WIB-Greater Boston: Ninth Annual Lobster Pot Pitch Event, March 28, 2024

On March 27, the Ninth Annual Lobster Pot Pitch Event, hosted by WIB-Greater Boston, took place at Portal Innovations at Southline in Boston. The event provided a safe and open forum for companies to present their research progress and receive feedback from venture capitalists (VCs) and offered great networking opportunities.

The proceedings began with Toni Dupell, the Chapter Vice Chair, delivering updates and highlighting forthcoming events within the Greater Boston chapter. Tatiana Yglesias, the Executive Director of Portal Innovations Boston, extended a warm welcome to the attendees at Portal's newly inaugurated facility. To round off the introduction, Kelly O'Connor, the Chapter Programs Chair, provided an overview of the event, introducing both the pitching companies and the VCs.

Then, attendees split into two tracks, where companies with inspiring pitches presented to a team of two or three VCs. The pitches covered diverse topics, including initiatives to improve women's reproductive health, improve cancer patient outcomes, and develop treatments for autoimmune diseases. Many companies did a phenomenal job communicating the value of their programs, making them accessible even to attendees without a background in life sciences. After each pitch, the VCs provided insightful feedback for the companies to incorporate in future presentations. The 100+ attendees then reconvened to network in the atrium, indulging in delightful treats such as lobster rolls. The pitches delivered by all companies were truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see such support for women making strides in the life science industry!