TEX-E is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to develop and train the next generation of energy transition and climate tech entrepreneurs. It is a partnership with MIT and Greentown Labs. To accomplish this we will inspire, equip, connect, accelerate, and celebrate individuals at our five founding Texas Universities (University of Texas, Texas A&M, Rice, University of Houston and Prairie View A&M) and other colleges. We will do this through a series of programs which include creating TEX-E fellows at all the universities, establishing a TEX-E energy ventures course, a three day entrepreneur bootcamp, a TEX-E business plan competition with prize money, internships and an accelerator. We will also establish a digital network to connect all involved and aid in building a startup ecosystem for Texas.

David Pruner is a Partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ Houston office and a member of the Industrial Practice, specializing in the Energy sector focusing on senior executive and board level searches in the oil and gas industry and infrastructure. David brings more than 25 years of significant energy experience, and is focused on the growing segment of energy and infrastructure and private equity firms and their portfolio companies. David serves on the Board of the Greater Houston Community Foundation, The Houston Symphony and Southern Methodist University's Dedman College. He is a frequent presenter at industry events, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is the premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For 60 years, we have focused on quality service and built strong leadership teams through our relationships with clients and individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles' leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

Built and led the global gas and power sales/account team responsible for the utility, pipeline, independent power and industrial business. Responsible for managing global investment bank and private equity accounts. Helped build Woodmac’s consulting presence in the Americas in all segments of the energy market from upstream to downstream.

Headed a subsidiary providing energy services which included outsourcing of energy risk management and producer finance.

Enron Broadband - Headed origination for the Media Services group responsible for establishing a trading market in advertising (TV, radio and print).Azurix (water co) - Led the origination groups for Global Industrial, US Municipal and Resource Development and Management (water supply, transportation, storage and trading). Responsible for Water2Water.com Azurix’s internet based water trading site.

Managed Coastal Marketing's (aka Engage Energy) gas and power origination team of 40 people through its 10 branch offices. Served as Chief Risk Officer responsible for derivatives trading, risk management and credit departments.

Established a subsidiary for KCS Energy (based on the Wesakon Financial business plan) to provide management consulting to deregulating energy companies with a specialty in enterprise risk management and creation of structured products.

Developed a business plan to create a company specializing in energy enterprise risk management.