MassChallenge 2012 is officially open!

Governor Deval Patrick at MassChallenge 2012

Photos courtesy of Bostontweetup.com

Happy Friday from Abroad101! This was an awesome week, especially because yesterday afternoon was the MassChallenge 2012 launch!  Abroad101 was a winner of the first ever MassChallenge in 2010 and we’ve been reaping the benefits ever since. Yesterday, over 200 CEOs, entreprenuers, investors, start-ups and local politicians gathered for the 3rd annual MassChallenge kickoff event and warmly welcomed in this year’s hopeful applicants. With a drumroll and a ring of the gong, MassChallenge 2012 officially opened! There was much excitement in the air and we felt lucky to have been a part of the enthusiasm.

Mayor Menino addresses the crowd

Some amazing speakers kicked it all off including Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Tom Menino, Jonathan Kraft and local CEO’s such as Diane Hessan of Communispace and Dharmesh Shah of Hubspot. Everyone in the room felt the inspiration spread as speakers shared their thoughts and advice for MassChallenge applicants and the Boston business community as a whole.

Some combined takeaways include:

1) Find a way to get involved! Whether it’s capital, mentorship, or ideas you have to offer – there are always ways to contribute. Help grow the Boston business initiative through MassChallenge! “Great ideas come from great people, not buildings” said Mayor Menino during his speech.

2) Take the leap! If you’re considering applying this year, don’t hesitate. “Lots of people regret not taking the leap, but almost no one ever regrets taking it” said Dharmesh Shah, founder of Hubspot.

3)  With everyone’s help MassChallenge can grow to a national level! MassChallenge is “increasing our reach to other areas around the globe, as well as the nation” said Akhil Nigam, Co-Founder and President of MassChallenge.

Quotes from the event were captured as wall art

Anyone hoping to apply can find all the information needed on the MassChallenge website.

Best of luck to all of this year’s applicants!

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