BNT Extra Byte: Shweta On Scene, Anjali & The CIC

June 07, 2024

Prepared By Mohit Ravindra Kamble and Harshita Nimbal

Welcome to the BNT Extra Byte, your weekly digest of community news, perspectives, events, and more from the heart of Boston's bustling startup environment!

We've got a few very special segments all lined up for your enjoyment this week.

Without ado -- let's dive right in.

"Shweta On Scene" -- The Return Of The BNT Event Recap

Unveiling the Future: Techstars Boston Spring 2024 Demo Day

Attending the Techstars Boston Spring 2024 Demo Day was an electrifying experience for me filled with excitement, innovation, and inspiration. While the presence of my fellow Co-Directors was missed -- it was a great experience representing BNT!

Held at the iconic WGBH studios in Boston on Tuesday, June 4th, the event attracted over 150 enthusiastic attendees, including mentors, founders, community members, and supportive family and friends. The evening was a celebration of the remarkable achievements of twelve groundbreaking companies that had spent the last three months in the Techstars Accelerator program.

The night started with welcoming remarks from Kerty Levy , joined by the Techstars Boston team: Jennifer Davis , Aidan Kittredge , and Steve Bernard . Kerty’s overview of Techstars' journey, from its founding in 2006 to becoming a global network with 48 accelerators and 4,197 graduated companies with a market cap exceeding $112 billion, set an inspiring tone. Hearing from Sean Grundy of Bevi was particularly impactful. His keynote highlighted the importance of immediate action in startups, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

Celebrating Three Months of Innovation

The event was thoughtfully organized into four categories, each introduced by a notable industry figure. Benjamin Pleat from Cobu kicked off the Built Environment segment, showcasing AHOI , Phare Labs (Arnau Donate Duch ), Poliark , and Citera . Clement Cazalot introduced the AI Foundations category with ADA IQ , Heronai , Cerbrec , and Innerlogic .

Emily Sylvester from Mother of Fact presented the Health Tech category, highlighting Surgicure Technologies , Gravl , Toothly AI , and Biogrip Tech . Reflecting on fifteen years of Techstars Boston, Kerty Levy announced Jennifer Davis as the new Managing Director, marking a new chapter of leadership and support for the program's enduring success.

A Night of Inspiration

The Techstars Boston Spring 2024 Demo Day was more than a showcase of innovation; it was a celebration of community, mentorship, and the entrepreneurial spirit. The energy and optimism in the room were palpable as the event concluded, leaving everyone inspired and eager to see what these twelve companies will achieve next. The future of tech in Boston looks brighter than ever, thanks to the relentless drive and creativity of its entrepreneurs.

Panel, Networking, and Tabling, Oh My! The Greater Boston Accelerator Scene – Startup Boston Delivers

All About Accelerators With Startup Boston, Suffolk University and The City Of Boston

On Thursday, June 6th, Suffolk University was the best place to be -- filled entrepreneurial energy as I attended "Panel, Networking, and Tabling, Oh My! The Greater Boston Accelerator Scene." Organized by our old friends at Startup Boston, the event was a vibrant mix of panel discussions, networking opportunities, and informative tabling sessions put together by Stephanie Roulic and team. We were warmly welcomed by Shari L.S. Worthington and Elijah Miller , who emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs in Boston.

Insightful Panel Discussion

The panel featured insightful speakers like Guivens Andre from Amie, Aakash Shah from High Time Foods , and Rachel O’Neil from PeopleNova Human Capital . They shared invaluable insights on crucial topics for budding entrepreneurs, such as the right timing to apply to accelerators, choosing the best program fit, and understanding the implications of equity in accelerator programs. Their diverse experiences and practical tips provided us with a wealth of knowledge to navigate the complexities of the accelerator landscape.

Building Connections and Community

The networking and tabling sessions allowed us to engage directly with representatives from various accelerator programs, including MassBioEd , MassRobotics , Techstars Boston Accelerator , MassChallenge , and more. These interactions were incredibly beneficial for founders looking to find the right accelerator to propel their startups to the next level.

The event highlighted the collaborative spirit and innovative drive that define Boston's startup community. I left with new connections, insights, and a clearer vision for my entrepreneurial journey. The Greater Boston accelerator scene is thriving, and events like this are pivotal in nurturing the next generation of successful startups.

The Return of The Startup Showcase!

BNT recently announced the return of our celebrated Startup Showcase. Our signature series is now fully reoptimized and re-reimagined with two dynamic models:

The BNT Global Showcase, a virtual offering taking place monthly.

This will be broadcast virtually on EKOS , with the purpose being to provide a global platform for startups and ensuring inclusion, inspiration, education and empowerment for founders and their teams regardless of geographical boundaries.

The BNT Boston Grand Showcase

What most people will recognize from BNT, this is the classic in-person gathering of local startups for the purpose of storytelling, feedback, and fantastic networking. By hosting these sorts of showcases quarterly, starting in Boston and later expanding to different locales throughout New England and beyond, our intention is bring back what our members miss in an upgraded fashion -- new venues, fantastic sponsors, and more.

In both cases the Showcases will be landmarks to reach for those participating in our Precision Pitch Practice series.

Interested in attending, showcasing, or sponsoring?

Save the dates!

Global Virtual:

July: Thursday, July 25

August: Thursday, August 15

September: Thursday, September 26

October: Thursday, October 17

November: Thursday, November 14

December: Thursday, December 12

Registration goes live for all the Global showcases Monday.

Grand Showcases:

Thursday, September 19

December 5

Registration goes live for all the the virtuals in July!

Pitch Progress:

Precision Pitch Practice is entering an exciting phase of optimization. We've been speaking with mentors, will be interviewing founders as well, and continuing to refine what has come to define one of our most recent success stories from a programmatic point of view.

Some of what's being worked on include labs devoted to specific pitching styles and topics, expanded office hours for interested entrepreneurs, exclusive strategic sessions, and making room for hybrid/in-person pitch practices for later in the year.

What we'd like to know: How are you finding pitching to be these days? Your perspective is paramount.

As always, you're welcome to join us every Thursday at 12pm on EKOS .

Fireside Chat With Cody Jung Will Inaugurate BNT Finding A New Way With Firesides

We're once again reminding you to join us on June 14th when Shweta sits down and speaks with Cody J. of FounderWay . We're grateful for the opportunity, and are excited for this continuation of our ecosystem partnership!

This conversation with Cody marks the latest evolution of the Fireside Chat strategy for BNT, which began several months ago. The power of a conversation cannot be overstated when it is convened properly -- and the ability for it to generate impact for tons of people.

It's our belief that these chats offer a relaxed setting that brings out genuine, unfiltered insights and experiences from industry leaders, building trust and credibility within our community. The informal, conversational format helps speakers connect with the audience on a personal level, making the sessions more engaging and relatable.

Plus, hearing personal stories and candid advice from experienced professionals can inspire and motivate our community, providing them with practical takeaways and renewed enthusiasm. By focusing on these key benefits, we can strengthen our community, boost engagement, and support the growth and success of startups within the BNT ecosystem.

Partner Spotlight -- CIC Boston.

BNT has been partnered with The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) for almost the entirety of our existence. We can always rely on The CIC to produce opportunities and experiences for our community and we're forever eager to do the same. We'd like to particularly thank Kathryn (Kat) Lazell and Samantha Garcia for the upcoming Social Impact Cohort Demo Day on June 26th, and Boris Perlovsky for all his help with Startup Weekend.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the work of CIC, it stands at the forefront of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As a global leader in driving innovation since its inception in 1999, CIC manages over 1.5 million square feet of workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe, and Asia. In Boston, CIC has become a cornerstone of the local startup ecosystem, offering bespoke programming, enabling industry clusters, and providing top-tier district consulting services. By creating a vibrant environment where startups and established companies can thrive, CIC Boston plays a crucial role in advancing technological progress and economic growth.

With its comprehensive support infrastructure, CIC Boston is more than just a workspace; it's a dynamic hub of creativity and collaboration. The center's tailored programs and events are designed to meet the unique needs of innovators, helping them to scale their ventures and make significant industry impacts. For those looking to be part of a cutting-edge community that drives meaningful change, CIC Boston is the place to be. Discover more about how CIC is shaping the future of innovation at cic.com .

Founder Spotlight -- Anjali Laddha

“I am continually impressed by the passion and knowledge thriving within BNT. It's an inspiring environment for anyone interested in cutting-edge technology. Everyone I've encountered in this vibrant community has been exceptionally welcoming and supportive. Providing a platform and a means of access, BNT has pioneered what it means to build community." -- Anjali Laddha, Co-Director and Founder of Degree2Destiny

Discovering LinkedIn during a crucial moment in her academic career, Anjali Laddha found the spark to create Degree2Destiny , a groundbreaking platform dedicated to empowering students worldwide. Supported by Northeastern University ’s Startup Founder Coop program, Anjali has harnessed the power of AI to assist over 50 individuals in leveraging LinkedIn to secure their dream opportunities.

Her impressive accomplishments have been highlighted in the Kolkata Telegraph and Guiding Young Minds Magazine. Additionally, she's been represented at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations and ranked in the top 50 at the FEELL Changemaker Futures competition.

Anjali has brightened up BNT in ways we will never forget and always be thankful for.

In Closing...

Thank you for joining us in this edition of the BNT Extra Byte. We hope you enjoyed learning about our latest initiatives and the inspiring stories from our community. Special thanks to Steve , Shweta , and Jason for their unwavering support and leadership!

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Boston New Technology.

See you next Friday!