Startup Grind Boston x CIC Japan Desk

Monday, March 3, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CIC – One Broadway, 5th Floor (Havana Conference Room)
Cambridge, MA

Expanding Across Borders Starts with the Right People

Entering the U.S. market is more than a legal or operational step — it’s a team-building challenge.

This collaborative event between Startup Grind Boston and the CIC Japan Desk, supported by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), brings together international life sciences founders and members of the Boston innovation ecosystem for an evening focused on:

• Forming U.S.-based teams

• Navigating cross-cultural business dynamics

• Understanding structural differences in company building

• Making meaningful ecosystem connections

The goal is clarity and connection — not scale for scale’s sake.

Panel Discussion: Forming a U.S.-Based Founding Team

A moderated conversation featuring legal, operator, and ecosystem perspectives exploring:

• What U.S. collaborators look for in early-stage founders

• Cultural differences in communication, decision-making, and leadership

• Co-founder and early team dynamics

• Equity and governance considerations in cross-border startups

• Common pitfalls international founders encounter in the U.S.

This discussion is designed to be practical, candid, and immediately useful.

Founder Introductions

Participating startups will deliver concise 60–90 second introductions highlighting:

• Who they are

• What they are building

• The type of U.S.-based team members or collaborators they are seeking

These introductions are meant to spark intentional follow-up conversations during networking.

Intentional Networking

The majority of the evening is dedicated to meaningful interaction in a focused, welcoming environment.

This is an opportunity to:

• Meet international founders exploring U.S. expansion

• Offer insight into the Boston ecosystem

• Explore collaboration across disciplines and geographies

Rather than aiming for large attendance, this gathering prioritizes thoughtful dialogue and long-term relationship build