You have a business idea. Maybe it’s a few lines jotted in your phone or a sketch on a notepad. Maybe it grew out of a discovery in a research project. Or maybe you’ve already started building it. Either way, you’re probably asking the same question. “What’s next?”
Launch NY provides pro bono startup mentorship to high-growth founders in Upstate New York. You’ll be matched with an experienced Entrepreneur-in-Residence who guides you through the Business Model Canvas. After at least three months, you may be eligible to pitch for seed funding.
Having mentored over 2,000 companies, we’ll help you reach the milestones that get you ready for investment, at no cost to you. Apply now, or read on to learn about the program.
Is Launch NY Mentorship Right for You?
Our startup mentoring services are built for high-growth startups. These are companies designed to scale quickly, attract investment, and eventually exit. Examples include software, AI, biotechnology, clean energy, manufactured products, and other tech-driven ventures built to grow well beyond a single location.
Small businesses like restaurants, local service businesses, and other brick-and-mortar enterprises are vital to our communities, but they aren’t a fit for this program. If that’s you, we’re glad to point you toward resources better suited to your goals.
Here’s what we look for:
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- You’re based in Upstate New York. Your business is headquartered in one of our region’s 36 counties, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Albany, and Binghamton.
- You’re building for high growth. You see a path to $10 million or more in annual revenue within five to seven years.
- You’re investable. You’re willing to exchange equity in your company for funding to grow, and you plan to eventually sell the business.
- You’re ready to commit. You can give real time and attention to working with your mentor.
Take our pre-qualification survey to find out if it’s the right fit.
“I am incredibly grateful to Launch NY for helping me find the right direction for my company.”
– Dr. Zina Berry, CEO/Founder, Z-Loupes
How to Apply
Getting started is simple. Begin with a short online application. With Launch NY, there’s no cohort or deadline. You can apply any time of year, and you don’t have to win a pitch competition to get support.
If you qualify, we’ll schedule an intake call to learn about your company and your goals. It’s a conversation that helps both sides decide whether Launch NY’s mentorship service is the right fit.
If it isn’t the right fit right now, we’ll tell you honestly and point you to other support. Upstate New York has many resources for entrepreneurs, and our Resource Directory is a good place to start. Sometimes the answer is “not yet,” and that’s different from “no.”
Working With an Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Once you’re accepted, you’ll be matched with one of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs). Your EIR is your mentor throughout the program. They bring years of experience in industry, business, investment, and entrepreneurship, and they know what it takes to build a company from the ground up.
Over the next few months, you’ll meet regularly and work through the Business Model Canvas, a proven framework for defining your customers, your value, and your path to revenue. Your EIR will challenge your assumptions and help you focus on what matters most right now.
Depending on where you are, your work together might include:
- Customer discovery and validating customer problems
- Vision, strategy, and your pitch deck
- Assessing financial viability
- Company formation and organizational development, so you’re building your company the right way from the start
- Going to market, testing proof of concept, and optimizing for scale
Meet our team to see who you’d be working with.
“Our experience with Launch NY was great. Our EIR was a second set of eyes on our projections and a good stress test of our business model.”
– Will Zacher, Founder/CEO, Makeoff
What You Gain From the Mentorship Period
By the end of your mentorship, you’ll have much more than advice.
- A clearer, stronger business. You’ll have a defined business model and priorities for product and business development. Using the Business Model Canvas, you’ll pin down critical elements like your target market and your pathway to product-market fit.
- A bigger network. In addition to your EIR, you’ll have access to our National Mentor Network of more than 400,000 subject matter experts, plus Launch NY’s events, networking opportunities, and research tools.
- A path to funding. When you and your EIR agree you’re ready, you can pitch to the Launch NY Investment Committee for potential seed funding through our InvestLocal Financing programs. Pitching is optional, and funding isn’t guaranteed, but you’ll go in prepared, with a company that’s ready for investment.
- Specialized support. Depending on your industry and needs, you may qualify for additional programs from Launch NY.
- Technical Assistance Program, providing no-cost legal, accounting, and financial advisory services for high-growth startups across New York State
- Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator, supporting the growing wave of clean energy startups across Upstate New York
- Founders Go Big, the longest-running program in Upstate New York dedicated to underrepresented founders building scalable businesses
Get the Mentorship to Grow Your Startup
Building a company is hard work, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, or anywhere in between, our mentors are ready to help you turn your idea into a company that can grow, attract investment, and make an impact here in our region.
Apply to Launch NY for mentorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Launch NY mentorship really free?
Yes. Launch NY provides pro bono mentorship to eligible founders at no cost, and there’s no fee to apply.
How long does mentorship last?
There’s a three-month minimum. Your EIR keeps working with you as long as you’re making progress.
Does mentorship guarantee funding?
No. Pitching to the Launch NY Investment Committee is optional, and your EIR helps you decide when you’re ready. Funding isn’t guaranteed.
What kinds of startups qualify?
High-growth startups headquartered in Upstate New York with the potential to reach $10 million or more in annual revenue within five to seven years, and founders who are willing to take equity investment.