First Chair: December 2025
Welcome back to First Chair 🚠: Your monthly rundown on Vermont’s startup scene.
News & Events
Sam Holland / Informal
Sam is a hardware builder at his core, but has a rare talent for making it feel inviting to all. He’s built everything from brain scanners to burrito holders, and brings that same creativity to the meetups he hosts.
Phil Susmann / NUARI Spotlight
Norwich University has long been a crossroads of military service, higher education, and innovation. Few people embody that intersection more fully than Phil Susmann, longtime Norwich leader and President of Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI).
FY25 Impacts
The entrepreneur is our north star. Take a look at our impact in FY25.
Pillar Companies are Vital
Can anyone tell me how many hedge funds are in Vermont? That leaves entrepreneurs as our highest probability solution.
First Chair: November 2025
Welcome back to First Chair 🚠: Your monthly rundown on Vermont’s startup scene.
Phil Beauregard / Impellent Ventures
Managing partner at Impellent Ventures, Phil Beauregard focuses on uncovering the next unicorns in emerging regions, from overlooked cities to unexpected founders.
A Decade of Her: Female Founders Speakers Series
Kicking off on November 10th at Hotel Vermont in Burlington, Season 10 dives into “Trending.” Three founders will discuss fashion, retail, and strategy in an ever-evolving market.
VCET Portfolio Impact Survey – June 2025
Take a look at our portfolio’s Impact in FY25. Let’s keep going!
Brick Walls Are There For A Reason
Mission Murals VT rallied purpose and paint for change. Over 160 volunteers, more than 100 donors, amazing artists, residents, VCET members, and so many kids showed up and painted a beautiful new mural.
First Chair: October 2025
Welcome back to First Chair 🚠: Your monthly rundown on Vermont’s startup scene.
Adam Farmer / The Farmer Companies
Adam Farmer is the CEO of The Farmer Companies. Also known as the team behind Cabot Mac & Cheese, Nathan’s Beef Sticks, and Guinness Pretzel Pieces. If CPG is your thing, you gotta tune in.