April 18, 2016

Launch NY Newsletter – April 2016

Launch NY
Vital Startup Guidance for Entrepreneurs

CEO Quarterly Message:
Strong First Quarter

The first quarter of 2016 brings exciting news for Launch NY! In March the Launch NY Seed Fund made its first investment. We are thrilled to announce $50,000 in funding for women-owned medical device company, Rachel’s Remedy, and our second round is in review. Read on at Rachel’s Remedy Earns Launch NY’s First Seed Fund Investment.

Also, Remember Steve Case’ Rise of the Rest tour that awarded $200,000 to two Buffalo-based businesses last Fall? Buffalo and the entire Launch NY region competed and won a competition become part of the follow-up program called VilCap Communities. Join us April 20 from 12-1 pm #LaunchHour: “#ReInvent VC: Supporting Entrepreneurs Across the US” to meet Village Capital founder Ross Baird and our new friends from the VilCap Communities consortium of 16 US and 10 international cities to talk about bringing more venture capital to regions like ours that have great entrepreneurs but limited seed funding. Read more about the TwitterChat and Village Capital Announces VilCap Communities U.S.

Up Coming Events

Bright Buffalo Niagara Application Deadline
April 18, 2016
Buffalo, NY

WISE Unplugged
April 19, 2016
Syracuse, NY

#LaunchHour TwitterChat: #ReInvent VC Featuring New VilCap Partners
April 20, 2016 12:00-1:00 pm

Startup Grind Hosts Dan Magnuszewski
April 21, 2016 5:30-8:30 pm
Buffalo, NY

Launch Pad PITCH Competition
April 26-28, 2016
New Orleans, LA

LaunchNY Startup Spotlight:

Buffalo Automation Group

Congratulations to Launch NY client Buffalo Automation group on winning the top prize package of more than $50,000 at the University at Buffalo’s Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition!

Tencar, Inc

Tencar, Inc., a woman owned corporation, and a Launch NY client based in Batavia, NY, created a patented device for ostomy patients. Their medical device, the CHOICE CAP System, gives users extra security in preventing accidental leakage, promotes self-esteem, and relieves embarrassment. Recently, Tencar was named as a finalist in 2016 Rochester Venture Challenge. The contest will award $40,000 in cash and prizes to the winners.

Energy Intelligence, Inc

Congratulations to Energy Intelligence, Inc. on winning the Foundry Cup competition! As winners of the second annual competition, based in Virginia, Energy Intelligence will take home $10,000. Energy Intelligence is developing a technology that generates electricity from the motion of vehicles. Their patented system will be installed at high-traffic locations like parking garages and border crossings to convert energy captured from standing vehicles to produce electricity to power equipment onsite (e.g. lighting) and reduce facilities’ utility bills as much as 50% or more.

MadHops

MapHops, a Launch NY client, has created a brew drop that can change an average beer into a craft beer experience. Currently, MadHops is producing 6 different flavors that can be added to any beer. Peter Hanley, founder, is kicking off his Kickstarter campaign this month, alongside his work with Launch NY mentor, Al Culliton, who has used the Business Model Canvas to help the company develop a business model and network.

News & Updates:

NYSEG, RG&E Support Vital Seed Stage Business Resources Through Launch NY

NYSEG and RG&E have awarded two economic development outreach grants totaling $100,000 to Launch NY to fuel the implementation of Launch NY’s new seed fund that augments its business mentoring program with vital proof-of-concept support for high-growth entrepreneurs in Upstate New York. Launch NY will use the NYSEG and RG&E economic development grants for implementation, training, marketing, outreach, and communication services related to the new seed fund that targets $25,000 to $100,000 investments. Learn more at NYSEG, RG&E Support Vital Seed Stage Business Resources Through Launch NY

Launch NY Awarded $10,000 Grant from the First Niagara Foundation

Launch NY has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the First Niagara Foundation. “At First Niagara, we believe in driving innovation and the local economy by providing entrepreneurs with the funding and resources they need to grow and develop their businesses,” said Buford Sears, Regional President, Western New York. “We are proud to support Launch NY and help companies create jobs and become a successful part of the Western New York economy.” See the story at Launch NY Awarded $10,000 Grant from the First Niagara Foundation

Launch NY TwitterChat

Q1: What is the first step in tax preparation for startups? #LaunchHour

A1: Maintain an accurate set of books and records. Without maintaining a good set of records tax preparation is much more costly and difficult. It also helps the owners manage the business. You can’t manage what you can’t measure. #launchhour(@DopkinsandCo)

A1: To start the tax prep process, you need accurate books. This keeps adjusting journal entries needed to a minimum. (@FreedMaxickCPAs)

For our full archive, click here.

Resources

Is Launch NY a fit for you?
Launch NY provides entrepreneurs experienced mentoring using best practice processes and connections to specialized resources both in and beyond the Upstate NY ecosystem.Thus preparing you to compete for and win the funding and additional resources needed to move forward. Apply Now! >

Entrepreneur Toolkit
The toolkit is a set of templates and links designed to help start, launch and grow your business in upstate New York.
Check it out here >

5 Business Stages – Where are you?
Each stage contains critical deliverables for moving forward. Starting with the Explore stage, see where you are on the path to success.
Find out here >

EIR Introduction

Meet Paul Brooks

Paul, who is co-located at the Syracuse Tech Garden, has over 35 years of management experience in industry sectors as diverse as emerging business development, computer equipment leasing, enterprise software, marketing communications, and non- profit organizations, Paul is an expert in team-building, program management, and strategy development. He is a native of Syracuse and graduate of Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, where he earned a BS Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Marketing Management. Paul has had wide-ranging responsibilities in his career including sales and marketing management, sales training and recruiting, administrative management, marketing communications and PR, business development, organizational effectiveness, and new-venture business creation and incubation. To learn more about Paul and our other EIRs, please visit https://launchny.org/team-bios.htmr other EIRs, please visit http://launchny.org/team-bios.html .

We appreciate your interest in our work and mission, and we are always eager to share our vision with those who just want to learn more about the “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Please feel free follow us on our social media channels or explore our website, and refer others interested in our organization and services.