Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup Space)

Author

Nathan Therrien
May 27, 2025

📰 Boston Startup Community Newsletter — May 26, 2025 Edition

Boston’s startup scene isn’t slowing down — it’s leveling up.
From youth founders pitching at BUILDFest to angel groups funding accessibility tech, this week’s pulse shows Boston’s ecosystem is broadening and deepening. Whether you're scouting a co-founder, seeking grant funding, or just want to walk and talk tech, there’s something for every kind of builder. Plus, two accelerator deadlines are right around the corner — don’t sleep on them.

🚀 Events

BUILDFest Boston Pitch Competition
High school innovators take the stage at BUILDFest, pitching real ventures to a live audience and panel of judges. This event showcases Boston’s youngest entrepreneurs and celebrates the power of early vision. Expect big ideas, lots of energy, and a glimpse into the next generation of startup talent. It’s a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to impact.

LaFamilia Boston Chapter Launch
LaFamilia is expanding its founder and operator network to Boston, and this launch event is the first step. It’s designed to build authentic community among tech leaders who value purpose and shared roots. Expect lightning talks, real conversations, and quality connections. Founders, funders, and friends — all are welcome.

Pillar VC Boston Co-founder Match Event
Finding the right co-founder is one of the hardest parts of starting up — Pillar VC wants to make it easier. This curated event matches aspiring founders based on vision, skillset, and values. It’s part mixer, part speed-dating, and 100% focused on building real companies. If you’re serious about launching something, don’t miss it.

AI Ignite Pitch Battle – Boston
Boston’s AI founders are stepping into the arena for this fast-paced, high-energy pitch battle. Watch as cutting-edge startups present their tech to a panel of experts and investors. It’s a great way to see what’s next in applied AI, from healthcare to infrastructure. Great for networking, learning, and scouting talent.

C10 Labs / LabCentral: Venture Creation with the AI BioHub
Dive into the future of biology and artificial intelligence with LabCentral and C10 Labs. This event explores how AI is accelerating biotech innovation and enabling entirely new kinds of companies. Meet researchers, founders, and investors who are at the edge of this convergence. It's a glimpse at the next wave of venture creation.

Boston Tech Walk #18
Join fellow founders, VCs, and technologists for a walking meetup through Boston. The Tech Walk is a low-pressure way to network, swap ideas, and stretch your legs. It’s a recurring favorite among those who prefer conversations over cocktails. Sneakers recommended — ideas optional but welcome.

What Does it Really Take to Raise in 2025?
This panel cuts through the noise to reveal what fundraising actually looks like in today’s market. Learn from both founders and investors navigating changing valuations, pitch fatigue, and macro headwinds. Perfect for anyone actively raising or planning a round. Come with questions, leave with clarity.

Techstars Startup Weekend Boston
Fifty-four hours. One idea. A team of strangers. Whether you’re technical, business-minded, or just curious, Startup Weekend is a fast-track to launch something real — with guidance from mentors and input from seasoned judges.

CAPCaT 6th Annual Point-of-Care Showcase
Explore the latest in point-of-care diagnostics at this annual showcase by CAPCaT. Founders and clinicians present medical technologies designed to improve accessibility and outcomes. It’s where healthcare meets entrepreneurship in a meaningful way. A must for anyone in medtech or health innovation.

AHEM Challenge Final Pitch Event
The AHEM Challenge highlights health equity-focused startups tackling systemic disparities in care. Finalists pitch their innovations to an expert jury, with an eye on real-world impact. Expect powerful stories, actionable solutions, and mission-driven teams. One of the most purpose-forward events on the calendar.

Mentor Matching for Early-Stage Founders
If you’re just getting started, this event connects you with experienced mentors across product, GTM, and fundraising. It’s a structured opportunity to get feedback, build confidence, and expand your support system. Whether you're pre-seed or in stealth, there’s value here. Great mentors can change the game — this is your chance to find one.

June EnergyBar: FOAK Climatetech Opportunities in Canada
Greentown Labs’ EnergyBar series continues with a focus on first-of-a-kind (FOAK) deployments in Canada. The event brings together climatetech founders and funders interested in scaling clean energy solutions across borders. It’s a networking event with serious strategic upside. Climate meets capital in an upbeat, open format.

Mansfield Bio-Incubator BIOINC Pitch Competition
Watch early-stage biotech startups pitch for a share of $80K in funding. This event is hosted by Mansfield Bio-Incubator and offers a close look at local life sciences innovation. The competition draws a mix of researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. A great spot to discover rising stars in biotech.

2025 MassChallenge FinTech Program Showcase & Finale
Top startups from MassChallenge's FinTech program demo the results of months of collaboration with industry partners. The showcase features next-gen financial tools, compliance platforms, and novel infrastructure plays. It's a who's-who of fintech innovation, from both startups and institutions. Whether you’re a founder or a fintech fan, it’s a strong finish to the cohort.

📚 Articles

Finding the Right Co-Founder (or Key Hire) for Your Startup: A Practical Guide
Jess Lynch of FoundersEdge shares a no-nonsense framework for identifying and securing your next key team member. From sourcing to vetting to aligning on mission, this piece is packed with actionable insight. Great for anyone thinking about team dynamics and early-stage recruiting. Bonus: Includes templates and real-world examples.

MassVentures Announces $4.5 Million in Grant Funding for 26 Deep Tech Startups
MassVentures just dropped a significant round of non-dilutive funding for deep tech startups across the state. This $4.5M initiative will support companies at the cutting edge of AI, robotics, and advanced materials. If you're building hard tech in Massachusetts, this is a signal that capital is available — and growing. Big news for the regional innovation economy.

Adaptation Ventures Is a New Angel Investor Group Focused on Disability and Accessibility Tech
A new angel group is betting big on inclusive innovation. Adaptation Ventures is targeting startups creating solutions for people with disabilities — a $13 trillion market with massive unmet needs. The group aims to blend returns with real-world impact. Boston founders working on accessibility, take note.

🃏 The Wildcard

🚨 Two Local Accelerator Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
Both Techstars Boston and the BAE Systems Deep-Tech Accelerator are closing applications soon — and they’re not programs you want to miss.

  • Techstars Boston Accelerator (Deadline: June 11) is ideal for high-growth startups looking to scale with global mentorship and funding. Apply Here »

  • BAE Systems Deep-Tech Accelerator (Deadline: June 6) is a unique partnership with MassChallenge aimed at defense and hard-tech startups. Apply Here »

If your team is ready, now’s the time to shoot your shot.