User:Energypeopleconnect/Surge Accelerator

Surge Accelerator
SURGE Accelerator is a mentor-driven seed accelerator solving the world’s energy problems using software. Based in Houston, SURGE assists companies seeking to innovate and exploit the massive shifts in technology, policy and expertise across the energy industry.

SURGE provides entrepreneurs with seed capital, expert mentorship, and industry ecosystem during a 3-month long boot camp in exchange for 6% equity. SURGE’s Texas-based and nationwide resources strive to help entrepreneurs grow their company from idea to prototype to market leader.

PROGRAM
SURGE is modeled after other successful accelerators and has developed its own specialized program. SURGE selects 8-12 energy software start-ups from a pool of hundreds of potential candidates. Selected companies are required to be in Houston for a 12-week “boot camp”. The boot camp is segmented into 3 major phases: connecting startups with SURGE mentors, product development and landing pilot projects and polishing fundraising skills. Through out the 3 months, the SURGE team holds workshops to prepare company founders for launch.

HISTORY
SURGE was founded in 2011, by Kirk Coburn and Sarah Groen. Since the inception of SURGE, over half of its companies have received subsequent investments since their graduation in May 2011, and the total amount raised exceeded $6 million.