Investing in the future of Buffalo through innovation and entrepreneurship

A thriving economy. A dynamic community. A $100M investment over 10 years.

Cutting-edge Startups

Radial Ventures is a unique venture studio built for this moment. Using a proprietary AI-backed validation and market research engine, Radial is bringing a new pipeline of new high-growth tech startups in Buffalo to market.

World-class Talent

TechBuffalo is introducing a new talent paradigm in Buffalo. TechBuffalo is a holistic and adaptable engine of talent development that introduces tech throughout the region as early as elementary school and continues active programming all the way through college.

Bullhorn for Buffalo Tech

The 43North Foundation is creating an engine of civic storytelling that will amplify the great things already happening, provide a roadmap for Buffalo’s tremendous economic potential and showcase how the region is a great place to live, work and play.

Corporate Connectivity

Building momentum around entrepreneurship is an urgent civic initiative in Buffalo. The 43North Foundation’s corporate connectivity pillar will drive practical engagement with businesses and their leaders so they can become investors, customers, partners and supporters.

43N Foundation

Our Vision

By 2035, Buffalo will be a nationally competitive hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. We will be recognized for:

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A thriving startup ecosystem with multiple exits and repeat founders.

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A strong, diverse pipeline of tech talent serving both startups and legacy companies.

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Collaboration between established businesses and entrepreneurs to drive new growth.

The Foundation is building on the abundance of regional assets already in place to supercharge the creation of  opportunity for generations to come.

Photo: Scott Siegel

Buffalo, New York

66

Buffalo region startups that raised seed, angel or VC from 2022 to 2024

$1.6B

Total value of Buffalo/WNY deals and exits between 2022 and 2024

10th

National rank by Marketwatch for cities supportive of startups

About the 43North Foundation

First there was 43North, the world’s biggest business plan competition for startups that was conceived in Buffalo, NY. 43North invests $1 million each year in five startup companies that pledge to move their business to Buffalo.

The success of those companies created the seed capital that formed the basis of the 43North Foundation, a new initiative that will turn Buffalo into an emerging center of AI-led growth and innovation.

Venture Studio
Corporate Connectivity
Talent Building
Storytelling

1

1999-2013

Four pioneering startups, Synacor, Campus Labs, IMMCO Diagnostics, and Liazon Corp., are created and grow significantly in Buffalo before successful exits.

2

2014 to 2024

The 43North business competition debuts in 2014, kicking off a decade of capacity- and infrastructure-building in Buffalo that includes the creation of many successful companies and exits; rise of private angel and capital networks; and resources that include seed funds, angel networks, investor syndicates, accelerators, incubators, mentorship networks and more.

3

2025 to 2035

The public debut of the 43North Foundation marks a new era in Buffalo’s innovation economy, transitioning from capacity-building to scale. The Foundation will do this work alongside many community partners and stakeholders, pushing Buffalo into an emerging tier of cities that are recognized for AI commercialization and growth.

Our Team

The Builders Behind the Vision

Ecosystem Innovators

United by a shared mission to build thriving ecosystems, our team brings proven experience in scaling ventures and developing sustainable impact.

John Gavigan
Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa

CEO, 43N Foundation

Dan Miner
“We’ve gotten a glimpse of what’s possible, and we are energized.”

William J. Maggio, Chairman of the 43North Foundation

Investing in an entrepreneurial ecosystem that's equitable, ambitious and built to last.