John S. Reale, Jr. (JR)

John S. Reale, Jr. (“JR”) leads Rice University’s efforts to connect industry, entrepreneurship, and venture creation. As Executive Director of the Rice Alliance, he leads its work powering the Ion District and helping founders access the resources needed to turn consequential ideas into companies and real-world impact. He also teaches entrepreneurship and venture capital at Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business.

A longtime leader in Houston’s innovation ecosystem, JR cofounded and served as CEO of Station Houston, which partnered with Rice to help lay the foundation for the Ion District. He later served as a Venture Executive with the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund and as an Executive-in-Residence at TMC Innovation. He also chaired Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Task Force on Innovation and Technology, helping shape the City of Houston’s innovation strategy. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at several technology companies after beginning in financial services.

JR is the Managing Partner of Integrated Capital, an early-stage venture firm; a Senior Fellow at his alma mater, Babson College’s Kerry M. Healey Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and a member of the University of Houston’s Cougar Venture Fund Investment Committee. He also serves on boards and advisory groups advancing technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development.