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Governor Hochul Announces Launch of 43North's Eighth Startup Competition

Buffalo-based Accelerator Kicks Off Search for Five Companies to Receive Increased Prize of $1 Million Each 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now being accepted for the eighth year of 43North, the state-funded accelerator that invests $5 million annually to attract world-class entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in Buffalo. This year, 43North is changing its terms by offering companies the chance to receive an even larger individual award than in previous years. 43North will select five seed-stage startups to receive an investment of $1 million each. The winners will join 43North's accelerator program, which has a proven track record of picking and elevating high-growth winners. 

"Since its launch in 2014, 43North has created a new epicenter of technology and innovation in Buffalo," Governor Hochul said. "Now, as we build back better than ever from the pandemic, 43North continues to revitalize this community and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs and creators to build and participate in Buffalo's growth. Innovation has always been at the heart of this city and I applaud 43North for their role in helping spur economic opportunity." 

On October 20, 2022, 43North will host an exciting live competition at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, where a panel of judges will consider pitches from ten finalists, then select and announce the five winning companies on stage. The startups selected to join 43North's 2023 cohort will each receive a $1 million investment, as well as office space, mentorship, and support from 43North. They will also have access to 43North's network of more than 600 North American investors. Companies will also have the opportunity to enroll in the START-UP NY program, and 43North's mentorship and support program, which includes: 

  • One-to-one mentorship, workshops, and access to a bank of consultant hours; 
  • Access to recruitment support services to help them grow their teams in Buffalo; 
  • Connections for business development; 
  • Marketing and media relations support; Investor introductions



Selected companies agree to provide 5 percent equity to 43North and to locate their CEO and a minimum of half of their staff in Buffalo for at least a year. See the full terms and conditions here



Empire State Development Commissioner and President & CEO Hope Knight said, "There has never been a better time to build a startup in Buffalo. More Western New Yorkers than ever are connected to the region's growing startup ecosystem—from investors, employees and suppliers to mentors, customers and service providers. We encourage startups with strong growth potential to compete for one of five $1 million prizes and the chance to scale their companies in Buffalo's thriving high-tech hub."   

Read the full press release here.