- 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
March 31, 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 MIT AI conference. We also have some newsworthy articles, including one about 3 golden rules for success, and a wildcard about Startup Week Worcester.
Events:
Dive into the Future of #AI with MIT's 2025 AI Conference
Tuesday, April 1
Boston Marriott Cambridge – 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142
Explore the latest in AI at MIT’s 2025 AI Conference. Hear from leading experts like Daniel Huttenlocher, Dean of MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, and David Autor, MIT Economist, as they discuss the impact of AI on knowledge, skills, and work. Don’t miss the chance to network with #AI innovators, startup founders, and industry leaders driving the future of technology.
Explore the Future of Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery
Wednesday, April 2, 5:00-8:30 pm
CIC Cambridge – 1 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142
Join Qubit Pharmaceuticals and TINS: Technology Innovation Studio for a deep dive into quantum computing’s role in pharma. Hear from an industry leader, Nash Palaniswamy, and network with experts driving #innovation in medicine.
Connect with AI Professionals at AI Woodstock - Boston
Wednesday, April 2, 5:30-7:30 pm
Time Out Market – 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215
AI Woodstock - Boston is bringing together #AI professionals for an evening of networking and conversations. Hosted by Paul Baier of GAI Insights and AI Blueprint for MA, this free event is a chance to meet fellow GenAI enthusiasts and be part of this AI moment in history.
Explore Trends in VC and PE with Industry Leaders
Wednesday, April 2, 6:00-8:00 pm
Cambridge, MA
Dive into the latest VC and PE trends with Greg Clark of Crosspoint Capital Partners and Alberto Yépez of Forgepoint Capital. Moderated by Angela Singhal Whiteford, CMO of Corvus by Travelers, this fireside chat covers investment strategies, cybersecurity, and the evolving private equity landscape.
Connect with Boston's Top Accelerators and Innovators
Thursday, April 3, 5:30-7:30 pm
CIC Cambridge – 245 Main St Mosaic, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
Meet program leaders from MassChallenge, Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), Visible Hands, and more. Explore resources, hear rapid pitches, and network with founders and #startup changemakers driving growth in #Boston.
Race to the Cure: Compete, Network, and Enjoy Boston’s High-Speed Event
Thursday, April 3, 5:30-8:30 pm
F1 Arcade Boston – 87 Pier 4 Blvd, Boston, MA 02210
Get ready for high-speed thrills and premium networking at the BioIT World event hosted by PTP and Amazon Web Services (AWS) at F1 Arcade in #Boston Seaport. Compete in cutting-edge F1 racing simulators, enjoy gourmet bites and cocktails, and make lasting connections with #biotech professionals. Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-pumping experience!
Pitch, Demo, and Hustle at BU’s Startup Yard Sale
Thursday, April 3, 6:27-8:32 pm
Boston, MA
Founders, builders, and caffeine-fueled dreamers—Yard Sale @ Boston University is where #Boston’s boldest bring their ideas to life. Watch live startup demos, swap stories with fellow hustlers, and see BU’s best go head-to-head. Whether you're pitching or just soaking in the energy, this is the place to be for the next wave of #startup innovation.
Explore the Future of Food Tech at GOe On the Road – Boston
Tuesday, April 8, 4:30-8:00 pm
CIC Cambridge – 1 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142
Join GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem and CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) for an evening of #foodtech #innovation, networking, and competition at CIC Cambridge. Hear from industry leaders, engage in roundtable discussions, and watch early-stage #startup founders pitch for a chance to compete in Spain’s Grand Finale. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top entrepreneurs, investors, and experts shaping the future of food!
Meet the Next Generation of Worcester’s Startup Talent
Tuesday, April 8, 5:00-8:30 pm
Off The Rails – 90 Commercial St, Worcester, MA 01608
Join Venture Forum for WooTank, where student entrepreneurs from Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Nichols College, and College of the Holy Cross pitch their ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors. Get inspired by the #innovation emerging from Worcester’s academic community and engage with the future leaders of the #startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a student, mentor, or investor, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Build Meaningful Connections at Venture Lane’s Blue Hour
Wednesday, April 9, 5:30-7:30 pm
Boston, MA
Venture Lane | Startup Hub's Blue Hour brings together high-impact ecosystem contributors to support early-stage B2B tech #innovation. Engage with founders, operators, and mentors in a relaxed setting designed for valuable conversations and takeaways.
Meet New ClimateTech Startups at Greentown Labs’ Spring EnergyBar
Thursday, April 10, 5:30-7:30 pm
Greentown Labs – 444 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Hear lightning pitches from the newest #climatetech startups at Greentown Labs’ Spring EnergyBar event. Network with #entrepreneurs, investors, and #corporateleaders focused on climate solutions across agriculture, buildings, and energy transition. Don’t miss the chance to discover groundbreaking innovations and connect with climate champions shaping the future of the industry!
Explore AI’s Role in Healthcare with Arianna Huffington
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 pm
Museum of Science Blue Wing
Discover how AI is shaping the future of health with Thrive Global founder Arianna Huffington and MIT's Regina Barzilay at the Museum of Science. Hear insights on AI-driven health coaching, early cancer detection, and the intersection of technology and well-being. Engage in an evening of discussion with industry leaders pushing the boundaries of #healthcare innovation.
The Ultimate #Boston Demo Day: Launch Yard’s Best Finds
Friday, April 11, 12:05-3:59 pm
Cambridge, MA
The biggest, boldest, most electrifying demo day is here! Launch Yard’s Yard Sale @ Boston "The Best Finds" brings together top innovators from Babson, Harvard, MIT, BU, Northeastern, and more to showcase groundbreaking ideas and live demos. Don’t miss the chance to witness the next wave of #startup disruption and connect with the founders shaping the future.
Find the Right Cofounder at This Exclusive Networking Event
Monday, April 14, 5:30-7:00 pm
Burlington, MA
Looking for the perfect business partner? This Cofounder Matching event connects aspiring and established entrepreneurs through structured networking. Whether you have a #startup idea or want to join one, this is your chance to find the right fit.
Dive into AI Innovation at Ditch the Deck Demo Night
Wednesday, April 16, 6:00-8:03 pm
Ned Devine’s – 1 N Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Get ready for a fresh take on demo-days at the DitchTheDeck event! Join technologists, developers, and innovators for a night filled with live AI product demos and no slides in sight. Enjoy a relaxed, social evening of pure #innovation and networking with fellow creators and enthusiasts in the #Boston area.
Level Up Your Tech Career with AI Insights and Networking
Thursday, April 17, 5:00-6:00 pm
Venture Café – 1 Broadway, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
Join top experts in #Boston's #tech scene as they explore how AI is reshaping job roles and skills. Hear from David Anderson (engora.tech), Nicholas Lisac (InvoiceCloud, Inc.), Emma H. (Flywire), Elizabeth Hilfrank (Glasswing Ventures), and Steven Hecht (SharkNinja) on how AI is transforming the workplace and the must-have skills for career growth. Don’t miss out on this chance to network and stay ahead in the world of #AI!
Celebrate Deeptech Innovation and Networking at ven^x's Anniversary Event
Thursday, April 17, 5:30-8:30 pm
Boston, MA
Join investors, startups, and deeptech ecosystem leaders as ven^x celebrates its one-year anniversary. This event, supported by sponsors J.P. Morgan, Gunderson Dettmer, RightHand Robotics, Inc, TriNet, and NextAccel, offers a chance to connect over food, drinks, and valuable networking opportunities. Don’t miss out on meeting the people driving the future of deeptech.
Articles:
Tech Layoffs in 2025: A Growing Trend in the Industry
The number of tech layoffs continues to rise in 2025, with several major companies scaling back their workforce as part of restructuring efforts. This shift in the tech sector reflects ongoing challenges such as economic uncertainty and adjustments to a post-pandemic economy. While these changes have had significant impacts on employees, experts suggest that the industry may see a rebound as companies focus on innovation and long-term growth strategies.
Signal Sees Surge in Downloads Amid Scandal Fallout
Signal's downloads have surged in the U.S. and Yemen following a major government scandal. As users seek more secure communication platforms, Signal's privacy-focused features have gained increasing appeal in regions facing growing concerns over digital surveillance and security.
Golden Rules for M&A Success: Advice for Founders and CEOs
As M&A activity is expected to rise in 2025, founders and CEOs need to navigate the shift from "sales" mode to "buyer" mode. The key to a successful acquisition is understanding your "known unknowns." Experienced leaders suggest bringing in a team of trusted advisers to tackle legal, financial, and technical challenges. The right preparation can make all the difference in handling an acquisition smoothly and expanding your business while managing risks.
Wildcard:
Startup Week Worcester
April 8th -10th.
Startup Week Worcester is a multi-day event celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation in Central Massachusetts. Presented by M&T Bank and hosted by Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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.
