Five Companies Win $1 Million Each in High Stakes Startup Showdown – Advancing the Innovation Economy in Western New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the eighth annual 43North Finals, New York State’s $5 million startup competition held in Buffalo, in which five companies were each awarded a $1 million investment. In addition to the financial investments, the five winners will relocate their companies to Buffalo and work out of the 43North incubator in the city’s tallest skyscraper, Seneca One. The winners were announced this evening during an awards ceremony at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.
“New York has become a model for fostering innovative economic growth and job creation, and programs like 43North provide essential investment and support to the breakthrough companies of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate the five winning companies for capturing this unique opportunity and look forward to seeing them move to Buffalo, hire staff, raise private capital, and invest in property and equipment. Their work will add to a region that is fast becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse.”
In addition to receiving one year of free space in the building's innovative and collaborative Tech Hub, the winners will also benefit from a rich pool of local resources, including access to experienced mentors, potential customers, business incentive programs, and 43North’s network of over 900 investors.
The Winners of the 2022 43North Competition are:
Agape Wellness - Rochester, Monroe County, NY
Founder: Khadesha Okwudili
Agape is a relationship wellness company that uses personalized questions to spark meaningful conversations.
AMPAworks - Santa Monica, CA
Founder: Bianca Gonzalez
AMPAworks is a camera that uses computer vision A.I. in order to have full inventory visibility in pharmacies, medical device companies,
surgery centers, clinics, and hospitals.
Mod Tech Labs - Austin, TX
Founder: Alexandria Porter
MOD helps enterprise companies create universal 3D content at scale by digitizing the real world using photos.
Otrafy - Chicago, IL
Founder: Nhat Nguyen
Otrafy is an AI-powered SaaS supplier management platform with the ability to automate compliance and identify risks.
Phood - New York City
Founder: Alex Parmley
Phood integrates with universities’ card services to create a connection between students’ flex dollar accounts and the gig economy.