Big news for Year 10 portfolio company FoodNerd: the Buffalo-based, woman-owned startup has officially opened its new 30,000 sq. ft., FDA-registered manufacturing facility in Clarence, NY. The state-of-the-art space will allow the company to scale production of its plant-based toddler snacks and create new jobs in Western New York. The ribbon-cutting event brought out strong
Top Seedz (Y7) has been named Best Seed Cracker in the 2025 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Awards. This national recognition highlights the company’s commitment to clean, simple ingredients and crave-worthy flavor. Made from pantry staples like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, Top Seedz crackers have become a favorite among health-conscious snackers. Built in Buffalo and backed
Circuit Clinical (Y6) has merged with Lightship, bringing together two leading innovators in clinical trial delivery. This strategic move positions the combined company to better serve the evolving needs of sponsors, CROs, healthcare systems, and—most importantly—patients. For founder Dr. Irfan Khan and the Circuit Clinical team, the merger marks a significant step toward building a
FoodNerd (Y10) Mega Puffs are now on shelves in 50 Tops Friendly Markets across New York, including right here in Buffalo. For founder Sharon Cryan, this milestone is deeply personal. She grew up in Buffalo’s Seneca Babcock neighborhood, where her family often relied on food pantries stocked by Tops. Now, her own product is available
Bounce Imaging (Y4) closed on $4.2 million in venture capital from multiple investors, including, R42 Group with participation from Good Growth Capital, Tanis Ventures and other investment groups and individuals. ACV Auctions co-founder and local investor Jack Greco. READ MORE