DALLAS, Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs is recognizing Topgolf^® Entertainment Group Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2017 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Santa Barbara, Calif. Goldman Sachs selected Anderson as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the three-day event.

In addition to his role at Topgolf, Anderson is Founder and CEO of WestRiver Group (WRG) since 2002. WRG provides integrated capital solutions for the global innovation economy. Anderson also serves as Vice-Chairman of ONEHOPE, a cause-centric consumer brand and technology company, most commonly known for its award-winning wine and world-class vineyard in Napa, Calif. As well, Anderson serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including Singularity University, a global community using exponential technologies to tackle the world's biggest challenges; Play Magnus, an interactive chess app inspired by the reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen; and Avista Corp, an energy management company.

Anderson has helped positively impact more than one million U.S. kids. He founded First Move, America's Foundation for Chess, which engages students in learning, positive educational experiences and lifelong social and critical thinking skills. The organization has served more than one million students of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds with an interactive and effective classroom program. This year, Anderson contributed significantly to the viral Washington lunch shaming campaign, where a local father set out to pay off school lunch debt for students across the state. He and other leaders contributed to ensure that every child receives a nutritious lunch without shame. Also this year at Topgolf, he oversaw the start of the Youth Play It Forward program, where high school golf teams and charities serving youth can play at Topgolf for free during the day Mondays through Thursdays. 

Anderson earned a master's and bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree (Cum Laude) in Management Engineering from Claremont McKenna College. He resides in Kirkland, Wash., with his family, including his wife Deborah and children Natalie, Claire and Trevor. 

"We are pleased to recognize Erik as one of the most intriguing entrepreneurs of 2017," said David Solomon, co-chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs. "This is the sixth year that we've hosted the Builders + Innovators Summit where emerging business leaders gather to discuss their common interests in building prosperous organizations."

For more than 145 years, Goldman Sachs has been advising and financing entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses. In addition to honoring 100 entrepreneurs, the summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by Goldman Sachs experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.

About Topgolf
What started with twin brothers developing a technology to make golf scoring fun, has turned into a global brand focused on connecting people in meaningful ways. Today, Topgolf continues to blend technology and entertainment, golfers and non-golfers, children and adults – to create an experience that makes socializing a sport for everyone. No matter the occasion or who you share it with, we believe every great time starts with play, is fueled by food and beverage, moved by music and made possible through community. Every Topgolf venue features dozens of high-tech, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, a chef-inspired menu for year-round deliciousness and hundreds of Associates eager to help create the moments that matter. With 36 venues entertaining more than 10.5 million Guests annually, original content shows, next-gen simulator lounges, competitive tours, pop-up social experiences and the world's largest digital golf audience, Topgolf is truly everyone's game. To learn more and view exclusive digital content, follow @Topgolf or visit www.topgolf.com.

Media Contacts:
Adrienne Chance
Director of Corporate Communications, Topgolf
Ph: (214) 501-5025
E-mail: press@topgolf.com

SOURCE Topgolf