Our Program
Annual $5M investment in seed-stage startups through our immersive accelerator.
Get to know us
“43North offers you so much more than funding. All the people here are really rooting for you. They've been so supportive in ways we could have never imagined even helping us find houses!”
— Scott Wayman, CEO & Founder, Kangarootime (Y4)
Accelerate Your Growth
Founder Access to
Operators-In-Residence (OIRs)
The OIR program at 43North is just one pillar of our mentorship program, surrounding founders with a diverse group of operators who have experience taking companies beyond the zero-to-one phase. OIRs support our founders on an as-needed basis, working with our accelerator cohort and alumni companies to help drive impact for the business.
Keenan Williams
Prabhdeep Singh
PORTFOLIO SUCCESS
A unicorn and publicly-traded company among our ranks
Since 2014, we’ve invested $5 million annually in startups that have created more than 3,000 jobs and gone on to raise over $1B in capital.
Our Y2 portfolio company and unicorn, ACV Auctions, was our first IPO in 2021. Other rising stars include companies like barbershop software platform Squire, which tripled its valuation to $750M in 2021 alone; Circuit Clinical, a startup aimed at bringing diversity to clinical trials, which closed a $29M Series C; and Top Seedz, which expanded its local manufacturing space in downtown Buffalo – just to name a few.
Hear What Our Founders Have to Say
What We Look For
Our startups are often seed-stage companies that have:
- Established traction with paying customers.
- Already raised venture capital investment(s).
- Have three or more full-time team members.
- Additionally, Founders should not only be willing to relocate their company to Buffalo, NY, but should see significant value and opportunity in operating here.
- Many past winners are graduates of other incubators or accelerators.
However, if you have an incredible company that falls outside this description, we want to know about you.
Application & Selection Process
Applications open once a year around mid to late spring and close approximately six weeks later. As part of the application process, founders will submit a written application and may be further selected for virtual video pitches and due diligence. Pending due diligence, a limited number of companies will be selected to pitch live on stage in Buffalo, NY. Only five will be selected for a $1 million investment and a spot in the following year’s cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the past 9 years, our accelerator program has evolved into so much more than a check for $1M. In addition to receiving investment, winners receive:
- Free workspace. Our new headquarters is in Seneca One Tower in downtown Buffalo. You will work alongside some of the city’s fastest-growing companies, leading researchers, esteemed business executives and brightest minds.
- Mentorship. We pair our portfolio companies with experts and other founders specific to their industry. We have a team of mentors ready to help with any general business needs the company has, from marketing and sales to web development, recruiting and manufacturing.
- Access to our network. The 43North team is incredibly connected in the Buffalo business community, so whether you need introductions to potential customers, manufacturing space, corporate partners, or service providers, we are here to help! We’ve also built up a network of hundreds of VCs and angels from across the country so we can introduce you to potential investors when you’re ready to raise your next round.
- Recruiting, marketing and fundraising support. We’re here to help you scale in Buffalo, from hiring top talent to building a digital marketing strategy that supports your sales objectives. We have a full-time Director of Talent Strategy on our team, whose sole focus is helping you make great hires and a marketing team that can assist with everything from public relations to video production, graphic design, social media marketing and event planning.
- The opportunity to operate tax-free. Through the STARTUP-NY program, you and your employees can work free of state income taxes for up to 10 years. Learn more about eligibility for this program here.
Apply online here!
The 43North team comes from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, including PR, politics, HR and recruiting, multimedia, digital marketing, and national event planning. As long-time Buffalo residents, we have built up an extensive network with the area’s largest and most esteemed brands, so whether you’re looking for new customers, suppliers, partners, or vendors, we can connect you with the right people to help you scale. And if you’re looking for something to do in your free time, we have a team dedicated to events and quality of life. So, you’ll always have a new restaurant to try, a concert or sporting event to attend or outdoor activities to participate in (all year round)!
Learn more about us.
Learn More About 43North
Our Portfolio
Our companies include a unicorn and a publicly traded company among the ranks.
Who We Are
43North is a startup accelerator that invests $5 million annually into growing Buffalo’s startup ecosystem.