From Hustle to Breakthrough: Xena Intelligence’s Journey to a Tech Powerhouse

May 6, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (UTC)

Boston

Discover the inspiring story of Akhil Suresh Nair and Xena Intelligence, as we explore how a consulting hustle transformed into a thriving tech platform. Join Startup Grind Boston for a live podcast-style fireside chat about pivots, fundraising, and breakthrough moments that fueled their explosive growth.

Virtual event
Fireside Chat

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About this event

🚀 Event Overview

From consulting hustle to building a scalable tech platform, Xena Intelligence’s journey is a masterclass in founder resilience, clarity, and breakthrough execution.

Join Startup Grind Boston as we sit down with Akhil Suresh Nair, Founder & CEO of Xena Intelligence, for an authentic, live podcast-style fireside chat. Hosted by Jason Kraus (Prepare 4 VC), this session will reveal the real story behind Xena's evolution—from early service-based hustle to the development of a cutting-edge e-commerce intelligence platform.

Expect actionable insights, candid founder lessons, and a celebration of the breakthrough moments that changed everything.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a scaling founder, or an investor curious about founder journeys beyond the headlines, this conversation will deliver the clarity, grit, and inspiration you need.

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • How to transition from a services business to a tech product.
  • The "messy middle" of fundraising, productizing, and scaling.
  • The pivotal Breakthrough Moments that changed Xena’s trajectory.
  • Lessons in resilience, clarity, and execution intelligence.

🎤 Speakers

Akhil Suresh Nair

Founder & CEO, Xena Intelligence

From hands-on consulting to leading a tech-enabled e-commerce intelligence platform, Akhil’s story is one of vision, execution, and constant iteration.

Jason Kraus

Founder, Prepare 4 VC | Chapter Director, Startup Grind Boston

Startup ecosystem builder, investor, and advisor, Jason brings deep experience guiding founders through the breakthrough stages of startup life.

🎟️ Who Should Attend

Early-stage founders navigating services-to-tech transitions

Entrepreneurs preparing for fundraising and scaling

Investors seeking to understand founder resilience and pivot stories

Students and aspiring innovators curious about real-world startup journeys

Speaker

  • Akhil Suresh Nair

    Xena Intelligence

    Founder & CEO

Moderator

  • Jason Kraus

    Prepare 4 VC

    Founder

When

When

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (UTC)

Agenda

4:00 PMWelcome and Introduction
4:10 PMFireside Chat: Xena Intelligence's Journey
4:30 PMBreakthrough Moments and Scaling Lessons
4:40 PMAudience Q&A
4:50 PMClosing and Key Takeaways

Organizers

  • Jason Kraus

    Startup Grind

    Chapter Director

  • Yevgeny Ioffe

    Mi-Si Electronics Design, Inc.

    Co-Director

  • Steve Vilkas

    Prepare 4 VC

    Community Builder

  • Christopher Dube

    Prepare 4 VC

    Community Builder

  • Shweta Agr

    Co-Director

Global sponsor

Google Cloud logo

Google Cloud

Strategic

Greenberg Traurig logo

Greenberg Traurig

Partners

Boston New Technology logo

Boston New Technology

Prepare 4 VC logo

Prepare 4 VC

HubSpot logo

HubSpot

WeWork logo

WeWork

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