Application
43North typically invests in companies that have founders with domain expertise, a strong team, and traction with customers (what some may classify as pre-seed and seed stage startups). We’ve invested earlier and later, so we encourage you to apply if this sounds like you.
Applications open once a year in late spring and close approximately six weeks later. Once the application closes, it will not open again until the following year. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to be kept informed on when the application opens.
Apply online here!
Each year, we select just five companies to receive a $1 million investment each and a spot in our following year’s cohort.
Yes. 43North takes a 5% equity stake in each winning company. You can read up on the Award Agreement here.
No. The 5% equity is non-negotiable in the form of a warrant.
Companies selected to join our program are asked to relocate 50% of their staff and their CEO to Buffalo for a minimum of 12 months. Please note that commuting does not count as relocation – you are required to have a residence within a 30-mile radius of the Niagara Power Project.
In addition to the investment, 43North winners receive free incubator space in Buffalo for the duration of the program, mentorship from experts related to their fields, and access to other exciting incentive programs. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Yes! 43North is open to applicants from anywhere in the world, and we’ve had companies from as far away as Nigeria, Israel, and Taiwan receive investment.
We do accept solo founders, but please understand that our expectations will be as high (if not higher) than that of companies with multiple founders. You will need to prove that you have a diverse skill set to handle all facets of a business, that you are resilient during the toughest challenges, and that you are committed to building a strong team around you in Buffalo. We’ve had teams with one founder succeed tremendously in our program, so it definitely can be done! Just know that we will set the bar higher for you, as we understand the ups and downs of growing a startup – especially when you have a small team.
There is no cost to apply to 43North.
Our apologies for any inconvenience, but we’re here to help! Please send an email describing your issue to applications@43north.org.
Yes! The application is open to applicants from previous years, and a few of our portfolio companies applied a couple of times before being chosen for investment.
The following businesses are not eligible for the Competition:
- Retail businesses with brick-and-mortar storefronts
- Residential real property businesses
- Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities
- Sports venues
- Gaming and gambling businesses
- Places of overnight accommodation
- Past 43North cash-prize winners
- Entertainment-related establishments
- Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g., movies, albums, concerts)
For this purpose, “retail business” means a business that is primarily engaged in making retail sales of goods or services to customers who personally visit such facilities to obtain goods or services. In addition, generally excluded are the following: buy-outs, roll-ups, real estate syndications, tax shelters and franchise-based outlets.
43North will cover hotel rooms and flights for all the finalists.
43North Finals week typically occurs in October. It is required that finalists participate for the full week Monday-Friday (often this includes traveling to Buffalo on Sunday).