Ekua Mends-Aidoo and David Nasca bring decades of leadership, strategic insight, and a shared passion for building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation economy.
Launch NY, a nonprofit venture development organization and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), proudly announces the appointment of two business and community leaders to its Board of Directors – Ekua Mends-Aidoo and David Nasca – each united by a common vision: driving innovation, opportunity, and economic prosperity through for promising startup businesses across Upstate New York.
For Ekua Mends-Aidoo, joining the board is a natural extension of her long-standing commitment to creating systems where all entrepreneurs have a fair shot at success. As President of Clementine Gold Group, an equity-centered strategy and engagement firm, she has helped organizations align their policies with inclusive growth. Her leadership journey spans corporate, municipal, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors, including time on the leadership team of one of Launch NY’s own tech portfolio companies. Beyond her impressive resume, Ekua brings a deep connection to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — serving on boards including TechBuffalo, advising Launch NY’s Founders Go Big initiative, and contributing to Pipeline Angels’ mission to transform angel investing and venture capital.
David Nasca envisions his new role as a way to channel decades of financial leadership with multiple banking institutions into fueling regional innovation. As the past President and CEO of Evans Bancorp, Inc., which recently merged with NBT Bancorp, Inc., David guided the company’s strategic growth while remaining deeply engaged in local economic development. His history of supporting startups – from involvement with 43North judging process and Launch NY’s investment funds to health IT startups – reflects his belief that entrepreneurship is central to building vibrant communities. Today, as Vice Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and a leader on several other boards including NBT, he continues to champion initiatives that strengthen economic opportunity.
The addition of Ekua and David to our Board further strengthens Launch NY’s leadership team. With their extensive experience and strategic insight, they will be instrumental in advancing our mission to provide high-growth startups in Upstate New York with the mentorship, resources, and capital they need to thrive and scale.
“Ekua and David both understand that startups are more than just businesses — they’re engines for transformation in communities across Upstate NY,” said Marnie LaVigne, PhD, President and CEO of Launch NY. “Their track records show not only a mastery of strategy and growth but also a genuine commitment to lifting up people and ideas that can create even more momentum in our region’s renaissance.”