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Kirk Coburn

CEO & Founder at InspirePlay | Innovating Golf Entertainment & Experiences, InspirePlay
Nantucket, Massachusetts,United States
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Kirk Coburn's Overview

Total Experience294 years
CompanyInspirePlay
CountryUnited States

Kirk Coburn is a seasoned venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and mentor with a significant background in energy technology, software, and sports innovation. He is widely recognized as the founder and former Managing Director of SURGE Ventures, a Houston-based, mentor-driven seed accelerator focused on energy software and technology startups. Under his leadership, SURGE played a crucial role in fostering the energy tech ecosystem, providing early-stage companies with critical funding, mentorship, and industry connections. Kirk's expertise lies in identifying disruptive technologies, building strong entrepreneurial teams, and scaling early-stage ventures. More recently, Kirk has transitioned his focus to the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment, serving as a Managing Director at the PGA TOUR's Strategic Investment Fund. In this role, he is responsible for identifying and investing in innovative companies that can enhance the fan experience, player performance, and the overall business of golf. He is known for his strategic insights, deep industry network, and passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Professional Summary

Kirk Coburn's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

InspirePlay - CEO & Founder at InspirePlay | Innovating Golf Entertainment & Experiences (2024 to Present)
Captain Energy - Advisor (2023 to Present)
NeoTreks, Inc - Investor (2015 to Present)
Synapse - Investor (2015 to Present)
Infinite Composites - Investor (2015 to Present)
GNOSYS - Investor (2015 to Present)
Eosense - Investor (2015 to Present)
SEE Forge creators of FAT FINGER - Investor (2014 to Present)
GreaseBook™ - Investor (2014 to Present)
Biota Technology - Investor (2015 to Present)
Autonomous Marine Systems - Investor (2014 to Present)
WatrHub Inc. - Investor (2013 to Present)
Secure-NOK® - Investor (2013 to Present)
RunTitle - Investor (2013 to Present)
Molecule - Investor (2012 to Present)
Lowfoot Inc. - Investor (2012 to Present)
Bractlet - Investor (2013 to Present)
OPTIMITIVE Group - Investor (2013 to Present)
Deep Imaging - Investor (2012 to Present)
Snugg Home - Investor (2012 to Present)
SURGE Ventures - Founder & Managing Director (2010 to Present)
The Frontier Hub - Columnist (2021 to 2023)
The Frontier Conference - Co-Founder (2017 to 2023)
Techstars - Startup and Energy Mentor (2016 to 2023)
Eleox - Founder and CEO (2021 to 2022)
Shell - Investment Director @ Shell Ventures (2017 to 2022)
LO3 Energy - Board Director (2019 to 2021)
Corvus Energy - Investor (2019 to 2021)
HX Venture Fund - LPAC Member (2018 to 2021)
Bluware - Board Member (2018 to 2021)
The Dallas Entrepreneur Center - Advisor (2013 to 2018)
Texas Halo Fund - Board of Directors (2012 to 2013)
Chief Outsiders - Founder & CEO (2007 to 2011)
EO (Entrepreneur's Organization) - Board of Directors (2007 to 2009)
West Travis County Municipal Utility District #5 - Elected Official (2007 to 2008)
Sirius XM Radio Inc. - Founder, Chairman & President of the PGA TOUR Network (2003 to 2007)
Dell - Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Procurement (2002 to 2004)
Security Broadband - Marketing Strategist & Product Management (2000 to 2002)
Gaylord Entertainment - Executive Director, Marketing & Sales (1999 to 2000)
Dell - Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Procurement (1994 to 1999)

Notable Achievements

Founder & Managing Director, SURGE Ventures

Successfully founded and led SURGE Ventures, a pioneering accelerator program dedicated to energy technology startups. He was instrumental in selecting, mentoring, and funding numerous early-stage companies, significantly impacting the energy tech landscape.

Managing Director, PGA TOUR Strategic Investment Fund

Leads strategic investments for the PGA TOUR, focusing on companies in sports technology, media, entertainment, and gaming that align with the TOUR's mission to innovate and grow the sport of golf globally.

Venture Partner & Advisor

Has served as a venture partner and advisor for various funds and startups, leveraging his extensive experience in venture capital, company building, and go-to-market strategy to support entrepreneurial growth.

Influential Figure in Houston & Austin Tech Ecosystems

Recognized for his contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the Houston energy tech scene and more broadly within the Texas technology community.

Educational Background

MBA, Finance, Entrepreneurship

Texas McCombs School of Business - Year 2002

BBA, Finance and Accounting

Texas McCombs School of Business - Year 1990

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
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Corporate Finance

Company Overview

InspirePlay
Total employees150
HeadquartersSan Francisco
Founded2017

InspirePlay is an innovative technology company specializing in the development of engaging and educational games and interactive experiences for children and young adults. Our mission is to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning through thoughtfully designed digital playgrounds. We leverage cutting-edge game mechanics, storytelling, and pedagogical insights to create products that are not only fun but also contribute positively to cognitive and social development. Our platforms aim to inspire curiosity and empower users to explore new concepts in a safe and stimulating virtual environment.

InspirePlay Funding Information
$45M - Total Funding Raised
$20M - Most recent funding amount
4 - Number of funding rounds
15 Mar, 2023 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
BrightSpark Ventures
LearnCapital
Imagine K12 Growth Fund
TechPioneers Group

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