September 18, 2017

Launch NY Newsletter – September 2017

Launch NY

Launch NY News & Updates	Upcoming Events
Viaduct’s Commitment to Startup Success Leads to Launch NY Seed Fund Contribution Launch NY announced this month that Viaduct has contributed $150,000 to the Launch NY Seed Fund. This contribution to Launch NY, one of Upstate NY’s most active seed-stage investors, will increase the number of promising startups receiving funding. “Our contribution aims to help Launch NY become a stronger force in providing the region’s best startups with vital seed capital,” adds Viaduct’s founder, Scott Stenclik. Read the full story in our press release. Viaduct’s contribution is a great example of how together we can all play a role in lifting up our region. You too can contribute to the early success of our local startups by donating to the Launch NY Seed Fund. NYSEG & RGE Renew Support for Launch NY Launch NY recently announced it was awarded two grants, totaling $150,000 from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) to fuel new management and product development programs for high-growth startups supported by Launch NY pro-bono mentoring programs. “Our new award recognizes Launch NY’s proven track record in helping entrepreneurs address the greatest challenges in growing their new enterprises through their superior mentoring program combined with seed capital,” said Joe Rizzo, manager, Economic Development, NYSEG and RG&E. Read more on the new awards in our press release. Launch NY and Local Entrepreneur Co-Invest $100,000 in Patient Pattern Patient Pattern, whose goal is to solve the pain points in caring for the aging population, is the latest to join 11 other Launch NY Seed Fund portfolio companies from across Upstate NY. The Buffalo based health IT startup received a co-investment from Launch NY and Ben Sayers, founder of VOIP Supply, to ramp up their national expansion plans and hire key talent. Read more on our latest investment in our press release. Did you know that over half of our seed fund investments include one or more co-investors? If you are interested in co-investment opportunities please contact our COO and Fund Manager, Lindsay Stencel, at lstencel@launchny.org. Hear from Entrepreneurs who are Paying it Forward on #LaunchHour TwitterChat Entrepreneurs from across our region are not only contributing to local economic development they are also supporting the next generation of startups. Hear from several inspiring entrepreneurs including; Elisa Miller Out (Chloe Capital), Ben Reilley (Life of Reilley Distilling), Dan Maguszewski (ACV Auctions & Launch NY), Johan Klarin (Viaduct) and more, on September 20^th at noon, during the #LaunchHour TwitterChat!	September 20, 2017 #LaunchHour TwitterChat: Entrepreneurs Paying it Forward 12:00 – 1:00 PM September 19, 2017 The Building Blocks for Starting a Business 5:30 – 7:30 PM Syracuse, NY September 26, 2017 The Funding Roadmap 8:00 – 1:00 PM Syracuse, NY September 28, 2017 The PITCH MWBE Business Plan Competition 5:30 – 8:00 PM Buffalo, NY September 28, 2017 Networking@Rev 6:00 – 8:00 PM Ithaca, NY September 29, 2017 Big Opportunities for Small Business 8:00 – 2:00 PM Buffalo, NY September 29 – October 1, 2017 Buffalo Startup Weekend Buffalo, NY October 2, 2017 Lunch N Learn 10:00 – 1:00 PM Rochester, NY October 5, 2017 43North Finals 6:00 – 7:30 PM Buffalo, NY

Startup Spotlight
Farther Farms is Extending the Life of Your Produce Farther Farms is working to transform food processing with an innovative technology developed in Cornell’s Food Science department. The patented technology can extend the shelf life of fresh produce by months without using preservatives, chemicals, freezing, or refrigeration. By harnessing a unique application of high pressure and moderate temperature, our technique seeks to become the most sustainable food processing option available, reducing food waste, curtailing energy expenditure, and expanding access to nutrition. With wide ranging applications throughout the food industry, Farther Farms begins its journey with the Natural Cuts French Fry – a fresh-cut, never-frozen French fry – targeted for sale to the foodservice sector. “Working with our mentors and supporters at Launch NY has given us the professional guidance needed to push forward in this challenging endeavor. We’re seeking to make big changes in a highly competitive industry, and the local and regional support we’ve received thus far has been nothing short of extraordinary.” – Mike Annunziata, CEO Farther Farms Congratulations to the 43North Finalists Congratulations to this year’s 43North Finalists! Be sure to register for the final live pitch event on October 5th in Buffalo, NY, where 1 company will claim the $1 Million top prize. Congratulations as well to the more than 10 Launch NY client companies who were named 43North semi-finalists out of hundreds of applications, including, 3AM Innovations, EagleHawk One, Engio, MemoryFox, Patient Pattern, Peeva, POP Biotechnologies, Rachel’s Remedy, TenCar, Thimble, and Walkabout Collaborative.

#LaunchHour TwitterChat Tips	Launch NY Resources
LaunchHour TwitterChats are monthly virtual chats featuring important topics for startups and entrepreneurs. Join us monthly to hear from industry experts on our panel. If you missed us you can view our past TwitterChats in our archive and checkout some great tips from previous months below! August 16, 2017 #LaunchHour: How Entrepreneur Publications & Storytellers across the Country are helping to Grow Their Economies View the whole chat Here. Q2. What do you think are the most import aspects of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem? New Economy Initiative (@NEIdetroit) – Being inclusive is key. You need to have resources that welcome all kinds of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. #launchhour Bill Irvine (@TheSkepticGuy) – Support from universities, established companies, and especially local media. It takes more than the usual sources. #LaunchHour Invest Buffalo Niagara (@Invest_BN) – Collaboration and support. Everyone playing a role—it’s a team sport #LaunchHour 43North (@forty3north) – Community participation is key for startups to succeed in #Buffalo. Without customers, investors, and mentors from our community startups won’t succeed. It’s important for the community to know that this is a long game. #LaunchHour. Q11. How can people stay up to date on your publication, organization, or company? New Economy Initiative (@NEIdetroit) – Follow us on Twitter, FB, & Instagram. All linked on our website http://neweconomyinitiative.org #launchhour Invest Buffalo Niagara (@Invest_BN) – Listen to our #podcast Bell Ringer on iTunes/Podbean/Google Play/Blog http://apple.co/2uD18BW #LaunchHour Upstart NU (@Upstart_NY) – Read more at http://www.upstartny.org Subscribe by signing up at http://www.upstartny.org/NewsletterSignup.aspx 43North (@forty3north) – To learn more about 43North visit http://43north.org Find more great #LaunchHour TwitterChats tips in our archive! Join us for our next #LaunchHour TwitterChat September 20, 2017!	Upstate NY Resource Network Check it out here > Upstate NY Rainforest Canvas Study 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 > 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 > 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-in-Residence (EIR) Introduction
Meet Manoj Pooleery “It has been fascinating to work with some really unique ventures at Launch NY. The entrepreneurs have been hungry to forge ahead and while helping them navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial world, it also provided me some good learning opportunities,” said Manoj Pooleery, on his work as a Launch NY EIR. Manoj is a strong believer in practicing what gets preached, he is perfecting the art of practice as the Founder and CEO of M-Phi Innovators, a specialized technology services company that provides full range of innovation services to businesses. He provides end-to-end technology and business strategy definition and implementation to both startups and established businesses. He has helped many companies get started, out of the Columbia Business School as well as outside. Manoj’s unique blend of deep technology skills and management capabilities positions him well to make his clients successful. In addition to guest lecturing at Columbia, Manoj speaks frequently at both management as well as technology courses, both within and outside U.S. He has a Masters in Technology Management from Columbia University, Masters in Computer Applications and a Bachelors in Physics from Calicut University, India. Read more about Manoj and our other EIRs on our website.

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