During the downturn in 2000, when the dot com became dot bomb, I had to take a job that was a few levels below my expectations, but right in line with my actual life experiences. My boss and mentor at the time told me about his experiences in war and asked me to watch “Band … Continue reading “Finding Gratification in the Lessons Learned Along the Journey”
Author: Kirk Coburn
Coburn is an entrepreneur and start-up advocate that has founded three successful companies before starting SURGE. A Houstonian by birth, Coburn spent his business and entrepreneurial career in Austin and the East Coast before relocating back to Houston to launch and lead Houston's first and the world's only mentor-driven seed accelerator focused on Energy Software.
Coburn is an active angel investor through his membership in the Houston Angel Network and serves on the board and investment committee for the Texas Halo Fund, The Houston Angel Network's first sidecar fund.
Prior to leading SURGE, Coburn created and was CEO of Chief Outsiders (acq. 2010), a Houston-based company with offices in Texas, Florida, Georgia and New York. Prior to Chief Outsiders, Coburn launched The PGA TOUR Network on Sirius XM (acq. by SIRI) and founded Pure Golf, a leading provider of golf, tennis, and outdoor programming to the satellite radio industry.
Coburn has worked as an outsourced executive (CMO, COO, CFO) for high-growth companies in the Technology, Enterprise Software, Supply Chain, Consumer Web, Construction, Entertainment, and Finance industries. Coburn started his career at Dell having worked in strategy and operational roles.
Coburn received his MBA and BBA in finance and accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. Coburn was a runner-up in UT's Moot Corp Business Plan competition.
Coburn is active in the community serving as an ambassador to the Texas Children's Hospital, a supporter of the Rice Alliance and sponsor of the Houston Technology Center.
Coburn is an ultra-endurance runner, open-water swimmer, competitive golfer, and seventh-generation Texan. In August 2010, Coburn finished his first 100 mile run, the Leadville Trail 100.