VCET Launches ‘AI After Hours’ Meetup Series for Builders and Innovators

Kickoff Event on April 8 to Feature Pillar VC Founding Partner Jamie Goldstein and Neuroscientist-Turned-Founder Keith Gonzalez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Bradbury

VCET – Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies

david@vcet.co

BURLINGTON, VT – March 25, 2026 – The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) today announced the launch of AI After Hours, a new meetup series designed for first-time and serial builders navigating the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. The inaugural event will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at VCET’s innovation and coworking hub at 266 Main Street in Burlington, VT.

AI After Hours is designed to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, and curious minds across Vermont and the region— whether AI-native or simply AI-curious — to connect with peers, engage with investors, and access the resources needed to start, scale, and sustain their ventures. 

“Vermont has no shortage of technology builders, and AI After Hours is our way of giving them a third place to gather,” said David Bradbury, President of VCET. “This series is about creating a real, no-nonsense community where people can learn from each other and find the support they need to turn bold AI ideas into real companies. We’re thrilled to kick things off with two expert speakers and a community that’s ready to build.”

Topics will span the full builder journey — from ideation and team formation to raising capital in today’s AI investment climate. The kickoff program will feature:

• Jamie Goldstein, Founding Partner at Pillar VC, a leading Boston, MA-based venture capital firm focused on investing in technical breakthroughs to overcome the world’s greatest challenges.  Learn more at www.Pillar.vc

• Keith Gonzales, Founder of LucenArc and formerly at major cloud computing firms DigitalOcean and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Keith brings a unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and seasoned technology entrepreneur. Learn more at  www.lucenarc.com

• Pitch Kitchen: A fast-paced, open-floor session where attendees can share their AI ideas, solicit feedback, seek co-founders, and tap the community for support.

The event is free to attend. No cost. No jerks. No tokens. Advanced registration is required at https://vcet.co/event/ai-after-hours-putting-ai-in-april-2026-04-08/

About VCET

Accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, the non-profit Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) provides no-cost, expert business mentoring, venture capital and a platform of startup resources, innovation programs, Jobs In Vermont board, and a coworking workspace. In 2025, VCET was named an Inc. Power Partner and produces the Start Here podcast and Female Founder series. Learn more at www.VCET.co

###

RSVP