Governor Hochul Announces 15 Startups Selected as Semi-finalists for Final 43North Competition in Buffalo
National and International Semi-Finalists To Pitch Live at Golisano Institute for Buffalo & Entrepreneurship on October 7 for Chance To Advance to 43North Finals Stage
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the 15 Semi-Finalists selected to compete in the final 43North startup competition, marking the last group of founders to take the stage in the nationally recognized program. The Semi-Finalists will pitch their businesses live at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship on October 7, marking the first time the Institute will host the event. The companies will compete for one of five $1 million investments and the opportunity to grow their businesses in Western New York as part of the final 43North cohort.
“43North has helped strengthen Buffalo’s reputation as a growing hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting ambitious founders from across the country and around the world,” Governor Hochul said. “This year’s Semi-Finalists represent the next generation of founders choosing Western New York as a place to grow their businesses and their ideas. I congratulate these founders and look forward to seeing them compete for the opportunity to create jobs, contribute to Buffalo’s economy, and become part of the region’s thriving startup community.”
For more than a decade, entrepreneurs from around the world have traveled to Buffalo to compete for a place in the 43North portfolio. This year’s Semi-Finalists continue that tradition, with founders coming to Buffalo from New York, Texas, California, Utah and beyond. Their companies span industries including Cleantech, Agtech, SaaS and AI, showcasing the range of businesses represented in this year’s competition.
The Semi-Finalists were chosen from 670 applications submitted by entrepreneurs from 63 countries and 41 states. Seventy-one investors and industry experts took part in the selection process, reviewing applications and engaging with founders along the way. Their expertise helped narrow this year’s applicants to the 15 startups advancing to the Semi-Finals. Since 2014, more than 25,000 applications have been submitted by founders from 134 countries, reflecting the competition’s growing national and international reach.
Since 2014, 43North has invested in 79 high-growth startups that have raised more than $1 billion in additional capital and created more than 3,000 jobs globally, with 60% of 43North portfolio companies maintaining a presence in Western New York.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “43North has served as a powerful economic engine for Western New York, transforming Buffalo into a premier destination for global innovation and entrepreneurship. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State's strategic investments in these high-growth startups have yielded massive returns — collectively raising over $1 billion in venture capital and creating thousands of jobs. As we welcome this impressive final group of semi-finalists, we are proud to see how this initiative has permanently strengthened the region's innovation economy, driving sustainable job creation and long-term prosperity for Buffalo.”
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