Thursday, September 15, 2011

Surge Energy Incubator Launches In Houston

Surge, a newly formed, Y-Combinator style business incubator, launched today in Houston, saying that it is looking to help incubate efficient energy startups in the smart grid, energy trading and risk management, and digital oilfield areas. The incubator said on its web site that it has started taking applications for a January 2012 class for the incubator, which will invest $30,000 in each of 10 companies, and also provide mentoring through a three month program. Surge's managing director is Kirk Brand Coburn, who was previously the CEO of Chief Outsiders, and has mentors that include Blair Garrou and Ned Hill of DFJ Mercury, Clark Jernigan of Austin Ventures, Bert Haskell of the Pecan Street Project, Rakesh Agrawal of Snapstream, and many others. Surge said it will start accepting applications in November for the incubator.