Three Interesting Things (in the Boston Startup Space)

Author

Nathan Therrien
February 24, 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 the 15th Boston Tech Walk, some newsworthy articles, including one about NIH funding, and a special wildcard from the MassChallenge fintech cohort event.

Events:

Connect with Massachusetts’ Climatetech Leaders and Innovators

Tuesday, February 25, 5:30-7:30 pm

50 Prescott St, 1st Floor, Worcester, MA 01605

Join the MA Climatetech Convenings series to explore the state's growing climatetech ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder seeking resources, an investor searching for the next big thing, or someone with expertise to share, this is your chance to network and learn. Meet ambitious entrepreneurs, discover funding opportunities, and dive into the future of climate and sustainability. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the climatetech revolution!

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.

Connect with HealthTech Innovators at BNT’s Startup Showcase

Wednesday, February 26, 5:00-8:00 pm

Boston New Technology (BNT)'s HealthTech Startup Showcase kicks off Feb. 26 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.

Master Advanced AI Agent Orchestration at Boston’s Cloud & AI Meetup

Wednesday, February 26, 5:30-6:00 pm

Microsoft, 5 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA 01803

Dive into the world of intelligent AI at Boston Healthcare Cloud & AI Technology Community Meetup. Learn how to enhance your AI applications by understanding agentic AI, orchestrating semantic-aware functions, and applying insights from Microsoft Research. Gain practical tools to create adaptive, enterprise-grade AI assistants and innovate with confidence. Don't miss out—secure your free ticket today!

Build Lasting Relationships with Mentors and Founders at Startup Boston’s Exclusive Event

Wednesday, February 26, 5:30-7:00 pm

Boston, MA

Join Startup Boston for a mentorship event where early-stage entrepreneurs meet experienced mentors in small group discussions. Founders can ask questions, gain insights, and build valuable relationships with mentors and peers. Apply today to secure your spot!

Step Into Startup Conversations on This Boston Tech Walk

Thursday, February 27, 5:00-6:00 pm

Boston, MA

Lace-up for Walk #15 with Boston startup founders, operators, and investors. Kick-off at 5:00 PM on Newbury Street, take in Esplanade views and wrap up with drinks. The meeting spot will be shared after RSVP—don’t miss this chance to connect with the community on the move!

Build High-Impact Connections at Venture Lane's Blue Hour for B2B Tech Founders

Thursday, February 27, 5:30-7:30 pm

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

Join B2B tech founders at Venture Lane | Startup Hub's Blue Hour for a relaxed, engaging evening of valuable networking and insightful discussions. Participate in an interactive activity to provide actionable takeaways while fostering meaningful connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and level up your startup!

Discover the Next Big Thing at Yard Sale @ Harvard

Cambridge, MA

Join Launch Yard yard sale at Harvard University, where ambition and innovation collide. Watch Harvard’s best and Boston’s brightest pitch their startups and compete in Yard Sale: The Best Finds. Whether you’re pitching, networking, or scouting talent, opportunities are made here!

Experience the Future of AI at Demo Dai

Tuesday, March 4, 6:00-8:00 pm

Cambridge, MA

Explore cutting-edge AI startups from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and beyond at Demo Dai. Hosted by Everydai and Sundai, this showcase features rapid-fire prototypes and ambitious ventures shaping the future of AI.

Meet the Startups Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts

Thursday, March 6, 3:00-6:00 pm

MIT Samberg Conference Center - 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02142

Explore the future of health equity at the Massachusetts E-Health Institute's Sandbox Networking Event at MIT Samberg Conference Center. Meet the AHEM Challenge startup cohort, hear from founders who’ve scaled with top sandbox partners like MIT Center for Clinical and Translational Research and M2D2, and network with healthcare innovators shaping the industry.

Discover the Next Big Thing at Yard Sale @ MIT

Thursday, March 6, 6:27-8:32 pm

Cambridge, MA

MIT’s boldest innovators and Boston’s brightest minds showcase groundbreaking tech at Launch Yards Yard Sale at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Whether you’re pitching, scouting, or just here for the big ideas, don’t miss Yard Sale: The Best Finds, where top talent goes head-to-head.

Articles:

UMass Lowell Attains Prestigious R1 Research Status

UMass Lowell has earned Carnegie’s top-tier R1 classification, joining the ranks of the nation’s leading research universities. This achievement, backed by over $120 million in research funding, strengthens the university's capacity for innovation, attracting top faculty and expanding industry partnerships.

Women-Focused Swizzle Ventures Surpasses Fundraising Goal

Swizzle Ventures, a women-focused venture firm, exceeded its fundraising target, raising over $60 million to invest in diverse founders. The firm’s success highlights a growing interest in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and suggests a shift toward more inclusive funding strategies in the venture capital landscape.

NIH Funding Uncertainty Prompts New Biotech Venture Fund

NIH funding uncertainty is causing major shifts in biotech investing. As the government grapples with funding issues, a new venture fund has emerged to help bridge the gap, signaling both challenges and opportunities for biotech startups in an increasingly uncertain financial environment.

Wild Card:

MassChallenge FinTech Cohort

Last week, the 2025 MassChallenge FinTech Kickoff & Networking Reception set the stage for an exciting year ahead. The room was packed with founders, investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders—all ready to build, collaborate, and push the fintech space forward.

A Night of Innovation and Opportunity

The event wasn’t just about celebrating the new cohort; it was about making real connections. Attendees had the chance to meet the founders behind this year’s startups, exchange ideas with seasoned fintech veterans, and explore opportunities to collaborate. The energy in the room made it clear that this isn’t just another accelerator; it’s a launchpad for game-changing innovation.

Meet the 2025 MassChallenge FinTech Cohort

Twelve startups made the cut this year, each tackling critical challenges in financial services. Here’s a closer look at who’s shaping the future of fintech:

• Anata – Helping financial institutions confidently adopt AI/ML models by automating compliance and risk management.

• COMPLY – An AI-powered compliance assistant for the insurance industry, reducing complexity and boosting efficiency.

• F8th Inc. Inc. – Using behavioral biometrics to develop next-level cybersecurity solutions that safeguard accounts and transactions.

• Gemsen – Reimagining data access and machine learning with secure, high-speed, and resource-efficient technology.

• Halitra – Equipping lenders with the tools to finance property energy efficiency upgrades, strengthening borrower relationships.

• Kopernicus AI – AI-driven market reconnaissance for business development and M&A— 12 weeks of research in 12 seconds.

• LeggUP – Automating talent development, from assessment to coaching, with real-time analytics and streamlined management.

• myFloc – Simplifying financial management for older adults and caregivers while preventing fraud and exploitation.

• Sandbox Wealth – Building banking solutions for non-bank financial institutions with advanced cash management and credit tools.

• Shu AI Inc. – AI-powered automation for document-heavy workflows, making sense of unstructured financial data.

• Valusync – A personalized investing education platform designed for Millennials and Gen Z, connecting them with financial advisors.

• worxogo – AI-driven coaching for insurance teams, improving customer service, claims management, and workflow efficiency.

A Launchpad for FinTech Innovation

MassChallenge FinTech isn’t just an accelerator—it’s a community that helps founders scale, connect, and refine their solutions. With access to top-tier mentors, corporate partners, and investors, the startups in this year’s cohort are in for an exciting ride. The kickoff event made one thing clear: these founders are ready to change things, and the MassChallenge ecosystem is here to help them do so.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, these startups will engage in mentorship, pilot projects, and strategic collaborations that will shape their future. If the energy at the kickoff is any indication, this cohort is on track to make serious waves in the fintech world. Stay tuned for updates—we’re just getting started.

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.