BOSTON, October 16, 2025 – The Sheraton Boston Hotel became the epicenter of innovation as TiECON East 2025 brought together over 450 attendees, ranging from seasoned billion-dollar founders to first-time entrepreneurs. Organized by TiE Boston and co-hosted by TiE New York, this premier conference explored the deeply human side of entrepreneurship under this year’s theme, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship.”
Purnanand Sarma, President of TiE Boston, emphasized the event’s unique approach: “This conference delved into what truly drives people to build, take risks, and overcome challenges. The energy was remarkable, and our goal is to continue providing something truly distinctive every year.”
The conference opened with a compelling dialogue between Nitin Nohria, former Dean of Harvard Business School and current Partner and Chairman at Thrive Capital, and Steve Papa, founder of Parallel Wireless and Endeca. Dr. Atul Dhir, Co-Chair of TiECON East 2025, noted, “Hearing these two industry leaders discuss leadership, innovation, and global impact was an invaluable experience for entrepreneurs at every stage.”
The program also highlighted breakthrough technologies, including mRNA innovations and developments in AI, alongside an afternoon keynote by Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. Paley shared strategies to expand the state’s innovation ecosystem and emphasized the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in driving large-scale impact.
“Entrepreneurship requires both intellectual depth and emotional resilience,” said Satish Bhat, Co-Chair of TiECON East 2025. “From networking lounges to breakout sessions and the Innovation Showcase, the conference buzzed with collaboration and creative energy.”
Over 20 early-stage startups presented their pioneering solutions in AI, digital health, robotics, and cross-border ventures during the Innovation Spotlight. The event attracted participants from across the U.S. and India, blending global perspectives with local impact.
Jignesh Patel, President of TiE New York, praised the collaboration between Boston and New York chapters: “This partnership has energized TiECON East, creating a model for other chapters to emulate.”
Panels and discussions covered topics from creative leadership to technology’s social impact, emphasizing TiECON East’s mission: empowering founders to build ventures with meaning, clarity, and purpose.
Dr. Dhir concluded, “This year, we focused on the mindset, courage, and grit required to truly innovate—beyond just capital strategy or product-market fit.”
As the conference wrapped, attendees left with a clear takeaway: entrepreneurship thrives not just through what we create, but through how and why we pursue it. TiECON East 2025 set a new benchmark for entrepreneurial events, blending inspiration, insight, and innovation.
About TiECON East
TiECON East is TiE Boston’s flagship entrepreneurship conference, connecting founders with mentors, investors, and executives. It fosters innovation through networking, education, and funding opportunities.
About TiE Boston
Founded in 1997, TiE Boston is one of the oldest TiE chapters, committed to mentoring and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. Its network of seasoned entrepreneurs provides guidance, mentorship, and resources to drive the next generation of business leaders.
