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Kim Grant
VP Business Development
Olivia Hill
Business Development Manager
Matthew Hubacher
Vice President Research
Rob Leteste
Business Intelligence & Workforce Manager
Thomas Kucharski
President & CEO
Startup Funding for your Future
Buffalo Niagara boasts the local capital and recent proven ability to attract outside money for your venture. Plus, the region’s affordability – both in business expenses and talent – helps to lengthen your runway. Disruptive companies are raising significant capital and finding the resources they need to best leverage it within Buffalo Niagara’s booming entrepreneurial ecosystem.
$500M In 43North pitch competition annual awards
$530M startup funding raised for Buffalo Niagara based companies in 2021
$431M University R&D expenditures in 2021Supporting Entrepreneurs
ACV Auctions became Buffalo’s first (but not only) software unicorn after disrupting the automotive sales industry as we know it, ringing the NASDAQ opening bell in its 2021 successful IPO. Buffalo-based companies raised $225 million in startup funding in 2019, $205.7 million in 2020, and $530 million in 2021.
Since its founding, Buffalo has been home to innovators and entrepreneurs – that legacy continues today. As investors have looked beyond Silicon Valley and New York City, Buffalo has proven its intellectual might, work ethic, and innovative spirit can attract investment to grow. To learn more about the culture of innovation driving our region, Next Things Now, tells the story of a forward-looking city with a proud past.
Sources: Lightcast (establishments and employment), Buffalo Business First (angel and venture capital funding), National Science Foundation (college and university R&D spend)
Local Startup Funding Options
Sure you have the next big idea, but do you have the financial resources to make it happen? Our region works hard to connect entrepreneurs with the startup funding needed to bring their concept to fruition. The Buffalo Niagara entrepreneurial ecosystem has found a perfect balance between local funding resources and attracting outside venture capital. Here are some local startup funding resources:
Venture Funding Resources Blog 
ACV Auctions Software Unicorn Podcast