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Five Interesting Things (that are not insurance)
Nathan Therrien
January 13, 2025
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 a startup space yard sale, some newsworthy articles, including one about a 40% decline in VC funding, and a beta launch announcement from NeaterNotes.
Event: Fuel Your Morning with B2B SaaS Innovation and Coffee in Boston
Wednesday, January 15, 9:00-11:00 am
Boston, MA
Forum Ventures and SVB are hosting a coffee meetup for early-stage B2B SaaS founders, investors, and operators. Connect with Forum's Managing Director Derek B. and explore industry insights over lattes and treats.
Event: Explore Innovation in Boston: SuperPowers, Startup Valuation, and AI Law
Thursday, January 16, 4:30-8:00 pm
Cambridge, MA
Venture Café Cambridge is hosting Boston's innovation community for an engaging evening on January 16, 2025. Join sessions on harnessing your unique strengths, understanding startup valuations, and navigating AI and privacy law. Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders shaping the future of innovation.
Event: Experience Boston's Startup Scene at Yard Sale @ Seaport
Thursday, January 16, 5:27-8:32 pm
Boston, MA
Launch Yard invites you to Yard Sale in Seaport, a dynamic showcase of Boston's most innovative startups. Engage with live product demos, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Don't miss the grand finale, "Yard Sale: The Best Finds," where top startups compete to shape the future. Join us for an evening of innovation, networking, and inspiration in the heart of Boston's startup ecosystem.
Event: Sharpen Your Pitch and Style at Fit to Fundraise
Thursday, January 16
Fit to Fundraise is bringing Boston’s startup community together for an evening of networking, pitch practice, and style at Todd Snyder in Seaport on Jan. 16. Founders will gain feedback from mentors like Glasswing Ventures, F-Prime Capital, and Underscore VC, plus enjoy a style consultation and professional headshot. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with top investors and entrepreneurs!
Event: Exchange Growth Strategies and Insights with Series A & B Tech CEOs
Friday, January 17, 8:45-10:00 am
Join Stefania Mallett, Co-founder and former CEO of ezCater, Brittany Greenfield, CEO of Wabbi, and Sara Fraim, CEO of Mass Technology Leadership Council, for a peer roundtable. Share experiences, tackle challenges, and exchange insights in a supportive, investor-free space for growth-stage CEOs.
Event: Nail Your 60-Second Pitch at Bucket List
Wednesday, January 22, 6:00-8:00 pm
Savills Boston, 800 Boylston St, Suite 1510, Boston, MA 02109
Step up and wow the panel at Bucket List, where founders give a 60-second pitch followed by fun, actionable feedback. Names are drawn at 6 p.m.—bring your energy, support your peers, and capture content to share.
Event: Stand Out in the Job Market with Recruiter Insights
Thursday, January 23, 5:00-6:00 pm
Venture Café, Cambridge, MA
Unlock hiring tips with recruiters from Akamai Technologies, Wayfair, Acquia, and Robert Half. Learn what makes candidates shine, how AI impacts resumes, and which job platforms recruiters use most. Don’t miss this chance to connect and elevate your job search!
Event: Connect with Boston’s Top Startup Minds at Blue Hour
Thursday, January 23, 5:30-8:00 pm
Venture Lane, 55 Court St, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Venture Lane | Startup Hub Blue Hour is back! Connect with 70+ founders, mentors, and investors for an evening of networking and inspiration. Don’t miss the chance to share ideas and build relationships in this vibrant, collaborative space.
Event: Build Connections and Conversations in Healthcare and Health Tech
Thursday, January 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Mighty Squirrel, 1 David Ortiz Dr, Boston, MA 02215
Hang out with professionals and enthusiasts in healthcare and health tech at this casual happy hour. Supported by Health Tech Nerds, a 5,500+ member global community fostering learning, networking, and growth. Enjoy meaningful conversations and new connections with healthcare innovators and changemakers!
Article: Emerging Markets See VC Funding Drop by 40%
According to a new report, venture capital investment in emerging markets fell by over 40% last year. The sharp decline reflects broader economic pressures and shifting investor priorities, raising questions about growth prospects and funding access for startups in developing regions.
Article: AI Startup Funding Dips as 2024 Closes
North American startup funding plunged in 2024, marking the lowest investment levels in over five years. AI startups, once the industry darlings, faced slower funding rounds as economic pressures and cautious investors reshaped the landscape. Despite the downturn, experts remain optimistic about AI’s long-term potential for growth.
Bonus: Founder Spotlight - Zavier Smith of NeaterNotes
Beta Launch Announcement: Zavier Smith, founder of NeaterNotes, just announced the launch of their Open Beta! This is your chance to test out an innovative note-taking app designed for students. Head to www.neaternotes.com to sign up, or follow NeaterNotes on LinkedIn (@neaternotes) for more updates.
NeaterNotes is on the lookout for mentors and advisors
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
