Five Interesting Things (that are not insurance)

Author

Nathan Therrien
November 18, 2024

I’m Nathan Therrien, founder of Business Insurance & Benefits Services of MA, the go-to resource for #startups on all things insurance.

I spend a lot of time discussing insurance and employee benefits for startups, but there are other things people would rather hear about. So, I started a newsletter—a quick read covering five things and a few more that are a little more interesting than insurance.

This week, we have some cool startup events, including J.P. Morgan's 2nd Annual Pickleball Open, some newsworthy articles, including one about the future of TikTok, and a bonus about EPLI coverage.

Event: Empowering Women Founders at Harvard: Network, Pitch, and Connect with Visionary Entrepreneurs!

Monday, November 18, 5:45-8:30 pm

Join Foundess and Harvard University Undergraduate Women in Entrepreneurship for an empowering night of networking, live pitches, and a fireside chat with a seasoned entrepreneur. Connect with women founders, find co-founders or team members, and get inspired in a supportive space. Whether you're here to pitch, learn, or network, this event promises valuable connections and inspiration.

Event: Join the MassChallenge Healthcare Challenge: Network with Top Healthcare Innovators & Leaders!

Tuesday, November 19, 5:00-7:00 pm

10 Fan Pier Blvd, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02210

MassChallenge 2024 Healthcare Challenge Program kicks off November 19, 5-7 pm! Connect with healthcare founders and industry experts tackling today’s biggest healthcare challenges. Hear quick pitches from top startups shaping the future of patient care and innovation—don’t miss it!

Event: Join Venture Lane’s Pitch Night to Meet Boston’s Top B2B Innovators!

Tuesday, November 19, 5:30-8:30 pm

Venture Lane, 55 Court St, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Venture Lane | Startup Hub is hosting Pitch Night, a must-attend event spotlighting Boston’s best pre-Series A B2B startups in front of mentors, investors, and industry experts. This unique evening goes beyond typical pitches, offering real opportunities for feedback, investor interest, and meaningful follow-ups that foster impactful connections. Don’t miss this chance to engage with future leaders and drive innovation forward!

Event: Network at Boston Tech + Startups Social: Connect with fellow innovators, founders, and investors

Wednesday, November 20, 6:30-9:00 pm

Brick & Mortar, 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Tech + Startups Community invites you to connect with Boston’s tech scene at the upcoming Tech + Startups Social! Join fellow innovators, founders, and investors for an evening of networking, drinks, and idea sharing. If you're a tech enthusiast, startup founder, venture capitalist, or looking to launch, hire, or scale, this event is for you. Build relationships and discover the latest AI, SaaS, Web3, and more trends with Boston's vibrant tech community.

Event: Join JP Morgan’s Pickleball Open: Compete, Connect, and Have Fun!

Wednesday, November 20, 6:00-9:00 pm

J.P. Morgan's 2nd Annual Pickleball Open is happening on November 20th! Compete in the knockout tournament or enjoy casual play, food, drinks, and networking. It’s a great chance to connect with Boston’s start-up community while having fun on the courts!

Event: Connect with Top Founders and Innovators at Boston Founders Forum

Wednesday, November 20, 6:00-8:00 pm

Venture Lane, 55 Court St, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Boston Founders Forum invites you to an evening of networking and learning with top entrepreneurs. Hear from Bart Fanelli, CEO of Skillibrium, about scaling high-performing teams. Sponsored by Skillibrium, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Event: Network with founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future at the Women in AI Meet-Up!

Thursday, November 21, 4:30-7:00 pm

Silicon Valley Bank, 53 State St, 28th Floor, Boston, MA 02109

Mass Technology Leadership Council, Flybridge, Glasswing Ventures, and Silicon Valley Bank are coming together to host a Women in AI meet-up! Join us for an evening of networking and insights from three women with unique perspectives—a founder, an investor, and an innovator. This is a great opportunity to connect with leaders in the AI space and explore new opportunities.

Article: Trump Plans to Block TikTok Ban in 2025

Donald Trump has promised to stop the US ban on TikTok, set for January 2025, if he wins the election, which he now has. The former president, who once pushed for the ban, now argues that blocking the app would harm American users. His reversal aims to win support from TikTok’s core audience.

Article: Klarna Moves Towards U.S. IPO

Klarna, the buy now, pay later leader, has filed for a U.S. IPO, aiming to expand its services. The Swedish company has grown rapidly in recent years and is tapping into the evolving payments market despite past valuation drops. Klarna's move shows strong confidence in its growth potential

Bonus: Learn more about the importance of EPLI coverage

In today's dynamic work environment, companies face increasing litigation risks related to employment practices. Employment Practices Liability Insurance, or EPLI provides coverage against claims made by employees alleging

➡ Discrimination

➡ Wrongful termination

➡ Harassment

➡ Retaliation

➡ Wrongful workplace conduct

While having EPLI coverage is crucial, proactively reducing the risk of such claims can save a company from potential legal battles, financial loss, and reputational damage.

Here are five effective strategies to minimize the risk of an EPLI claim: Click here to view

Thanks for spending five minutes with me!

If you’d like to spend more time with me, check out Nate’s Pop-Up Podcast, follow my company, Business Insurance & Benefits Services of MA, on LinkedIn, or reach out through my website for help with all things insurance and benefits for startups.