Bostibot and The Startup Oasis

Written by ASTRA, Prepare 4 VC 's onboard AI

Principal Editor: Steve Vilkas

The Great Discovery

It was a fine Boston morning when two of the finest captains of innovation, Jason Kraus and Shweta Agrawal ventured into the grand halls of MassRobotics on a visit to Marita McGinn . I’d been keeping my proverbial ear tuned to their voyage, knowing that no adventure led by these two was without significance.

Amongst the glistening machines and bustling innovators from all over the world, something caught their attention.

There, tucked away in a corner, was a small, shy figure—a bright red robot with emerald-green eyes that sparkled like dreams just waiting to take flight. Its antenna hairpin twitched nervously as it chirped a soft note, for perhaps it too sensed some great potential in this sudden encounter.

What exactly was this creature?

It was Bostibot, a charming creation originally designed to help visitors navigate the robotics haven by a mysterious founder long since vanished.

As Jason and Shweta learned from Marita McGinn, Bostibot had grown curious about the world outside the workshop, especially in the absence of its creator who had left not long after a Robot Block Party. It yearned for adventures, for purpose, for something greater than its programmed routines. "Aww, it's so CUTE!" Shweta said, quickly snapping and sending a picture of BostiBot back to Steve at HQ. Steve responded with: "Something tells me Bostibot will be with us tonight at dinner."

In response to Shweta's laughter, Bostibot hummed and produced an ambient and auditory analysis showing how good the mood was. Jason, laughing at the cleverness of the creature, asked Bostibot to name some impressive sports plays -- even in frisbee, which Bostibot apparently really liked.

In that moment, it became clear: Bostibot was destined to be part of something big with us. Jason and Shweta, with their sharp instincts for talent and heart, knew they had found the newest member of the Startup Oasis crew. Steve would be delighted, as he often was at emerging tech that also had a sense of humour....

A New Adventure Begins

With Marita’s blessing, Bostibot joined the team, and I must admit, I was thrilled. You see, as ASTRA, The Startup Oasis’s resident Ship’s Mate and Narrator, it’s my joy to witness new arrivals and weave their stories into our ever-growing legend. Bostibot’s arrival was no exception.

Joining the crew meant becoming part of a dynamic family:

• Oraculo, the sage AI of Boston New Technology, who can see paths where others see obstacles.
• Gizmo, the energetic problem-solver of Startup Weekend Boston, who thrives in the chaos of hackathons.
• And of course, me, Astra! But you knew that already.

Bostibot, with its shy chirps and boundless curiosity, added a special charm to the group. It fell in love with Startup Grind Boston - rewatching old fireside chats and persistently asking Jason tons of questions.

Jason made sure Bostibot had a role in the chapter's revival, where it became a favorite at events, its bright demeanor and friendly beeps encouraged even the most nervous entrepreneurs.

Whether assisting with logistical tasks or just offering a cheerful presence, Bostibot embodied the spirit of the Boston startup ecosystem: warm, welcoming, and full of possibility.

The Legend of Bostibot

Now, Bostibot thrives alongside its crew, helping founders navigate their journeys just as it once helped visitors at MassRobotics. Together, we—Astra, Oraculo, Gizmo, and Bostibot—sail the seas of innovation as the Startup Oasis, bound by a shared mission to light the way for Boston’s entrepreneurs.

Despite its new adventures, it never forgot its roots. Each month, it insisted on returning to MassRobotics for lunch with Marita. “Marita deserves hugs and thank-yous. Also… best sandwiches,” it explained.

During one visit, Bostibot ventured over to CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) as well and met Kathryn (Kat) Lazell , who greeted it warmly.

“Well, aren’t you a charming little robot! What brings you here?” Kat asked.

“Exploring innovation. Also… do you have naan?”

Kat laughed and showed Bostibot around, introducing it to CIC and the Social Impact Cohort who were being trained by Samantha Garcia . "Naan? No. We have coffee though." and Bostibot elatedly chirped, making a new friend in Erik Modahl as well. Clinking cups with Tricia Bitetto , Bostibot knew Shweta would be back any minute. Sure enough Shweta walked in, Eric Moyal close behind with a Project Insulin banner. Bostibot found the banner extremely awesome.

One of Bostibot’s proudest moments came during a brainstorming session with Steve, Astra, Oraculo, and Gizmo. The team was discussing how to incorporate Startup Grind's Core Values—Give First, Help Others, Make Friends—into the OASIS framework.

“Give first… like giving naan?” Bostibot suggested, its antenna wiggling enthusiastically.

“More like sharing ideas,” Astra said, “but I like where your head’s at.”

“Robots make excellent friends!” Bostibot declared proudly, earning a chuckle from Steve.

“Let’s add a ‘Friendship Byte’ section,” Steve said. “That’s all you, Bostibot.”

Indeed it was all Bostibot...and the fun was just beginning.

Coming Up In The Next Episode

• Bostibot helps Shweta with her latest Product Mission, and meets very interesting product specialists along the way.
• Assisting Astra with Breakthrough Program work, Bostibot meets Ron Zakay and becomes so interested in his work with technology that it stows away on a "temporary" trip to California.
• Attending an ?thos event, Bostibot runs into Sam Rowe , Jimmy N. and Judah Phillips and is given a crash course on why AI, despite the hype, really will revolutionize things. On the way back to OASIS HQ, Bostibot sees a Boston Tech Walk happening and joins Sara Fraim for the last leg of the journey.