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Gesmer Updegrove Sponsors 3rd Annual Regatta for Entrepreneurship

BOSTON – The third annual Regatta for Entrepreneurship sets sail Thursday, July 26, 2018, benefiting the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. The event brings together the founders of Boston growth companies to connect with peers and partners, testing their sea legs on Boston Harbor while racing J24 sailboats provided by the Boston Sailing Center.

“Startups are part of an ecosystem. Venture-backed companies are part of a portfolio. Growth companies are isolated, they’re all busy building their businesses,” says Bill Starr, managing director at Starboard Services and regatta commodore. “This regatta creates a new opportunity to celebrate with other companies like them and those that support them.”

The regatta gathers more than 120 members of Boston’s tech community: a tight group of founders, friends and sponsors who support growth and want to encourage more of it. Founding sponsors include Gesmer Updegrove (winner 2016), Bowen Advisors (winner 2017) and Starboard Services, joined by sponsored teams from The Nexxus Group, Paystri, Springboard, Eastern Bank and Growth Lab Financial. Goslings Rum, a brand synonymous with world-renowned sailing regattas, and local success story Castle Island Brewing Co. will provide refreshments.

Post-race, there will be an awards ceremony from 4-6 p.m., where the winning team will begin its yearlong stewardship (and bragging rights) to the much-anticipated NFTE Cup.

But no trophy is worth more than the gift of knowledge that experienced entrepreneurs bring to the next generation of business builders through the work of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. This one-of-a-kind networking and team-building day is raising funds for NFTE, a international nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurship-based programs that inspire young people from under-resourced communities to stay in school, recognize business opportunities and plan for successful futures.

“Our goal in creating the Regatta was to strengthen Boston’s tech ecosystem while supporting a worthy charity,” says Steve Snyder, co-commodore, partner and entrepreneur-in-residence with Gesmer Updegrove. “There’s no better way to do this than supporting NFTE and its work to teach kids about business and motivate them to stay in school.”

The event sets off at 1pm on Thursday, July 26 from the Boston Sailing Center on Lewis Wharf, Boston. The competition, in round robin format, includes a fleet of 12 J24s with crews of five plus skippers from the BSC.

“There’s nothing better than having 120 members of Boston’s tech community together on the water,” Snyder says. “It’s an opportunity to create real value, have fun and support a great charity.” The regatta has raised more than $50,000 toward NFTE programs.

There are still limited spots available for sailors, no experience required. If interested in participating, please contact Bill Starr at bill@starboardcfo.com or 310-717-6953.