The Massachusetts Founders Network

02/28/2025

February was a month to remember!

We kicked things off with the MFN Sustainability Challenge final at Greentown Labs, where five startups pitched their climate solutions for a chance to win $40K.

Next up, we hit the slopes for MFN Lift Day at Jiminy Peak! Founders, Investors, and friends connected over fresh powder and shared experiences.

And we wrapped up the month with the final workshop for the Western Mass Health Tech Challenge, where we supported the next wave of health tech innovators. They will pitch next week on Friday, March 7th at the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Swipe through for highlights from a great ➡️

01/15/2025

This Thursday! Join co-hosts 1Berkshire, Berkshire Innovation Center, The Massachusetts Founders Network, FedTech, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and FORGE for a convening of climate technology centered successes, discussions, and opportunities related to our state's rich climatetech ecosystem.

➡️Are you a founder? Join to learn about the breadth of startup resources and funding opportunities for you. Maybe you’re a serial entrepreneur looking for your next gig.
➡️Are you an investor? Meet ambitious entrepreneurs and find rising stars for your portfolio.
➡️Are you already working in climate and sustainability? You have valuable expertise to share as mentors and advisors for climatetech ventures big and small.
➡️Are you interested and want to learn more? This is your chance to find work in climate, volunteer openings, and just explore how you can be part of the climatetech revolution!

Register: https://ow.ly/Wo3v50UsatP

01/13/2025

Join MFN at Jiminy Peak on February 12th for MFN Lift Day, a day full of skiing and networking! Entrepreneurs will be paired on a chairlift with an investor or advisor and will have the opportunity to deliver their elevator pitch on the way up the mountain. The first 30 registrants will receive a FREE lift ticket!

The event will conclude with a pitch competition and a small prize. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Massachusetts investor ecosystem and practice your pitching skills.

Not a skier? No worries! Explore the resort or connect with investors in the lodge.
Register now to secure your spot. https://share.hsforms.com/1SqiuQk5EQjeOw7HmhYjMOAejhlh

01/10/2025

We've updated the MFN Expert Directory!

Imagine having free access to a team of experts to guide your startup’s growth. MFN members can now tap into a network of professionals ready to assist with marketing, supply chain, AI, and more.

Browse the expert directory today to get the advice you need to accelerate your startup. Our experts can provide recommendations, offer suggestions, and help answer questions that might be hard to find elsewhere. Sometimes all you need is a point in the right direction. https://massfoundersnetwork.org/expert-directory

Not a member yet? Join now to gain exclusive access to this resource! https://massfoundersnetwork.org/join-mfn/

01/08/2025

Join us at the Berkshire Innovation Center on Thursday, January 16th @ 5:30 pm to learn about the ecosystem in Massachusetts. This event is part of a series in collaboration with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), FedTech, and FORGE

Are you a Founder? Learn about startup resources and funding opportunities.

Are you an Investor? Meet ambitious entrepreneurs and find rising stars for your portfolio.

Already working in climate and sustainability? You have valuable expertise to share as mentors and advisors for ClimateTech ventures large and small.

In addition to lightning talks from partners across the state, this will also be a special opportunity to learn more about the 2025 Massachusetts ClimateTech Studio, a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center-sponsored program that matches participants with team members, cutting-edge technologies, and mentors and advisors during an intensive 16-week program cohort.

RSVP to secure your spot today!

Convening the MA Climatetech Community: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Building Networks, Leveraging Mentors.

01/06/2025

Kick off 2025 with inspiration and connection! Explore the January 2025 MFN Events Roundup, featuring workshops, networking sessions, and opportunities to grow your startup. Discover what’s happening this month and mark your calendar! 📅

Read more: https://massfoundersnetwork.org/journal/mfn-events-roundup-january-2025/

01/03/2025

Are you a startup founder in Massachusetts with a story to share? We want to hear from you!

The MFN Journal covers a wide range of topics, including founder stories, trending insights, and startup essentials—all aimed at building community and celebrating the vibrant startup ecosystem in Massachusetts.

Whether it’s a lesson learned, a milestone achieved, or the mission driving your business, your journey could inspire fellow entrepreneurs!

Interested in being featured? Contact us at [email protected]

12/30/2024

Start 2025 with a solid plan to grow your startup—without giving up equity! The MFN Non-Dilutive Funding Guide is a free resource to help you better understand grants, competitions, and other funding options that let you stay in control of your business.

Explore the guide today: https://massfoundersnetwork.org/mfns-non-dilutive-funding-guide/

🔍 Did we miss something? If there’s a resource you think should be on the guide, let us know—we’re always updating to better serve founders like you!

12/24/2024

Happy Holidays from the Massachusetts Founders Network! ✨

As we wrap up the year, now is the perfect time to set your sights on making a difference in 2025.

MFN is here to help you build connections, gain expert insights, and grow your startup alongside a community of passionate founders. Whether you're looking to tackle big challenges or explore new opportunities, we're ready to support you every step of the way

Join MFN today and explore the resources and network you need to make an impact.

https://massfoundersnetwork.org/join-mfn/

12/23/2024

Congratulations to the 2024 Western Massachusetts Health Tech Challenge finalists!

We’ve expanded the Challenge to include two tracks—Diagnostics and Therapeutics—each offering a $35K prize. Four companies will compete in each track. Over the next 10 weeks, these eight early-stage companies will engage in workshops, meet mentors, and learn the nuts and bolts of strategies for growing their startups.

Introducing the WMHTC cohort:

- Eascra Biotech, co-founded by Mari Anne Snow

- iPoint Innovation, founded by Weirui Tan

- Nalam Therapeutics, founded by Seth Thayumanavan

- MetaBone, founded by Jungwoo Lee

- Hertz Innovative Tech, founded by Yuzhen Zhang

- Pananosis Labs, founded by Joseph Yu

- NanoSynergy, founded by Griffin Kane

- Gold NanoStar, founded by Xinyi Du

12/19/2024

The Mass Leads Act is here, bringing funding, tax incentives, and programs to empower founders and fuel innovation.

"From day one, we have set out to make Massachusetts the best place for individuals to pursue rewarding careers and for companies to start, scale and succeed,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao

Learn how this legislation is shaping the future for entrepreneurs: https://massfoundersnetwork.org/journal/mass-leads-act-a-revolutionary-new-economic-plan/

12/17/2024

MFN welcomed Michael A. Greeley, General Partner at Flare Capital Partners, for our latest webinar. Michael has been in the venture capital industry for over 30 years and co-founded Flare Capital Partners.

In his presentation, Michael pulls back the curtain on Flare’s deal-flow process and gives an executive perspective to some due diligence insights.

Check out the highlights here: https://massfoundersnetwork.org/journal/flare-capitals-playbook-for-healthtech-startups/