Grab a sweatband, startups: Boston’s 2nd Annual Entrepreneur Games are about to get underway. On June 19th, more than 600 members of the local tech scene will trade their flannels and flip flops for shorts and sneakers to compete in an event testing both physical and mental strength.
But the blood, sweat and tears shed won’t just be for bragging rights: All the effort will be put toward raising money for BUILD in Greater Boston, a nonprofit dedicated to providing big-thinking young people with the basic entrepreneurial knowledge resources needed to start their own business, like entrepreneur and venture capital mentorship. Last year, the friendly competition for a good cause raised $48,600 for BUILD.
Participating companies and individuals are split up into countries and duke it out in 25 challenges, from a relay race and hula hoop contest to a long jump and 50-yard dash. Think middle school Field Day-meets-the Olympics, but for the Boston tech community. So, what could be better? Getting the glory of winning the most popular game of the bunch: the Tug of War.
Over 30 corporate and food and beverage sponsors will be fueling the dueling nations throughout the afternoon and evening, including: Equinox, Crossfit, Social Boston Sports, ZICO, KIND, Core Power, Samuel Adams, Boloco, Popeyes, Chicken and Rice Guys, BodyArmor, Flybridge Capital Partners, Atlas Venture, Boston Seed and LogMeIn.
“There is something for everyone at the Games,” according to BUILD Boston advisor and Plastiq’s Head of Strategy Sasha Hoffman. “It really brings the community together in a different way than traditional fundraisers, and teams get really excited.”
The event, organized by the brilliant minds of TUGG, Silicon Valley Bank, RaceMenu, Plastiq, Techstars, T3 Advisors, MassChallenge and the New England Venture Capital Association, will run from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
The next step? Signing your startup up for a team of its own. And maybe designing a company fitness plan to prepare. Here are some guidelines, supplied by TUGG:
You must sign up as a team to participate in the games.
Teams can be five to 40 people.
If you are a team of 40, you can choose the country you would like to represent.
If you are a smaller team, you can preference what other companies you'd like to play with or they will assign you at random.
Need help sponsoring your team? Ask your investors, partners or other community supporters (e.g., law firms, banks) or team up with other companies in town.
Here's a look at last year's Entrepreneur Games:
Image via TUGG
