Wicked good vibes from Boston
I have landed in 'The Hub' to meet interesting people and learn more about its tech ecosystem.
This week, I’m in Boston, Massachusetts, to explore the local tech scene and meet some of the people shaping it. One of the companies on my radar is Somite AI, which aims to become “the OpenAI of stem cell biology.” They’re worth watching - but I’ll save that for another post. For now, I’m here to get a better feel for the energy in Beantown.
From what I’ve seen, the Boston tech scene is one of the most vibrant and mature in the whole of America. This is due, in no small part, to its strong blend of academia-driven innovation, established industry players, and robust startup ecosystem.
It's no secret that the Boston area is home to some of the most academically acclaimed institutions. MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts, and Boston University are all a moment’s walk from each other, creating an environment full of young and enthusiastic people ready to tackle society’s challenges.
These folks are usually found in areas like Cambridge (especially Kendall Square), and are close to accelerators like MassChallenge, TechStars Boston, Harvard iLab, and MIT’s The Engine. Its culture already feels like I am stepping straight into the worlds conveyed in movies like Good Will Hunting or The Social Network.
My interest in Boston stems from its strong performance in sectors such as BioTech, AI, Cybersecurity, and DeepTech. The connection between the academic world and the startup universe is tangible, and every group of people I see seems as though they are working on their new company or looking at how they can secure funding from local investors like Bessemer Venture Partners, Battery Ventures, OpenView, or Flybridge.
In the last few years, I have been invited to explore tech hubs in Larnaca (Cyprus), Miami, New York, Tokyo, London, and Athens. Every time I land somewhere new, I enjoy the new surroundings and meet interesting people. I’m still early into this trip, but I’ll be sharing more soon.
Read I investigated Miami's tech scene. Here's what I found.
One of my favorite rituals when I travel is checking out local bookstores - I am sending this post and going straight to Beacon Hill Books and Cafe. I have already visited Trident Booksellers and Cafe, and I find these trips eye-opening: By seeing what’s on display, it can give you great insight into the types of books its local clientele are reading and what shapes their thinking. I learned this trick when I spent the afternoon in BookPeople in Austin, Texas, in November 2024. I intend to keep this new tradition going when I visit all future tech hubs.
If you’re in Boston and want to grab coffee—or have recommendations—reach out. For now, I’m off to find some lobster.