Meet Lumenci at
LES Houston
Join industry experts to explore how investors assess patent portfolios, what owners should consider before seeking funding, and what makes an opportunity litigation-ready.
📅 October 01, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM CDT
📍Rice University, O'Connor Building – Room 510, Houston, TX
About the Session
Getting outside capital into a patent portfolio is rarely as simple as "we have a strong patent, someone will fund it." LES Houston is hosting this panel to walk through what actually stands between those two points sponsored by Lumenci & Office of Technology Transfer, Rice University.
Expect a candid look at how investors underwrite a portfolio before they commit capital, what an inventor gives up (and keeps) when they bring in outside financing, and where a damages expert draws the line between a patent that's a good story and one that can survive scrutiny in litigation.
Topics on the agenda:
- Financing strategy and deal structures, from an investor's perspective
- Unlocking IP value without losing control of it, from the inventor's side
- What damages experts look for in a litigation-ready patent
- A moderated discussion tying documentation, valuation, and deal structure together
Agenda
5:00-5:30 PM
Welcome & Introduction
5:30 – 6:10 PM
Speaker Introductions & Panel Discussion
6:10 – 6:30 PM
Q&A with Audience
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
Meet the Speakers

Jonathan Gross
With nearly 20 years in the global legal community, Jon focuses on intellectual property, working closely with IP litigators and in-house counsel across a range of companies, including Fortune 50 organizations. His experience also spans legal operations, data privacy, & emerging AI technologies.

Adam Falconer
Adam brings 20 years of experience in IP consulting, damages, licensing valuation, and litigation support. He has advised on more than 90 litigation engagements and served as a testifying expert in federal and state courts. His experience spans reasonable royalties, lost profits, breach of contract, and profit disgorgement.

Michelle Eber
Michelle Eber is Managing Director at West U Capital. She brings experience across patent investment, litigation funding, and IP litigation, having previously led patent investments at Validity Finance and spent more than a decade as a patent and trade secret litigator.

Bryce Barcelo
Bryce is an engineer-turned-lawyer specializing in IP monetization and litigation consulting. His experience spans IP strategy, investment, and more than a decade of high-stakes IP litigation.
See You in Houston
Join the conversation on patent monetization, litigation funding, valuation, and investment strategy-and connect with members of Houston's IP and licensing community.