November 2, 2021

Launch NY October Newsletter 2021

“While we’re always excited about funding new companies for the first time, the theme of Q3 investments was definitely the strong performance that netted our follow-on funding into a half a dozen of our portfolio companies,” said Marnie LaVigne Ph.D., President and CEO of Launch NY. “On top of that, we closed on 7 Investor Network deals as well from our pool of over 150 accredited investors who wanted to join our #investlocal activity.”

Launch NY’s Investment announcement for Q3 included its Q3 investments from its nonprofit Seed Fund and for profit LP Fund, which totaled $580,000 across seven companies, bringing the total investment from these funds since inception to $3.97MM in 77 companies from the nonprofit fund and over $1.90MM in 47 companies from the for profit fund.

LAUNCH NY RECEIVED $750,000 FEDERAL GRANT FOR NEW PROGRAM TO FAST FORWARD TECH DRIVEN START UPS

Launch NY will use the grant to fund its ‘Fast Forward for Tech-Driven Startups.’ “Since 2012 we’ve built an incredible pipeline of nearly 1,300 startups through our mentorship, and now we can take those who have made it fully into the seed stage and provide a new Fast Forward curriculum,” said Dr. Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO of Launch NY. LaVigne said the Fast Forward curriculum will include a suite of evaluation and programming methods to identify and match the needs of more advanced startups by Technology Readiness Level and other relevant tools, a Company Action Plan, and subject matter expert and industry mentor panels to augment one-on-one EIR support. Development and delivery of Fast Forward will be bolstered through participation of partners including Endeavor WNY and Upstate Venture Connect.

LAUNCH NY NOVEMBER 18TH VIRTUAL PORTFOLIO COMPANY SHOWCASE

Once again, Launch NY will be hosting dozens of pitches and investor networking opportunities among our LPs, Investor Network members, and invited accredited investors. Featured portfolio companies span industry sectors including fintech, food, cleantech, and more, as well as its Founders Go Big underrepresented founders.Accredited Investors are invited to register here. To become a member of the Investor Network, here is our no cost, no obligation sign up, and video overview.

LAUNCH NY CLIENT COMPANIES WINNERS IN 43NORTH COMPETITION

Top Seeds Wins 43North $1 million grand prize

Top Seedz was started in 2017 right here in Buffalo, NY, where they are creating hand-made seed crackers and roasted seeds. Their entire product line is organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Top Seedz firmly believes that when one eats healthy, they can create positive change within themselves and the world.

Verivend wins $500k in 43North Competition

Verivend is a cloud-based network that allows businesses to quickly send and receive payments, communicate in real-time, connect with customers and vendors easily, fulfill requests, look at purchase orders, and so much more.

BetterMynd wins $500k in 43North Competition

BetterMynd has one goal in mind, to make mental health resources more accessible to college students. Through virtual sessions and cutting-edge technology, BetterMynd enables college students to access help and universities to provide mental health resources