Launch NY’s Investor Network Fuels ShearShare’s Growth – A Milestone Investment for Buffalo’s Black-Owned B2B Beauty & Barbering Marketplace

Launch NY’s Investor Network recently closed a deal with 2021 43North winner ShearShare, a B2B mobile marketplace that allows licensed beauty and barbering professionals to access business-building resources on demand, starting with space to work.

A Black-owned company based in Buffalo, ShearShare was founded by husband-and-wife team Dr. Tye Caldwell, a 28-year industry veteran who holds a Doctorate in Professional Barbering and Cosmetology, and Courtney Caldwell, MBA, an award-winning former salon owner who also has 20+ years’ experience in B2B marketing.

ShearShare was recently featured on the Today Show on NBC, where host Al Roker called Courtney and Dr. Tye “a force in the hair industry.”

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received since moving to Buffalo after winning the 43North competition in 2021 – not just from the team at 43North, but from the entire community. Now Launch NY is helping us reach our fundraising goals through its Investor Network, which will enable us to launch our first distribution partnership, expand our product with a Web application, and more,” said Courtney Caldwell.

The ShearShare deal is the second collaboration with 43North, and brings the total amount raised and invested by the Investor Network to nearly $ 1.7 million.

“As the most active seed fund in NYS for the past several years, we know that capital at the critical early stages is the lifeblood of a healthy startup ecosystem, and in combination with strong mentorship, it is vital to the success of the startup companies we’re growing here in Western New York. Through our collaborative effort between Launch NY and 43North, we’ve not only helped support the growth of two high potential local startups from the 43North competition, but also engaged accredited investors in supporting these businesses,” said Marnie LaVigne Ph.D., President and CEO of Launch NY. “Through collaboration, the rising tides are lifting all boats!”

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Tags: Launch NY Investor Network, ShearShares growth, milestone investment Buffalo, Black-owned B2B beauty marketplace, barbering marketplace investment, Launch NY blog post, Buffalo entrepreneur investment, Black-owned business funding, ShearShares success story, beauty and barbering marketplace expansion.