Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup Space)

Author

Nathan Therrien
May 19, 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 F(v)’s Spring Deep Tech Support Summit. We also have some newsworthy articles, including one about Waymo coming to Boston, and a wildcard event spotlight from Techstars Startup Weekend.

Events:

Discover How Deep Tech is Powering Climate Innovation

Monday, May 19, 12:00-4:00 pm

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate - 210 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

F(v)’s Spring Deep Tech Support Summit highlights public-private efforts backing #climate and deeptech startups. Hear from MassVentures, Greentown Labs, and others who are driving support across Massachusetts. A focused event for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.

Fireside Chats and Founder Matches in Health-Tech

Tuesday, May 20, 5:00-7:00 pm

1 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA

Step into #Boston’s health-tech scene with a fireside chat and curated founder matching at Microsoft NERD. Hear from Zoe Watson, Melissa Bowley, and Eric Merle on building in digital health, then stick around for networking and dinner. Sponsored by jadewell, this night brings together curious minds, seasoned #founders, and future collaborators.

Celebrate Biotech Innovation with Founders and Investors at The Forum

Thursday, May 22, 1:00-8:00 pm

Portal Innovations – Southline Labs, Boston, MA

Nucleate Boston’s Forum spotlights emerging #biotech founders from the Activator program alongside investors, leaders, Portal Innovations, LLC, Pliancy, Genetech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and more. Hear from George Church and explore what’s next in life sciences.

LaFamilia Launches Its Boston Chapter

Tuesday, May 27, 5:00-7:00 pm

Cambridge, MA

LaFamilia Foundation kicks off its first #Boston event to build momentum and community among Latine #founders, creatives, and investors. Meet the team behind 128vc and Tech Superpowers while shaping what’s next for the chapter. Whether you're new to the community or a longtime member, this launch is all about connection and shared purpose.

Future Founders Meet at Pillar VC

Tuesday, May 27, 5:30-7:30 pm

Boston, MA

Pillar VC brings together future #founders, researchers, and operators in #Boston for an evening of 1:1 chats, big ideas, and new connections. Whether you're ready to launch or just dreaming of something new, this event is a chance to meet collaborators and explore what’s possible.

Celebrate Innovation and Student Ventures at BUILDFest 2025

Tuesday, May 27, 5:30-8:00 pm

Fenway Park – Dell Tech Capital and Aura Clubs

Support the next generation of #startup leaders as three finalist teams pitch their business ideas at BUILDFest 2025. The event features a Student Business Expo where you can meet student entrepreneurs, explore their products, and learn about their journeys.

Raising Capital in 2025 with Fidelity and DFX

Wednesday, May 28, 9:00-10:30 am

Boston, MA

Get tactical about raising capital at a morning event hosted by Fidelity Private Shares and DFX. Hear from Jesse Witkowski at DFX on strategies for 2025, then connect with other #startup leaders over coffee and conversation. Learn how Fidelity’s platform and community support fundraising from seed to scale.

Pitch Night with AI Startups and Global Investors

Wednesday, May 28, 5:30-8:30 pm

Microsoft New England Research & Development Center – 1 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA

Watch 10 top AI startups compete at the Datamellon AI Ignite Pitch Battle in #Boston. This event brings together developers, investors, and #founders for fast-paced pitches, live demos, and networking. With a $100k prize on the line and support from AWS, it’s a big night for innovation in the AI space.

Build a Startup in a Weekend with Techstars Boston

Friday, May 30, 5:00 – Sunday, June 1, 8:00 pm

Suffolk University Law School – Boston, MA

StartupWeekend is back in #Boston with three days of rapid ideation, mentorship, and team building. Whether you're a visionary or a builder, collaborate with future founders, work alongside expert mentors, and pitch your startup to judges and peers. Hosted by Techstars Startup Weekend Boston, this high-energy weekend is where ideas come to life.

Digital Health Innovation at the CAPCaT Showcase

Tuesday, June 3, 3:00-8:00 pm

Mintz – 1 Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

The 6th Annual CAPCaT Showcase brings together #innovators, investors, and researchers to explore the future of point-of-care tech. Hear from leaders like Varun Ramdevan and David McManus, and see grant-funded startups pitch breakthrough digital health solutions.

Health Equity Meets Innovation at the AHEM Challenge

Wednesday, June 4, 12:00-5:00 pm

University of Massachusetts Club – 1 Beacon St, 32nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Join leading voices in digital health and policy at the AHEM Challenge Final Pitch Event. From panelists like Michael Curry, Esq. and Sen. Cindy Friedman to $250K in equity-focused startup pitches, this event spotlights the future of inclusive innovation. Wrap up the day with a networking reception alongside founders and funders.

Startup Mentorship Powered by Startup Boston

Wednesday, June 4, 5:30-7:00 pm

Boston, MA

Startup Boston is hosting a small-group mentorship experience for early-stage #founders ready to grow. Ask questions, share challenges, and build authentic relationships with experienced mentors and peers. With limited seating and high-impact conversations, this one’s designed to move your startup forward.

Explore FOAK Climate Innovation with Greentown Labs + Canada

Thursday, June 5, 5:30-8:00 pm

Greentown Labs – Somerville, MA

Greentown Labs and the Consulate General of Canada in Boston | Consulat général du Canada à Boston are teaming up for a special edition of EnergyBar focused on first-of-a-kind climatetech projects. Hear from a panel of Greentown alumni as they share FOAK project success stories and opportunities for deploying innovative climate solutions. Stick around after the panel for casual networking with #startup leaders and ecosystem supporters.

Articles:

Waymo to Map Greater Boston with Self-Driving Cars

Waymo is bringing its self-driving vehicles to the Boston area to begin mapping local streets. The project, starting in the coming weeks, marks the company’s first step in exploring expansion into the region. While no autonomous rides will be offered yet, the move signals growing interest in #Boston as a potential hub for autonomous vehicle innovation.

Defense and Healthtech AI Startups Hit Unicorn Status Despite Market Slowdown

Even with overall venture funding dipping in April, AI startups in defense, health, and security tech pulled ahead. According to Crunchbase, six new unicorns emerged last month, half in AI, highlighting where investor interest is holding strong. As broader funding levels stay flat, niche AI sectors continue to show signs of resilience.

Grok's Racial Bias Tied to Rogue Code Changes at xAI

xAI is blaming a recent controversy surrounding Grok's references to “white genocide” on unauthorized code changes made by a former employee. The incident raises new concerns about AI models' content oversight and quality control, especially as tech companies race to commercialize powerful systems.

Wild Card:

Techstars Startup Weekend Boston

Are you ready to transform an idea into a business in just 54 hours? Startup Weekend Boston 2025 is your chance to experience the thrill of entrepreneurship, collaborate with brilliant minds, and build the foundations of your next big venture—all in one high-energy weekend! Whether you’re a Visionary, Builder, Creator, or Strategist, this event welcomes dreamers and doers from all backgrounds. Over three action-packed days, you’ll form cross-functional teams, turn ideas into viable products, and pitch your solution to an audience of experienced mentors, judges, and peers.

Get your tickets now, last year was a sellout with a line out the door trying to get in. Don’t get left out in the cold, grab your spot now. https://lu.ma/ttlgvqui

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.