Governor Hochul Highlights More Than a Decade of Impact Through 43North in Buffalo

State-Supported Program Has Invested Millions, Created Jobs and Helped Establish Buffalo as a Hub for Innovation

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Buffalo is entering the next phase of its startup ecosystem, as the 43North accelerator program will conclude at the end of 2027, with its final $5 million startup competition taking place in the fall of 2026. Since New York State launched 43North in 2014, it has helped establish Buffalo as a nationally recognized hub for entrepreneurship - investing in high-growth companies, attracting top-tier founders and creating more than 3,000 jobs globally, nearly 1,000 of which are located in Western New York. Owing to the success of the state-funded accelerator program, the 43North Foundation will continue its work in Buffalo and WNY including a new Venture Studio focused on launching and scaling startups.

"43North represents the best of what a public-private partnership can achieve," Governor Hochul said. "Over the past decade, we've helped transform Buffalo into a destination for innovation, attracting world-class entrepreneurs and creating new opportunities across Western New York. I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made in my hometown and excited for what's ahead as Buffalo continues building on the momentum created through New York State's long-standing commitment to growing a strong startup ecosystem."

To date, 43North, primarily utilizing New York State funding, has invested tens of millions of dollars into high-growth companies, including ACV Auctions and Top Seedz, that have collectively raised more than $1 billion in follow-on funding, created thousands of jobs, and contributed to Buffalo's emergence as a competitive startup ecosystem. The program has also played a key role in advancing diversity in entrepreneurship and supporting founders from a wide range of backgrounds. This announcement is a testament to the impact of the State's long-term investments in 43North, which have led to the creation of the 43North Foundation, a self-sustaining organization that will continue to invest in a wide range of programs for Buffalo's startup ecosystem.

Read the full press release here.