Benchmark Labs Inc. reposted this
Where to begin - 9 months ago Cindy Sideris and Hailee Greene came to me with a crazy idea that we should build on the momentum that we had in hosting DC expat events and bring a group of Upstate startups down for a week. Last week that vision came to life. It was probably the most fun, rewarding, and productive work trip that I've ever taken. The friendships and community that developed as a result amongst us as result was so powerful. A huge thank you to: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for powering this vision! Christopher Schoepflin and Paul Riser, M.B.A. My amazing team who helped pull this together Megan Kelly Salem Mariam , and Hailee Greene (also our linkedin-less photographer Julie Roesser) All of the incredible people we met along the way who shared their experience and knowledge with our group Stephen Gilfus , Don Graves , Cherylyn Harley LeBon , Kris Balderston , Brian McMahon , Beverly Kirk , Jon Cheatwood Our partners on the ground VC in DC Bill Collier and Matt Gittleman My amazing board members including Michael Gursha for joining us and Jack Greco for believing in us! And of course the stars of our show - our founders Andy Hakes Pritam Poddar, Ph.D. Vashin Gautham Julie Hetey Diana Kleps Ian Gauger Mickey Bryan, PhD Ulrik Soderstrom Connor Peters E. Frits Abell Pete Soufleris P. Alejandro Catilo II Ernest Smith I really can't wait to do more of these next year - there is something special brewing in the Upstate NY startup community