Boston Founders Can Build Big Without Leaving Town, TechCrunch Summit Shows

In two days, the TechCrunch Founder Summit, presented by Fidelity Private Shares, convenes at SoWa Power Station to bring together founders, investors, and operators focused on building companies rooted in Boston and beyond. November 4 marks the final opportunity to purchase passes at current pricing before rates climb and group discounts expire.

Scaling lessons from founders who stayed put

The summit's agenda spotlights practical topics for growing startups through breakout sessions and roundtable discussions. Two Boston-based founders will share their experiences building substantial enterprises without abandoning the city.

Steve Fredette, President, Co-founder, and Director of Toast, represents one of Boston's most prominent founder narratives. His company's trajectory demonstrates how founders can identify customers, achieve product-market fit, expand operations, and continue innovating after the initial concept gains traction—all while remaining in Boston and reaching national and international markets.

Chase Garbarino, CEO and Co-founder of HqO, will directly address the question of geography. Over more than a decade, he has raised substantial funding and grown HqO internationally while keeping the company based in Boston, bypassing the traditional West Coast startup ecosystem. His session will explore the benefits, drawbacks, and practical realities of building outside the conventional startup playbook.

Building connections within Boston's startup network

Beyond the speakers, the summit creates space for Boston-area founders, investors, and startup leaders to connect directly. Braindate networking sessions help participants identify conversations centered on shared obstacles.

• Roundtables bring founders and venture capitalists together around specific challenges in facilitated, interactive settings led by scaling experts
• Official Side Events strengthen relationships beyond the summit itself, extending engagement across Boston's startup community

Register before pricing increases

For founders operating in Boston, the startup ecosystem is not something distant—it exists right here. On November 4, TechCrunch Founder Summit opens its doors at SoWa Power Station, uniting Boston's startup community for a day of valuable connections, actionable insights, and expansion opportunities. Secure your pass at today's rates before prices rise.