at the RBPC regardless of where the team finishes at the competition. If no teams meet the criteria, the prize will not be awarded. For more information on Jacobs and the JETS II contract, visit https://wehavespaceforyou.com/. For more information on JSC and its capabilities, visit https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/ and https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/frontdoor/capabilities/. The scope of in-kind services will be defined post-award based on the RBPC team’s needs and subject to available resources best suited to support.

For more than 150 years, NOV has pioneered innovations that empower the global energy industry, enabling our customers to safely produce abundant energy while minimizing their environmental impact. The energy industry depends on our deep expertise and technology to continually improve operations and assist in efforts to advance the energy transition towards a more sustainable future.

 NOV will offer a $25,000 cash prize to the RBPC team which is deemed to have an innovative, impactful energy technology in the energy, cleantech and sustainability sector.

Eligibility: all startups that have a technology or application in the energy, AI, GenAI, cleantech or sustainability space will be considered for this prize. The $25,000 cash prize is sponsored by NOV.

EFN will award a cash prize at the RBPC for the startup that most takes advantage of the EFN Mentor Program in the lead-up to the competition. The cash prize will be worth $1,500 total and may be given to up to 2 startups, divided as the prize sponsor sees fit.  

Eligibility: 

• All startups are eligible and will be selected based on: 
• Attending EFN practicing pitch feedback session 
• Meeting(s) with EFN mentors 
• Proactive engagement with mentor community (e.g., timely posts on the platform, timely followup to schedule meetings with mentors)

$200K prize investment to an RBPC company selected by Goose Capital members attending the RBPC.
In addition to sponsoring the Grand Prize, Goose Capital will select on startup for an additional $200,000 Investment.

Goose Capital is an early stage investment firm comprised of successful serial entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 executives. Goose Capital invests ~$7 M annually in early-stage breakthrough technology ventures primarily in Seed and Series A rounds. Goose Capital prides itself on helping founders navigate the complexities of scaling startups by utilizing the deep industry and business expertise within the group's ranks.

The OWL Investment Prize $100,000+ Investment

The OWL Investment Group will invest $100,000 or more in a startup at the 2024 RBPC. Often, the group has invested more than $100,000 in the startup who wins the OWL prize or has offered to invest in more than one startup.  Previously, the OWLs have been known to invest close to $1 million in a single startup. The ultimate size of the investment will depend upon a straightforward due diligence process.

The OWL Investment was created to increase the total prize/investment monies of the RBPC, create a new community of involved judges, and continue to encourage and support the most promising teams to build successful companies. The OWL Investment Group’s previous investments are approaching $10M, including over a dozen RBPC companies over the past years.  Results so far include an acquired company and an initial public offering (IPO), providing substantial returns. In 2024, we are committed to participating – looking for a strong team with leadership who have identified a significant problem and are bringing a compelling, if not disruptive, solution/product to the market.

In some instances, the OWL Investment Group may tranche their initial investment based on milestones. Participation may be as a convertible note or preferred series financing in a C-corp. We can lead or participate and have significant venture capital experience and relationships; we seek syndicates of like-minded investors in our participation. It is important that we see that the startup is properly funded to reach its milestones and a successful exit.

The OWL Investment Group is led by Robert Winter, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and angel investor with nearly 30 years investing experience, and Greg Price, CFO of Decisio Health, with over 40 years’ experience in financial services and investing.  Both individuals have judged the RBPC since inception of the competition in 2001.

Eligibility: The OWL Investment Group will typically award its investment prize to one of the 7 finalist teams, but the group will consider all 42 startups at the competition for investment.  The OWL Investment Group will conduct additional due diligence after the competition with a goal of closing the investment with balanced terms as soon as possible but no later than 4Q 2024. The OWL group has led investment rounds and also followed other lead investors in the past. The OWL group will be looking to ensure that the startup:

• Addresses a real problem that customers are willing to pay for

•  Has a large addressable market

• Has a unique technology solution that is differentiated sustainable

• Has an advantage over competition

• Has a management team that is coachable and interesting in working with the Owl group

The Houston Angel Network (HAN) is the oldest angel network in Texas and has been ranked as the #1 most active investment network in the United States. Its members have invested more than $100M in more than 400 deals since its inception in 2001. 

Eligibility: All 42 teams at the RBPC are eligible to receive this prize, but it is anticipated that the Houston Angel Network Investment Prize will be awarded to a semi-finalist or finalist, as selected by the Houston Angel Network and will be in the form of convertible debt note, Equity or SAFE subject to due diligence.

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region, has grown to become one of the largest entrepreneurship groups in the world. TiE currently has 15,000 members in 61 chapters across 14 countries, including a vibrant chapter in Houston. TiE’s mission is to foster entrepreneurship by generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs. We do this through mentoring, networking, education, incubating, and investing. The TiE Houston Angel Investment Prize has been formed by TiE angel investors from Houston and globally.

Eligibility: All 42 teams at the RBPC are eligible to receive this prize, regardless of where a team finishes at the competition, but it is anticipated that the TiE Angel Investment Prize will be awarded to a Finalist at the RBPC, as selected by the TiE Angels, most likely in the form of a Convertible Debt Note, after due diligence is completed. 

“New Climate Ventures (“NCV”) is an early-stage Houston-based venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies that decarbonize our planet using technology. NCV believes in supporting passionate entrepreneurs who are making a difference by speeding the new energy transition. The group awards a $25,000 investment prize to a startup in the energy, cleantech and sustainability sector.

Eligibility: all startups that have a technology or application in the energy, cleantech or sustainability space will be considered for this prize. The investment prize will be in the form of a Convertible Note, post due diligence. 

The nCourage Investment Group members are successful women entrepreneurs and investors from across the US who believe in supporting passionate entrepreneurs who are making a difference. nCourage is celebrating its 14th year in supporting the RBPC with this award. The group will award a $25,000 investment prize to a team that includes:

• A woman as CEO or as a member of founding leadership team, and
• At least one woman on the RBPC presenting team in Houston

Eligibility: The nCourage Entrepreneurs Investment Group will consider all 42 teams at the RBPC that meet the above criteria, regardless of where the team places at the competition. The investment prize will be in the form of a Convertible Note.

Dream Big Ventures founding partner Staci LaToison seeks to help diverse-led startups in energy transition, climatetech and healthtech. Staci is a venture capitalist and leader in innovation and strategy, leveraging her 22-year energy industry experience that enables her to shape and influence energy transition goals and fuel her passion for empowering others. This is DBV’s first year awarding a prize at the RBPC, and Staci’s second year as a judge. The DBV team will consider all 42 startups at the RBPC that meet the above criteria, regardless of where the team places at the competition.

Eligibility: Staci and DBV will award a $25,000 investment prize to a competing startup of their choosing that includes:
• A Latino founder as CEO or as a member of founding leadership team; and the startup must have at least one Latino member on the RBPC presenting team in Houston

Terms: The investment prize will be in the form of a convertible note. Additional prize terms forthcoming.

Urban Capital Network (UCN) was established to make investing in venture capital opportunities affordable, diversified, and de-risked for a broader and more diverse pool of investors. UCN partners with established venture capital firms who believe more people should have access to premium investment opportunities. Driven by a shared interest and aligned values, UCN and its partners have helped more than 200 investors grow their wealth beyond traditional investments like 401K, IRAs, stocks and bonds.

UCN’s investors get access to VC-backed funds and portfolio companies for under $12K. Additionally, UCN invests a portion of their revenue exclusively in founders of color and women who may not be VC-backed, but who have a sound and viable business, strong management team, and demonstrate a company with high-growth potential. UCN also encourages and offers opportunities to their investors to invest alongside of UCN’s in those same companies. UCN’s goal is to help underrepresented investors generate VC-like returns, and provide education and support to help them identify opportunities to re-invest in their own communities and interests. We leverage capitalism to generate capital for social impact.

Eligibility: UCN will invest $25,000 in the most investable company, as determined by the UCN Management Team, with at least 50% founders of color and or women. The investment will be in the form of a convertible note. UCN is also interested in investment participation in future rounds as a lead or co-investor, and we will present the winning company to our VC partners for additional investment consideration. Prizes are contingent on due diligence post-competition. 

Health-tech bootcamp accelerator program invite with contingent $250,000 investment prize

TMC Innovation partners with founders to help them access opportunities within the Texas Medical Center community towards building and growing their startups. We help you navigate opportunities for clinical validation and deployment into the world’s largest medical marketplace – the Texas Medical Center.

TMC Innovation will select a promising startup to participate in our Accelerator Bootcamp, a one week immersion with clinicians, experts, investors, and our team to help them identify opportunities and champions at TMC. Following Bootcamp, a subset of companies are invited into the Accelerator, a six-month program focused on furthering these strategic relationships.

Eligibility: All healthcare and life science startups at the RBPC will be considered for this prize. Upon successful completion of the Accelerator and due diligence, the TMC Venture Fund will seek to invest $250,000 in your startups.

$20,000 in-kind combined for 3 highest finishing startups

Baker Botts has a leading emerging company and venture capital (ECVC) practice. Our ECVC team focuses on emerging companies and the legal issues surrounding them. We solve complex business problems, protect the newest technology, and help guide innovative, ambitious companies on the right path with an interdisciplinary approach that leverages deep real-world experience from our many practice areas. Our ECVC corporate and intellectual property lawyers offer diverse strengths and formation-to-exit experience and capabilities across a wide range of industries including high-tech, energy, and life sciences. Baker Botts will offer up to $15,000 of in-kind legal services for the grand prize winner and $10,000 each for the remaining finalists at the 2024 competition.

Eligibility: Baker Botts’ in-kind legal services are subject to review by our Baker Botts lawyers. Prior to advising the winning RBPC companies, each company will be required to clear our business intake procedures for new clients, our standard firm conflicts check, and sign an appropriate engagement letter. Baker Botts will discuss firm engagement and conflict check procedures once the winning companies are selected. Absent any conflict, we look forward to having the opportunity to provide in-kind legal services to the winning companies.

Entrepreneur will pick three winners selected from the pool of top-placing pitches and will receive a “golden ticket” to pitch on the investment TV show Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. This includes flights and hotel stay in Deerfield Beach, Florida near the TV production studio in mid-May 2024.

Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch features entrepreneurs stepping into an elevator, having just 60 seconds to pitch their business on camera to a board of investors. If the investors like what they hear, the elevator doors open, and contestants have the chance to walk away with life-changing funding, mentorship. The show is featured on Entrepreneur.com, and airs on over 20 free-TV platforms

Eligibility: Prize winners will be selected from the finalists.

LSA Global/Latinx Startup Alliance (LSA) helps Latinx Founders advance their startups with mentoring, advice, access to tools + resources, support, and warm introductions. Led by Jesse Martinez, Founder @LSA Global & @Latinx_startups; a World Economic Forum 2020 Delegate; 5X Startup Founder; Founding Partner @Resolved Ventures; Venture Partner @VamosVentures; and Founder @Aggies in Tech Global.

LSA Global proudly opened their new headquarters in Houston in May 2022 with an office in The Ion and has grown to support the emerging Latino tech ecosystem in Houston. LSA provides expertise in such areas as refining a business plan + pitch deck, refining financial models + GTM (Go-to-market strategies), and improving storytelling + pitching skills.

Eligibility: A Latino Founder as CEO or as a member of the founding leadership team; and the startup must have at least one Latino member on the RBPC presenting team in Houston. This in-kind prize will offer 3 months of startup advisory services. Prize can be received in Houston or virtually.

3 months in-kind for 1st Place Overall Winner ($10,000 in-kind)

New York Technology Capital (NYTCP) is a full-service financial advisory firm to startups and growth companies. Our services include interim/full-time CFO consulting, debt and equity capital raising, and M&A strategy. We look forward to building long-term relationships with management teams and investors. We will provide the Grand Prize Winner with CFO Consulting for 3 months. NYTCP is run by Rohit Gandhi and Gautam Gandhi. Gautam won the Grand Prize at the 2004 RBPC. www.nytcp.com

Entrepreneur Futures Network (EFN) mentors have offered pre-competition mentoring and advice to each of the 42 teams who have been invited to participate at the 2024 RBPC. They have provided advice in areas such as refining a business plan, refining financial models, and improving presentation skills.

The AWS Activate program provides startups with the resources they need to quickly get started on AWS, including credits that can be used towards AWS
products, services, training, and support. As a competitor at the RBPC you are eligible for the following AWS benefits: $5,000 in AWS Credits, valid for 2 years, as well as exclusive offers, discounts, recommended content, and a library of AWS service ad tools in the AWS Activate Console.

Please note that if your startup has received $5K or more previously from AWS, you are not eligible for $5K more, as these credits are not cumulative.