BostInno
BostInno Approved: January's top virtual tech and startup events
By: Jordan Frias
New year, new opportunities. The startup community may still be operating virtually for the most part, but that doesn't mean it isn't time to supercharge your career. Below, we've compiled a list of events to help you network, learn business skills and advance your startup trajectory this January.
While you're here, be sure to register for our annual Startups to Watch event on Feb. 10. It'll be here before we know it.
Monday, Jan. 4
FlashTalks 02021 -- From Crisis to Innovation: One of the things this pandemic has taught us is that all things are connected. Long Now Boston’s annual Flash Talks event explores the interconnectedness of disciplines, including climate change, income inequality and health care. Hear from researchers, entrepreneurs, biologists and educators on sector-specific trends, what drives them and why cross-disciplinary collaboration can lead to rapid innovation. More here. 7:15 p.m., $5, students with ID free
Tuesday, Jan. 5
Career Skills: The Importance of LinkedIn: Want to make the most of your LinkedIn page? The Boston Public Library has booked senior empowerment specialist and career coach Gary Gekow for an online event. With 30 years of recruiting and employment service experience, Gekow will discuss best practices when it comes to making the most of your online profile. Head here to join the waitlist. 11 a.m., free
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 12 & 19
Intro to Social Media Marketing - AVM: Looking to build a more robust social media message that resonates well with your brand? The Makery has a three-part event focused on crafting a winning social media strategy that will resonate with your target audience and grow your followers. Priyam Mukharya, who has built campaigns for The Voice and L'Oréal, will instruct. Reserve your spot here. 5 p.m., $90
Tuesday, Jan. 5
How to Build Your Product On Time and On Budget: If you or your team have a product nearing launch, this event is for you. The Boston Entrepreneurs' Network is hosting a panel that will discuss how to bring your product to market cost-effectively. Register here. 7 p.m., $10
Wednesday, Jan. 6
The Anatomy of Financing Deal Terms: Are you an early-stage company trying to navigate appropriate investments? Do you have trouble understanding the nuances and structure of an investment thesis? The Startup Coalition has put together a panel of savvy angel investors and experienced entrepreneurs that can help you navigate those complexities and more. Come network with other companies who are also facing similar issues. Sign up here. 5:30 p.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 7
Networking with a Twist: Community Problem Solving: The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Boston is hosting this Zoom event meant to strengthen community problem-solving skills. Attendees will be assigned to breakout rooms where they can brainstorm with others. More here. 6:30 p.m., free
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Career Skills: Online Job Search and Resume Submittal Workshop: Lean some online job search strategies and how to best navigate job boards, job aggregators and company employment pages on the web. The Boston Public Library invites Gary Gekow to explain how to best utilize these sites when submitting your resume. Gekow brings with him decades of experience working with client companies in many industries and job seekers in various specialties. Head here to join the waitlist. 11 a.m., free
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Webinar: How to Successfully Raise a Friends and Family Round: If you’re considering raising a friends and family round and don’t know where to start, The Capital Network has got you covered with this webinar. The Network’s leading expert and founder will walk you through the process. Head here to get your ticket. 2 p.m., free; any questions, please email team@thecapitalnetwork.org
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Networking Night for Boston’s Young Professionals: With 2020 behind you, take the opportunity to network with more than 30 business owners, entrepreneurs and career-minded professionals in Greater Boston. The Boston Young Professionals Association is hosting its 2021 kickoff event to bring together busy, social young professionals who are looking to connect with like-minded people and grow their connections. Reserve your ticket here. 6 p.m., $12
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Platform Professionals: The Next Wave of Leaders: With the rise of platform businesses like Uber, Airbnb and Apple, platform professionals are in hot demand right now. The Platform Strategy Institute team will provide an in-depth look at this new workforce category and what critical roles these professionals play in an organization. This event is hosted by Dartmouth College professor Geoffrey Parker, a visiting scholar at the MIT Sloan School and research fellow at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy. RSVP here. 10 a.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 14
Why build a Startup in Greece? 300 Million Reasons Under the Sun: Why limit yourself to business as usual in the U.S.? The Hellenic Innovation Network will host a panel of venture capitalists who will share their experiences investing in Greek startups. Cambridge Associates’s CFA Dean Dimizas will moderate. More here. noon, free
Thursday, Jan. 14-15
Virtual Minority Small Business Conference and Expo: Minority small businesses looking to recoup losses from the Covid-19 pandemic will benefit from this two-day networking event. The agenda includes 10 workshops and more than 30 , all led by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce. Register here. 12:30 p.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 14
Virtual Venture Cafe Cambridge: Office Hours: Schedule an online, 30-minute session with one of 10 advisers Venture Café Cambridge has on hand during this Thursday session. Author and communication strategist Chuck Goldstone is the keynote speaker. More here. 3 p.m., free
Saturday, Jan. 16
Virtual Career Development Session for Skilled Immigrants in Massachusetts: Learn how to strategically network to advance your career, plan and search for new career opportunities. The African Bridge Network has booked Emmanuel College’s research administration program chair, Jeff Seo, to share his expertise during the first Virtual Career Development Session for Skilled Immigrants of 2021. Register here. 10 a.m., free
Tuesday, Jan. 19
From Marketing Openings to Sales Closure with Jack Derby: Navigating a world without trade shows and face-to-face meetings can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to drive up sales. The Boston Entrepreneurs' Network has booked Jack Derby, an investor, co-founder of nine companies and professor of entrepreneurship to explain how to generate leads and sell more in the age of Covid-19. Register here. 7:30 p.m. (networking begins at 5:30) $10,
Wednesday, Jan. 20
WEBINAR: Know Your Valuation for Equity Compensation (And Avoid the Perils of 409A): High-growth startup leaders looking to accurately value their companies can learn more about the fair market value appraisal valuation process through this webinar. The Capital Network will host two accounting and audit group experts who can assist those looking to offer their employees stock options by understanding the differences between ISOs and non-ISOs through a 409A valuation. More here. 2 p.m., free; any questions, please email team@thecapitalnetwork.org
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Latino Professional Networking Zoomixer: The Latino Professional Network is hosting its first monthly meeting with the Zoomixer New Year. Connect with like-minded Latino professionals through quick introductions, speed networking and breakout rooms online. Register here. 6:30 p.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 21
Mingle with MassTLC: Meet members of the Mass Technology Leadership Council and introduce yourself, your company and your membership objectives. The “MassTLC Mingle” is meant to learn how to best utilize the council to grow your network and optimize your benefits, all while speed networking with other members. Get your ticket here. 8:30 a.m., free
Tuesday, Jan. 26
Investment & Inclusion Series: Amplifying Funders of Color: Are you an investor looking to create a more diverse portfolio in 2021? The Capital Network and Venture Capital Inclusion Lab will host a panel that will look at data, strategies and best practices when it comes to supporting more startup companies led by entrepreneurs of color. More here. 2 p.m., free; any questions, please email team@thecapitalnetwork.org
Wednesday, Jan. 27
7 Steps to Business Growth Post-Covid-19: Join other small business owners for this workshop devoted to creating simple, yet effective, growth plans for your company. Paradigm Strategies President Kevin Lister, CEO of Focus Boston, will share tactics, tips and techniques for creating a more successful and profitable growth plan for 2021. Register here. 10 a.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 28
Federal Government Contracting 8(a) Program Webinar: Looking to sell your innovative product or service to the federal government? The Massachusetts U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting this webinar to explain whether your business is eligible to be certified in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. RSVP here. 9 a.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 28
Hosting Successful Fundraising Events During Covid-19: A Panel Discussion: The days of in-person fundraising activities and galas are long gone, at least for the time being. Empower Success Corps has put together a panel to provide a crash course on how to use video communication and online fundraising software to meet and exceed your fundraising goals this year. Register here. 1 p.m., free
Thursday, Jan. 28
VIRTUAL Founders Live Boston Startup Pitch Event: Grab a drink and attend this pitch competition event featuring five handpicked Boston area startups. Attendees will help pick a winner, and a Q&A session will follow. Register here. 7 p.m., free
