BOSTON - BostonChron -- The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Venture Development Center (VDC) is partnering with TiE Boston Angels, Glasswing Ventures, Innospark Ventures, and Tola Capital to host the TiE Boston AI VC Forum on March 25, 2025, at UMass Boston's Dorchester campus. This event invites Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A AI-driven software startups, valued under $20M, to present their companies for potential investment.

The forum aligns with Massachusetts' growing AI ecosystem and UMass Boston's commitment to AI innovation, exemplified by the Paul English Applied AI Institute (PEAAII), the nation's first AI institute at a university. Dr. Shubhro Sen, Executive Director of the VDC, emphasized the importance of this initiative in advancing the state as an AI hub.

TiE Boston (https://www.tieboston.org/angels), a major non-profit supporting entrepreneurs, also serves as an investment platform through TiE Boston Angels. The TiE Angels network, consisting of 100+ serial entrepreneurs and executives, offers funding and mentorship to startups tackling U.S. market needs. Glasswing Ventures, Innospark Ventures, and Tola Capital are prominent venture firms in the AI sector, managing over $1B in assets and investing in more than 150 companies.

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Founders interested in presenting at the forum must register by March 13, 2025, through the TiE Boston Angels website. Selected companies will pitch their innovations on March 25, 2025. In addition to potential investment, the VDC will offer a year of co-working space and membership for up to three funded companies, providing access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community, high-speed internet, and other facilities. AI startups will also receive discounted access to VDC's high-performance computing resources, tailored to their needs.

Alok Prasad, TiE Boston Angels Chairman, and Rahul Chandra, co-program lead, are excited to collaborate with VCs and UMass to support AI-focused companies. Purnanand Sarma, TiE Boston President, highlighted the forum as part of TiE Boston's broader mission to foster innovation and leadership within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

TiE Boston, founded in 1997, connects entrepreneurs, executives, and VCs to cultivate the next generation of founders. Through its TiE Angels program, the organization not only provides funding but also leverages its global network to help startups succeed.

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UMass Boston, a leading research university, is dedicated to advancing innovation. The VDC has been crucial in supporting tech and life sciences startups since 2009, offering resources like business advisory services, cutting-edge labs, and access to experts. The VDC's Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program, a pioneer in providing visa support for foreign-born entrepreneurs, has launched 116 companies in Massachusetts, generating over 1,750 jobs and raising $1.6 billion in capital. For more information, visit VDC's website (https://www.umb.edu/vdc).