TLDR:
- Curie.bio, a venture capital firm in Kendall Square, is using billboards to attract entrepreneurs in need of funding.
- Massive changes in the local VC landscape post-COVID include the rise of health care startups and a shift towards West Coast funding sources.
A recent article by Scott Kirsner explores how the Boston venture capital scene is evolving, with a focus on Curie.bio’s unconventional use of billboards on the Mass Pike to attract entrepreneurs seeking funding. While traditionally, VC funding in Boston relied on personal connections and quiet vetting, the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years.
In the tech sector, the dissolution of OpenView Venture Partners and other changes have highlighted a shift towards West Coast funding sources for young startups. However, in the life sciences and health care sectors, Boston continues to thrive, with significant investments pouring into companies like Curie.bio and Flagship Pioneering.
Overall, the data shows a significant increase in health care startup funding in Massachusetts, outpacing information technology startups by a wide margin. This shift has led to a deeper specialization in the local VC ecosystem, with firms like Atlas and Flagship focusing on cutting-edge biotech and life sciences investments.
While some worry about the potential brain drain as entrepreneurs seek funding in other states, particularly on the West Coast, others argue that the Boston area remains a hotbed for talent in the life sciences field. The competition for human talent, rather than billboards, remains a key focus for VC firms.
In conclusion, Boston’s venture capital scene is undergoing significant change, with health care startups leading the way and a shift towards West Coast funding sources for tech startups. The competition for human talent remains fierce, highlighting the importance of specialized investments in cutting-edge industries.
