[{"_1":2,"_246":-5,"_247":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_28":29},"root",{"_5":6,"_22":23,"_24":25,"_26":27},"settings",{"_7":8,"_9":8,"_10":8,"_11":8,"_12":13,"_14":15,"_16":17,"_18":19,"_20":21},"google_login_enabled",true,"linkedin_login_enabled","microsoft_login_enabled","apple_login_enabled","primary_color","#89d417","secondary_color","#a2e935","logo","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/branding_logos/Venture-Cafe-Cambridge-Logo_Horiz7_OneLine-large.png?X-Goog-Algorithm=GOOG4-RSA-SHA256&X-Goog-Credential=gatherus-storage%40itsp-160413.iam.gserviceaccount.com%2F20260516%2Fauto%2Fstorage%2Fgoog4_request&X-Goog-Date=20260516T214614Z&X-Goog-Expires=86400&X-Goog-SignedHeaders=host&X-Goog-Signature=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","community_graphic","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/branding_community/Cambridge_community.jpg?X-Goog-Algorithm=GOOG4-RSA-SHA256&X-Goog-Credential=gatherus-storage%40itsp-160413.iam.gserviceaccount.com%2F20260516%2Fauto%2Fstorage%2Fgoog4_request&X-Goog-Date=20260516T214614Z&X-Goog-Expires=86400&X-Goog-SignedHeaders=host&X-Goog-Signature=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","tenant_name","Venture Café Cambridge","locale","en","hasAuthCookie",false,"origin","https://community.venturecafecambridge.org","routes/sessions.$sessionId",{"_30":31,"_74":75,"_243":244,"_245":63},"session",{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":45,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37,"_73":25},"id",2589,"title","MIT Technology Review’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies with Editor Amy Nordrum","description","","start_date","2026-05-28T18:00:00-04:00","end_date","2026-05-28T19:00:00-04:00","is_registration_required","is_registered","space",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":50},13,"name","Havana Room","floor_plan",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},8,"label","Venture Café","floor_map_thumbnail","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/floor_plans/thumbnails/thumb_5th_Floor_Plan_N8ZEHmJ_YGnwDnB.jpg","floor_map","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/floor_plans/5th_Floor_Plan_N8ZEHmJ.png","event_id","a15f45e0-3ac8-4ffe-9b3b-5670100350ee","event_name","Boston Tech Week @ Venture Café","image","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_4_rrdem2J.png","image_thumbnail","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_4_rrdem2J.jpg","speakers",[],"has_free_spots","timezone","America/New_York","stream_url","booking_url","can_edit","event",{"_32":59,"_47":61,"_76":77,"_78":79,"_36":37,"_38":80,"_81":-5,"_40":79,"_82":83,"_214":215,"_216":217,"_49":-5,"_62":233,"_64":234,"_235":236,"_43":25,"_237":25,"_66":238,"_69":70},"effective_checkin_start_date","2026-05-28T16:00:00-04:00","effective_checkin_end_date","2026-05-28T21:00:00-04:00","2026-05-28T16:30:00-04:00","check_in_source","sessions",[84,95,105,130,142,164,183,187,196],{"_32":85,"_34":86,"_36":87,"_38":80,"_40":88,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":89,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":92,"_64":93,"_66":94,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2584,"Connection Collider featuring CIC","

The backbone of Venture Café – come meet the community and make connections with all different kinds of innovators. How will you make your serendipitous moment come true?

CIC, where Venture Café Cambridge operates, provides a unique combination of workspace, culture, and bespoke programming designed to support the local startup community. CIC offers more than just a shared office space; it is an intentionally designed ecosystem where the focus is on enabling members to do their core work without the burden of operational overhead. With nearly 100 AI member companies and counting, CIC Cambridge provides spaces for teams of 1 to 100+ to grow and build their business. Say hello to Jamie and Cale from the CIC Team for tours and more details. Learn more at cic.com.

","2026-05-28T20:00:00-04:00",{"_32":90,"_47":53,"_49":91},16,{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Connection_Collider_-_Picture_VOAXLvU.jpeg","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Connection_Collider_-_Picture_VOAXLvU.jpg",[],{"_32":96,"_34":97,"_36":98,"_38":99,"_40":39,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":100,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":102,"_64":103,"_66":104,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2588,"Angel Investing + Coaching Workshop","

Dive into the world of angel investing and perfect your pitch during our exclusive session with a Boston Angel Investor session. This dynamic event begins with an engaging workshop on the anatomy of a pitch, equipping you with the essential tools to captivate investors. But the excitement doesn't end there. For those eager to take their pitch to the next level, we offer a unique opportunity to secure one of only 5-7 coveted \"golden tickets.\" These golden tickets unlock direct one-on-one pitch sessions with me, where founders can pitch their business ideas and receive invaluable feedback and guidance. In a supportive and constructive setting, you will have the chance to refine your pitch, showcase your entrepreneurial vision, and gain insights from an experienced angel investor. This is your moment to shine and make a lasting impression that could propel your startup to new heights. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to connect with a seasoned investor and elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Join us at our special Boston Angel Investor Seession and unlock the door to potential investment and growth.

","2026-05-28T17:00:00-04:00",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":101},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_1_uSDERsl.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_1_uSDERsl.jpg",[],{"_32":106,"_34":107,"_36":108,"_38":99,"_40":39,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":109,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":113,"_64":114,"_66":115,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2593,"Demo Your Product at Sbur Decision Lab. Figure out Product-Market Fit. Explore Go-to-Market Channels.","

Founders, it’s time to move past the \"polished pitch\" and get into what you’ve built. We are hosting a high-impact Product Demo & Strategy Session on Product-Market-Fit and Go-To-Market, designed to stress-test your builds. You can lean on frank and honest feedback and ideas from your fellow Sbur founders.

\r\n

We are running a tight 15-minute \"Power Slot\" per founder to ensure maximum intensity and actionable takeaways:

\r\n

3- 5 Min Demo: Show us the live product. No \"About Us\" slides and no pitch —just the \"Magic Moment\" and the user pain you’re solving.
10 Min Strategy Lab: We dive deep into your Product-Market Fit (PMF) and Go-To-Market (GTM) hurdles. Resource Blitz: Rapid-fire feedback, tool recommendations, and direct intros from your peers.

\r\n

The Goal: Leave the room with a clearer roadmap and a handful of warm leads or tactical \"growth hacks.

",{"_32":110,"_47":111,"_49":112},5,"Santo Domingo Room",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_2_ljOsK6o.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_2_ljOsK6o.jpg",[116],{"_32":117,"_118":119,"_120":121,"_122":123,"_124":125,"_126":-5,"_127":-5,"_128":37,"_129":37},975,"first_name","Tony","last_name","Zhang","default_title","Founder","linkedin_link","https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-zhang-b914b6a/","profile_photo","profile_photo_thumbnail","default_bio","organization",{"_32":131,"_34":132,"_36":133,"_38":99,"_40":134,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":135,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":139,"_64":140,"_66":141,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2597,"Building Beyond Boston: Advantages in Arizona for Founders","

Join Musa Capital and the Arizona Commerce Authority during Boston Tech Week for a mixer with targeted conversation for startup founders interested in learning more about Arizona’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem. This informal gathering at Venture Café Cambridge is designed for founders at any stage who are curious about what it looks like to build, scale, or expand their companies in Arizona. During this mixer, you’ll be able to interact directly with Arizona’s startup and investor ecosystem and learn more about:

\r\n

Startup incentives and support programs available in Arizona
Capital opportunities for companies operating or relocating there
Lower operating costs and founder-friendly legislation
Access to talent, research institutions, and growing tech hubs
The broader vision for building one of the country’s most dynamic startup ecosystems

\r\n

We encourage founders of color, women founders, and underrepresented entrepreneurs to join the conversation and explore how Arizona is actively working to support a more inclusive and founder-friendly innovation economy.

\r\n

Whether you're early in your journey or already building momentum, this is an opportunity to ask questions, connect with other founders, and learn about new opportunities for growth.

\r\n

Open to founders across all industries and stages.

","2026-05-28T18:30:00-04:00",{"_32":136,"_47":137,"_49":138},3,"Santa Clara Room",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/DKmFnmZfy8vhPHdD7qxAR.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_DKmFnmZfy8vhPHdD7qxAR.jpg",[],{"_32":143,"_34":144,"_36":145,"_38":146,"_40":147,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":148,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":152,"_64":153,"_66":154,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2587,"From Whiteboard to Working Product, Live","

A 30-minute live build where Alec Harrison and Mark Stenquist from VisualBoston take a product idea from sketch to deployed app on stage using AI tools. The audience votes on the idea, and design and engineering run in parallel in real time. No slides, no theory, just a real build aimed at founders and builders.

","2026-05-28T17:15:00-04:00","2026-05-28T18:15:00-04:00",{"_32":149,"_47":150,"_49":151},1,"Octave Room",{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_3_NRvywhL.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_3_NRvywhL.jpg",[155],{"_32":156,"_118":157,"_120":158,"_122":159,"_124":160,"_126":161,"_127":-5,"_128":162,"_129":163},1717,"Alec","Harrison","CEO & Co-Founder","https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecharrison/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/Screenshot_2026-05-05_at_9.46.57PM_-_Alec_Harrison.png","

Co-Founder of VisualBoston, a design and development studio creating websites, apps, and digital products that feel effortless to users and drive real business results. I help teams and entrepreneurs design, validate, and launch premium digital experiences by blending UX/UI fundamentals with no-code and AI to move from idea to impact faster.

\r\n

With 15+ years of experience, I specialize in UX/UI design for web and mobile apps, SaaS platforms, and marketing sites, along with no-code builds, user testing, and AI-assisted prototyping. I work hands-on or partner with in-house teams to elevate quality and streamline delivery.

\r\n

My superpower: connecting design decisions directly to business goals so clients launch with confidence, knowing the design works for both the user and the bottom line.

","VisualBoston",{"_32":165,"_34":166,"_36":167,"_38":168,"_40":169,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":170,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":172,"_64":173,"_66":174,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2586,"You Shipped All Quarter. Which Features Made Money?","

A hands-on workshop where B2B SaaS product leaders connect their own GitHub and CRM to a live system and walk away with real data showing which features drive revenue and which correlate with churn. Attendees keep access to their instance after the event. Limited seats so everyone gets hands-on support.

","2026-05-28T17:45:00-04:00","2026-05-28T18:45:00-04:00",{"_32":149,"_47":150,"_49":171},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_fHLVZMl.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_fHLVZMl.jpg",[175],{"_32":176,"_118":177,"_120":178,"_122":123,"_124":179,"_126":180,"_127":-5,"_128":181,"_129":182},1716,"Matt","McGuire","https://linkedin.com/in/matthewrmcguire","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/speaker_photos/headshot_no_bg_-_Matt_McGuire.png","

Matt McGuire is the founder of VEKTIS, where he's building the platform product teams have been duct-taping together in spreadsheets for years. It finally answers whether the features you shipped actually moved the business. He's spent the last decade in the trenches of B2B SaaS product, and now writes and speaks about AI-native development, product operations, and the messy reality of building software solo in 2026. Matt lives in Austin and will happily tell you why most product teams can't answer the one question that matters: did it work?

","VEKTIS",{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":184,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":186,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":185},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},[],{"_32":188,"_34":189,"_36":190,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":191,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":193,"_64":194,"_66":195,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2594,"TED's The Arena: Deep Tech and AI Infrastructure Pitch Competition","

TEDxHarvard Square brings The Arena to Venture Cafe during Boston Tech Week. Early stage founders get 90 seconds to make the case for what they are building to a panel of investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders. No slides. No safety net. Just the idea, the founder, and the room. Whether you are pitching or watching, this is where you find out who is building something real.

\r\n

",{"_32":110,"_47":111,"_49":192},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/Screenshot_2026-04-28_at_2.11.43PM.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_Screenshot_2026-04-28_at_2.11.43PM.png",[],{"_32":197,"_34":198,"_36":199,"_38":41,"_40":88,"_42":8,"_43":25,"_44":200,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":202,"_64":203,"_66":204,"_68":8,"_69":70,"_71":37,"_72":37},2605,"Boston to Zimbabwe: A Pathway to Business, Investment & Trade Opportunities","

This session explores Zimbabwe, a country in Southern Africa, as an emerging destination for business, investment, and trade engagement. Designed for founders, investors, and professionals curious about international markets, the conversation will break down how U.S.-based companies can approach Zimbabwe through practical, relationship-driven strategies rather than high-risk entry.

\r\n

Led by Leonard Tshitenge, the session will highlight real opportunities across sectors including technology, agriculture, energy, real estate, creative industries, and the growing remote workforce economy. Participants will gain insight into Zimbabwe’s educated, English-speaking talent base and its position within the Southern African region.

\r\n

The session will also feature direct perspective from Zimbabwe through ecosystem leader Chido Chimedza, who will share insights on current market activity, business climate, and what U.S. partners should understand when entering or collaborating in the space.

\r\n

This conversation also introduces a structured pathway to engage further through an upcoming U.S.–Zimbabwe business and trade mission (August 2026), designed to connect participants with vetted partners, institutions, and on-the-ground opportunities.

Zimbabwe Market & Sector Snapshot

\r\n

Harare (Capital City):

\r\n

\r\n
Population: ~2 million (16M nationally)
\r\n
\r\n
Economic Role: Center for finance, education, and government
\r\n
\r\n
Talent Pool: 30,000+ university graduates annually
\r\n

\r\n

One of the most educated, English-speaking workforces in the region

\r\n

Key Sectors & Ecosystem Opportunities

\r\n

\r\n
Farming & Food Systems
→ Agro-processing, food distribution, export opportunities
\r\n
\r\n
Technology & Digital Services
→ Startups, outsourcing (BPO), digital platforms
\r\n
\r\n
Real Estate & Infrastructure
→ Urban development, housing, commercial expansion
\r\n
\r\n
Energy (Solar & Off-Grid Solutions)
→ Power for SMEs, rural electrification, backup systems
\r\n
\r\n
Creative Industries
→ Music, fashion, visual arts, cultural exports
\r\n
\r\n
Remote Workforce & Global Talent
→ Virtual assistants, research teams, marketing, tech support
\r\n

\r\n

Key Takeaways

\r\n

\r\n
Understand Zimbabwe’s position within Southern Africa and why it matters for business
\r\n
\r\n
Learn practical ways U.S. companies can enter and engage without large upfront risk
\r\n
\r\n
Identify sector-based opportunities across multiple industries
\r\n
\r\n
Explore Zimbabwe’s remote workforce and global talent potential
\r\n
\r\n
Gain insight from on-the-ground ecosystem leadership
\r\n
\r\n
Discover a structured pathway to engage through a U.S.–Zimbabwe trade mission
\r\n

\r\n

Lead Presenter

\r\n

Leonard Tshitenge
U.S.–Africa Market Advisor
Special Envoy for African Affairs, WorldBoston
Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
Founder, Consciously Exposed

\r\n

Featuring

\r\n

Chido Chimedza
Founder, U.S.–Africa Connect Summit
Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna
U.S.–Zimbabwe Trade & Investment Ecosystem Leader

",{"_32":46,"_47":48,"_49":201},{"_32":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/at_6.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/session_images/thumbnails/thumb_at_6.jpg",[205],{"_32":206,"_118":207,"_120":208,"_122":209,"_124":210,"_126":211,"_127":212,"_128":213,"_129":37},1543,"Leonard","Tshitenge","Founder and Lead Consultant","https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltshitenge2019/","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-cambridge/2026/05/11/3e89b0232c7a41748e9b61e35e465bce.jpg","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/profile_photos/venture-cafe-cambridge/thumbnails/2026/05/11/3c195abe967345bf9cb8217a9bbff6a4.jpg","Leonard Tshitenge is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advisor whose expertise bridges the gap between the U.S. and African markets. Through strategic partnerships, he fosters sustainable business growth and cultural exchange, working closely with institutions, the City of Boston’s Global Affairs, Economic Inclusion, Small Business, and Arts & Culture departments, as well as the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). His impact extends beyond the U.S., as he maintains key liaisons in South Africa, Senegal, Gabon, DR Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and beyond.\n\nA McKinsey Forward Graduate and Harvard Business Review Council Member, Leonard integrates creativity, data-driven insights, and leadership strategies to help organizations navigate complex global markets. His expertise lies in developing holistic solutions that blend artistic expression, psychological insights, and cultural intelligence—an approach he formalized through his proprietary APC Model (Artistic, Psychological, Cultural).\n\nWith a commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation, Leonard equips businesses and institutions with the tools to expand, adapt, and thrive in today’s evolving landscape.\n\n\\"At the intersection of inclusion and innovation lies the opportunity for growth. I help businesses get thereand stay there.\\" For more please visit www.consciously-exposed.com","my_sessions",[],"location",{"_32":149,"_218":53,"_219":220,"_221":222,"_223":224,"_225":226,"_227":228,"_229":230,"_231":232},"venue_name","address_line_1","One Broadway","address_line_2","5th floor","city","Cambridge","country","US","postal_code","02142","state_region","MA","google_map_point_url","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Venture+Caf%C3%A9+Cambridge/@42.3628339,-71.0864929,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x89e37a083d952987:0xbb22703f2a082860!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e370a5be2f5de3:0xffd5aab821582cd7!8m2!3d42.36283!4d-71.083918!16s%2Fg%2F11f_1g_4cv?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA2OUgBUAM%3D","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/event_images/techweek-boston-black.png","https://storage.googleapis.com/gatherus-app/event_images/thumbnails/thumb_techweek-boston-black.png","series_name","Thursday Gathering","is_checked_in",[239,240,241,242],{"_32":156,"_118":157,"_120":158,"_122":159,"_124":160,"_126":161,"_127":-5,"_128":162,"_129":163},{"_32":176,"_118":177,"_120":178,"_122":123,"_124":179,"_126":180,"_127":-5,"_128":181,"_129":182},{"_32":206,"_118":207,"_120":208,"_122":209,"_124":210,"_126":211,"_127":212,"_128":213,"_129":37},{"_32":117,"_118":119,"_120":121,"_122":123,"_124":125,"_126":-5,"_127":-5,"_128":37,"_129":37},"canonicalUrl","https://community.venturecafecambridge.org/sessions/2589","ogImage","actionData","errors"]