June 30, 2026 – StartOut today announced the appointment of Curtis Sakow as Director of Development. Curtis brings extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, strategic partnerships and revenue growth, with a strong track record of helping mission-driven organizations expand their impact.

In this role, Curtis will lead StartOut’s fundraising strategy, partnering with sponsors, donors, foundations and community leaders to ensure greater opportunities and success for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

“We’re excited to welcome Curtis to StartOut,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “Curtis knows how to build lasting partnerships that fuel real impact. As we grow our community of sponsors and donors, Curtis will help us accelerate opportunity for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs nationwide.”

Before joining StartOut, Curtis served at the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, where they helped advance organizational growth and fundraising strategy. Previously, they spent four years at the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, leading corporate and institutional giving initiatives that secured critical support for the organization’s mission. Originally from Florida and now based in Washington, D.C., Curtis brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ economic opportunity.

“True economic empowerment and representation in entrepreneurship are transformative for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Curtis. “I join StartOut with a deep passion and relentless drive to ensure our founders have the resources they need to reach their full potential. I’m excited to deepen StartOut’s impact.”

Curtis’s appointment reflects StartOut’s continued investment in expanding its network of supporters and advancing its vision of a world where every entrepreneur can thrive on a level playing field.