June 29, 2020

Launch NY June 2020 Newsletter

Launch NY Closed on First Qualified Opportunity Fund Investment

Launch NY’s Investor Network closed on the first widely available Qualified Opportunity Fund investing in an operating business in the region bringing accredited investors together to fund 3AM Innovations, a Buffalo-based startup that provides a wearable tracker for first responders in the field during crisis situations.

“With most of the companies we serve being located in low income areas, we knew that Opportunity Zone tax incentives should be a huge way to attract capital gains-driven investment. Given our unique position serving entrepreneurs and investors, our volume and infrastructure provides a way for a broad group of investors to jump into these deals using their capital gains but avoiding the burden of having to figure it out themselves.” – Marnie LaVigne (President and CEO of Launch NY)

Read More

Launch NY’s LP Summit Goes Viral

During challenging times, how do entrepreneurs respond? By meeting market needs, pivoting, and showing grit. So do investors, who came out in droves on June 29^th to meet Launch NY’s Limited Partner (LP) Fund portfolio companies on a virtual office platform from portfolio company Walkabout Workplace. Launch NY has over 45 LPs in its for profit LP Fund, nearly 100 accredited investors in its Investor Network, and dozens of others who request to “see Launch NY’s deals,” so the virtual event venue may be the wave of the future to convene individuals from around the country and beyond.

Catch opening remarks including George Chamoun, CEO of ACV Auctions, and company presentations, and learn more about Launch NY’s #investlocal financing programs.

Meet the Companies

Startup Spotlight

Promptous Becomes Launch NY’s 30th LP Fund Portfolio Company

We have announced Promptous as our 30th Limited Partner (LP) Fund Portfolio Company. Promptous, started in 2018, is a Syracuse-based technology company that administers Policy Hero, a member-first mobile and web platform. Currently with over 260,000 dental access points nationwide, the app helps to streamline enrollment, coverage and reimbursement processes for companies providing dental benefits to their employees.

Heat Inverse, Ecolectro and Paradigm are among the 20 semifinalists in the 76West Clean Energy Competition. The semifinalists will present their final pitches of the Competition to a panel of judges the week of August 17. Launch NY’s financing programs and Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator provides specialized, intensive resources to these innovative companies.

Learn More

Upcoming Webinars

Wednesday, July 15th
Grow NY – Last Day to Summit Applications to the Second Annual Grow-NY Competition 2020

Wednesday, July 15th
#LaunchHour – Launch NY TwitterChat: How to Close Down Your Business and Keep Your Bridges Intact

Sunday, July 19th
Last Day to Submit Applications for the First Chapter of The Clean Fight: Buildings Edition

Wednesday, July 22nd
MARL Accelerator: Startup Founder Webinar Series

Wednesday, July 22nd
The Tech Garden: Founders Chat ft. Fotokite

Thursday, July 23rd
How To Build Your Marketing Foundation with HubSpot for Startups

Wednesday, July 29nd
The Tech Garden: Managing and Hiring for Remote Teams

Join the Conversation on Twitter Every Month!

Wednesday, July 15th, join us for #LaunchHour! #LaunchHour TwitterChats are monthly virtual chats featuring important topics for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

This months topic is How to Close Down Your Business and Keep Your Bridges Intact

We cover new topics every month! – If you missed “Meet the Newest Companies on Launch NY’s Investor Network” – Catch up here!

View our TwitterChats archive.

Join Investor Network Q&A!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to listen to a virtual pitch from the exciting early stage companies that are currently listed on the Launch NY Investor Network. You will be able to speak with the founders and ask any questions you may have. It’s a great opportunity to meet founders and hear more details about the companies that you’re interested in.

Tag: Launch NY June 2020, Startup funding, Qualified Opportunity Fund, LP Summit, Investor Network, Manufacturing technology, Cleantech startups, 76West Clean Energy, ECO Incubator, LP Fund Portfolio, Startup ecosystem, Entrepreneurship support, Buffalo startups, New York entrepreneurs, Innovation funding, Virtual pitch events, Early-stage companies, Startup mentorship, Investor connections, Clean energy competition, Launch NY June 2020 newsletter highlights, Qualified Opportunity Fund for startups, LP Summit virtual event recap, Investor Network insights and updates, How Shift 2.0 supports manufacturing tech, Overview of 76West Clean Energy finalists, Benefits of the ECO Incubator program, Success stories from LP Fund Portfolio, Importance of startup ecosystems in Buffalo, Opportunities for New York entrepreneurs, Innovative funding solutions for startups, Insights into virtual pitch events for startups, Connecting early-stage companies with investors, Mentorship programs for startup growth, Building investor connections in New York, Role of clean energy competitions for startups, Launch NY’s impact on regional startups, Funding opportunities through Launch NY, Enhancing manufacturing with Shift 2.0 tech, Startup success stories from Launch NY.