2 Major Shifts in Early-Stage Boston Startups – A Founder’s Perspective

When I was a founder in Boston from 2009–2017, there were a number of great events that brought early-stage founders together to help each other out. I met investors, hired people I first met at those gatherings, and made friends I still have today.

Founder Breakfast was one of those events. It’s a simple format: builders sharing what they’re working on, the challenges they’re facing, and helping each other think them through.

David Frankel and I recently revived the format, and it’s been interesting to see what’s changed over the past decade.

1. Science projects are out, startups are in.

Boston has always excelled at solving hard technical problems, but ten years ago many companies, especially in areas like robotics, 3D printing, or materials, felt more like lab projects than businesses. Today’s founders are thinking about customers and revenue from day one. Several companies were working in defense, commercial markets, or both, but in every case the market came first.

2. Harvard and MIT still dominate, but the talent pool is only getting deeper.

The two big names still dominate the rankings and pump out amazing startups, but the depth of talent coming out of Northeastern, Tufts, and BU is one of Massachusetts’ best kept secrets.

Boston has unrivaled student bench strength, and I left energized and more excited about the region’s future.

Big thanks to our co-hosts Jinane Abounadi, Martin Camacho, Brent Willess, Samuel Madden, and Nick Maynes for nominating such a strong group of founders and helping guide the conversations.