- Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup space)
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- Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup Space)
Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup Space)
Nathan Therrien
February 10, 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 at Babson College, some newsworthy articles, including one about Bench burning through $135M before shutting down, and two special wildcards!
Event: Build, Collaborate, and Innovate with Code for Boston
Tuesday, February 11, 7:00-9:30 pm
Online
Join Code for Boston for a virtual meetup where developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts collaborate on impactful projects. Whether in person at CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) or online, get involved in open-source projects, connect with like-minded peers, and explore ways to use technology for social good. New member orientation starts at 7:20 p.m., followed by an evening of hacking and innovation.
Event: Explore Innovations in Sustainability at Greentown Labs’ Climate Salon
Tuesday, February 11, 5:30-7:30 pm
Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Rethink sustainability and our planetary impact at Greentown Labs’ Climate Salon. This event dives into innovations that help mitigate and adapt to challenges in urban development, biodiversity, water, energy, and agriculture. Connect with climatetech leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving solutions for a more sustainable future.
Event: Kick Off 2025 with Biotech Connections and the New England Free Jacks
Tuesday, February 11, 6:00-9:00 pm
La Fabrica, 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Start the year with biotech colleagues and friends at an exciting networking event hosted by the New England Free Jacks® and Alloy Therapeutics, Inc.. Get up close with the Free Jacks and enter a special raffle featuring VIP tickets, grandstand group packages, and exclusive championship merchandise. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and celebrate the start of 2025 with the biotech community!
Event: Celebrate FinTech Innovation at MassChallenge’s 2025 Reception
Wednesday, February 12, 4:00-6:00 pm
MassChallenge HQ, 10 Fan Pier Blvd, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02210
Join for the 2025 MassChallenge FinTech Kickoff & Networking Reception. Meet this year’s accelerator cohort, network with industry leaders, and explore new opportunities in fintech. It’s a night to build connections and drive innovation in the financial services space.
Event: Discover the Next Big Thing at Yard Sale @ Babson
Wednesday, February 12, 5:27-8:32 pm
Wellesley, MA
See BOW’s brightest innovators at Yard Sale at Babson College. Whether you’re demoing, scouting talent, or just soaking in the spirit, this is your VIP pass to the next big thing. Don’t miss the grand finale, Yard Sale: The Best Finds, where top thinkers face off for the next billion-dollar idea.
Event: Scaling Success in Drug Discovery and Sales: Key Sessions to Drive Growth
Thursday, February 13, 4:30-8:00 pm
Come and join Venture Café Cambridge Scaling Success sessions tackling key drug discovery and sales topics, from understanding the latest in scientific connections to mastering B2B outreach. Learn how to successfully navigate Africa's dynamic markets and grow your business with insights from experts and leading innovators.
Thursday, February 13, 1:00-6:30 pm
53 State St, Boston, MA
Join Sarah Hodges of Pillar VC, Greg Dracon of .406 Ventures, and other experts at VentureFizz's Startup Fundraising Conference. Learn from top investors and entrepreneurs, and network with founders at this invite-only event.
Event: Connect with Boston’s Immigrant Founder Community
Saturday, February 15, 11:30-1:30 pm
Boston, MA
Meet fellow immigrant founders and hear firsthand insights from Unshackled Ventures portfolio founders Carolina Goncebat & Kohwo O. as they share their journey of building and funding their startups. Connect with the Immigreat community and bring your questions for an engaging evening of conversation. Thanks to Tech Superpowers for hosting!
Event: Connect with AI Growth and Builder Leaders at C10 Labs Event
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 pm
Cambridge, MA
Join C10 Labs and the MGMT Boston Operators Club for an evening of networking and hands-on working groups for growth-stage AI buyers and early-stage builders. Engage with industry leaders and collaborate on the future of AI.
Event: Connect with HealthTech Innovators at BNT’s Startup Showcase
Tuesday, February 25, 5:00-8:00 pm
Boston New Technology (BNT)'s HealthTech Startup Showcase kicks off Feb. 25 at Microsoft NERD. Meet founders, investors, and industry leaders as top startups present biotech, digital health, and AI-driven diagnostics breakthroughs. The night features BNT’s Town Hall, networking, and plenty of pizza.
Event: Experience Live Startup Demos at Boston’s Top Tech Meet-Up
Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:30 pm
Microsoft New England Research and Development Center, 1 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA
No slides, just innovation! Ditch the Deck brings Boston’s tech community together for live product demos and networking. Connect with founders, developers, and technologists while exploring game-changing ideas. Want to demo? Apply here.
Article: Bench Burns Through $135M Before Shutting Down
Accounting startup Bench shut down after depleting $135 million in funding, leaving small business clients without access to financial data. Bankruptcy filings revealed over $65 million in debt. HR tech firm Employer.com plans to acquire Bench, aiming to restore services for affected users.
Article: Elon Musk's DOGE Accesses Sensitive U.S. Government Data
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to extensive personal information held by the U.S. federal government. This unprecedented move has raised significant concerns regarding data privacy and national security. In response, a coalition of over a dozen U.S. states is preparing to file a lawsuit to block Musk's team from accessing Americans' personal data
Article: Biotech Startups Raise Millions for Nonaddictive Pain Treatments
Investors are backing biotech startups developing nonaddictive pain treatments, with several companies securing significant funding. As the opioid crisis drives demand for safer alternatives, VCs are betting on innovative approaches to pain management. The trend reflects growing interest in biotech solutions that address public health challenges while offering strong market potential.
Wild Card:
Given how risky the Cyber world has become these days, here is a quick 3-minute read about what cyber liability insurance is and what it covers.
Wild Card:
MassChallenge’s upcoming accelerator cohort for Climate and Healthcare is taking applications until Feb 18th. Here is the link to learn more.
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.
