Buffalo, N.Y., [October 21, 2025] – Launch NY, the first and only nonprofit venture development
organization providing pro bono mentoring and seed capital to early-stage startups in the 27
westernmost counties of New York State, has launched its newly redesigned website. The updated
platform makes it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to access critical resources and for investors
to connect with high-growth startups across the region.
The website features streamlined navigation, improved search tools, and refreshed content
highlighting the full range of opportunities for founders and funders alike. Entrepreneurs can quickly
access information on mentoring, capital, and support programs—along with testimonials from
companies across Upstate New York, entrepreneurial journey primer, and a quick eligibility survey
to help founders determine if Launch NY is a fit for them. The redesigned platform also showcases
Launch NY’s robust resource network and a highly visible online application, helping founders take
the next step toward building and scaling their businesses.
For investors, the site now features testimonials from members of Launch NY’s InvestLocal
Financing Programs and details on how to join the 400+ investor community supporting regional
growth. Visitors can explore the only online platform exclusively featuring Upstate New York
investment opportunities through Launch NY’s Investor Network, with free information and sign-up
for the first 500 accredited investor members.
Funding for the new website was provided through grants from New York State Electric & Gas
(NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) designed to promote access to entrepreneurship
resources.
“Our new website reflects our mission to level the playing field for founders in a region that is still
working to build its entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that all entrepreneurs can access the
capital, mentorship, and community they need to thrive,” said Marnie LaVigne, PhD, President and
CEO of Launch NY. “We know how busy both founders and investors are, so we wanted to create a
central hub that makes it easier to discover opportunities, build connections, and take the next step
in helping startups prepare for investment from Launch NY and other funders.”
The redesigned platform builds on Launch NY’s proven founder-first tools, including the Resource
Navigator, Investor Network, and Seed Fund programs. Together, these initiatives and the new
website create an integrated ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs at every stage while providing
investors with greater visibility into the region’s most promising startups.
To explore the new website and learn more about Launch NY’s mission, visit https://launchny.org.
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About Launch NY:
Launch NY is the only nonprofit venture development organization and U.S. Treasury-designated
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves and directly funds startups 36
counties of Upstate New York. The core mission of Launch NY is to identify, support and invest in
high‐growth, high‐impact companies and to catalyze the entrepreneurial culture of Upstate New
York on behalf of job and wealth creation.
Since 2012 Launch NY has served nearly 1,860 companies which have gone on to raise more than
$1.5 billion, generate more than $275 million in annual revenues and support more than 9,600 jobs.
Aligned with Launch NY’s CDFI designation, more than 70% of its portfolio companies are located
in low-income neighborhoods. Launch NY delivers its mission via mentorship and capital access
programs, starting with pro bono mentoring through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence program,
Founders Go Big program for traditionally undercapitalized founders and Emerging Cleantech
Opportunity (ECO) Incubator. These programs prepare entrepreneurs for investment capital from
multiple sources, including Launch NY’s InvestLocal Financing Programs comprised of nonprofit
and for profit investment funds and the Investor Network online marketplace that fields investment
opportunities to hundreds of accredited investors. Through these vehicles, Launch NY is the most
active seed investor funding New York State companies, and it has been ranked among the top 5
nonprofit seed funds in the country.
Media Contact:
Cydney Sanders
Marketing & Engagement Manager
Launch NY
csanders@launchny.org
716-830-8060