Partner Spotlight - Steve Snyder at Gesmer Updegrove
Feb 28, 2025
The Canopy community has always been about fostering connections, empowering founders, and building a network of trusted advisors to help entrepreneurs thrive. At the heart of this journey is a story that begins in Boston, where Canopy found its roots. From the very beginning, Steve Snyder and Gesmer Updegrove LLP have been integral to shaping our vision and supporting our founders. Today, we celebrate their unwavering commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Boston has long been a cradle of innovation, home to groundbreaking startups, world-class universities, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It was here that Canopy was born, inspired by the city’s vibrant culture of collaboration and growth. As we set out to build a community that champions founders, we knew we needed partners who shared our vision—partners who could provide not just expertise but also a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey.
Enter Steve Snyder and Gesmer Updegrove LLP. Located at 40 Broad Street in the heart of Boston, Gesmer has been a cornerstone of the city’s startup ecosystem for over 30 years. Their bespoke approach to legal counsel, combined with their passion for supporting innovators, made them the perfect allies in Canopy’s mission to empower entrepreneurs.
From day one, Steve Snyder has been more than just an advisor—he’s been a champion for the Canopy community. As Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Gesmer Updegrove, Steve brings decades of experience in guiding technology companies through every stage of growth.
But numbers alone don’t capture Steve’s impact. What sets him apart is his ability to see the world through an entrepreneur’s eyes. Having walked in their shoes, Steve understands the challenges founders face—from securing funding to scaling operations—and he approaches every client relationship with empathy and strategic insight. His expertise in process optimization has helped countless startups streamline their workflows and unlock new levels of efficiency.
For Canopy, Steve has been instrumental in shaping our approach to founder support. His guidance has helped us create an environment where entrepreneurs feel empowered to take bold steps toward their goals. As one founder put it: “Steve doesn’t just give advice—he becomes part of your team.”
Gesmer Updegrove LLP is more than just a law firm—it’s a trusted partner for innovators across industries. From intellectual property protection to business litigation, financing, and strategic partnerships, Gesmer offers comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of technology companies.
The track record at Gesmer speaks volumes: over $5.4 billion raised in financing for clients and more than $6.4 billion in mergers and acquisitions facilitated over the past 38 years.
What makes Gesmer truly exceptional is their commitment to building lasting relationships with their clients. They understand that behind every startup is a vision worth protecting, and they go above and beyond to ensure their clients succeed. Their solutions are “made to measure,” reflecting each company’s specific challenges and opportunities.
For Canopy, Gesmer has been an anchor in our journey from Boston outward into the broader entrepreneurial landscape. Their expertise has enabled us to support our founders with confidence, knowing they have access to some of the best legal minds in New England—and beyond.
The partnership between Canopy, Steve Snyder, and Gesmer Updegrove is rooted in shared values: collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. Together, we’ve worked to create a community where founders can thrive—whether they’re launching their first venture or scaling an established enterprise.
As Canopy continues to grow, we remain grateful for the role Steve and Gesmer have played in our story. Their dedication reminds us that success isn’t just about achieving milestones—it’s about building relationships that stand the test of time.
Are you ready to take your startup journey to the next level? Whether you’re looking to land in Boston, navigating funding rounds, optimizing your processes, or tackling complex legal challenges in the US, Steve Snyder and Gesmer Updegrove are here to help you succeed. They’ve been part of Canopy’s story from the start—now it’s time for them to be part of yours.
Get in touch with Steve Snyder today to explore how he and Gesmer can support your vision for growth. Reach out directly via email or visit Gesmer Updegrove’s website for more information on their services. Let’s build something extraordinary together!
Get in touch with Steve - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfsnyder/
More about Gesmer - https://www.gesmer.com/
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