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§ Venture Capital · 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, NY 14203
Launch NY is a nonprofit venture development organization providing pro bono mentoring and risk capital to high-growth startups in Upstate New York. It equips founders with expert guidance and dedicated seed funding programs, preparing companies for further investment. This integrated approach accelerates business growth and fosters a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem regionally.
The organization commenced initial pilot investments in 2016, born from a critical need for structured early-stage support to stimulate Upstate New York's economy. This initiative transformed local innovations into viable ventures. Its foundation underscores a commitment to empowering regional entrepreneurs by bridging crucial funding and mentorship gaps.
Launch NY primarily serves high-growth startup founders across Upstate New York. Its core vision is to ignite regional innovation and cultivate a dynamic startup environment, establishing a new, thriving economy. By strategically connecting entrepreneurs with vital resources, Launch NY aims to secure long-term economic prosperity for the entire area.
Key people at LaunchNY.
LaunchNY has 5 tracked investments across 5 companies. The latest tracked deal is $13.0M Pre-Seed in CryoBio in February 2026.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2026 | CryoBio | $13.0M Pre-Seed | — | AG Ventures Alliance, Jade Cove Partners, Klessig Trust, NEW York Ventures |
| Jan 3, 2024 | Diadem Capital | $600K Pre-Seed | LaunchNY | — |
| May 1, 2023 | AvantGuard | $3.0M Seed | — | SOSV, Blue Ledge Capital, RED Bear Angels |
| Jun 9, 2021 | MemoryFox | $380K Seed | — | UB, Z80 Labs |
| Mar 1, 2020 | Casana | $2.0M Seed | NAN Jiang | Draper Esprit, NCT Ventures, Norrsken VC, Excell Partners, Impact Capital OF NEW York, RIT Venture Fund, Tech Coast Angels |
Launch NY is a nonprofit venture development organization based in Buffalo, New York, dedicated to supporting high-growth startups across Upstate New York. Its mission is to identify, support, and fund startups with high growth potential to drive job creation and economic development in the region. Launch NY provides pro bono mentorship through Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and access to capital via its seed funds and an investor network. It operates the most active seed fund in New York State, investing between $25,000 and $100,000 to help startups prove concepts and scale. The organization focuses on sectors including software and apps, fintech, hardware/robotics/IoT, healthtech, and transportation, impacting over 1,800 companies and supporting more than 9,600 jobs to date[1][2][5].
Founded in 2012, Launch NY was established to catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Upstate New York, a region historically underserved by venture capital. Key leaders include Dr. Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO, who brings extensive experience in innovation and economic development, and Tom Lynch, a senior executive with a diverse industry background. Over time, Launch NY has evolved from a mentorship-focused nonprofit to also managing for-profit limited partner seed funds, expanding its capital deployment capabilities across cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, and Binghamton. This evolution reflects a strategic shift to combine financial investment with deep operational support to accelerate startup growth[1][2][3].
Launch NY rides the trend of regional venture development and economic decentralization, addressing the gap in seed-stage funding and startup support outside major coastal hubs. The timing is critical as Upstate New York seeks to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries by fostering innovation-driven growth. Market forces such as increasing remote work, rising interest in regional ecosystems, and public-private support for economic development favor Launch NY’s model. By providing both capital and mentorship, Launch NY strengthens the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, attracting talent and investment, and helping startups scale within the region rather than relocating[1][2][5].
Looking ahead, Launch NY is positioned to deepen its impact by expanding its investor network, increasing capital under management, and enhancing its mentorship programs. Trends such as increased interest in regional innovation hubs and growing support for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) will shape its journey. Its influence may evolve from primarily a seed fund and mentorship organization to a broader ecosystem builder, potentially incorporating more sector-specific initiatives and scaling support services. This trajectory aligns with its mission to transform Upstate New York’s economy by empowering startups to become engines of job creation and wealth generation[1][2][4].
In sum, Launch NY exemplifies a successful regional venture development model that combines capital, mentorship, and community to fuel startup growth in an underserved market, making it a pivotal player in Upstate New York’s innovation landscape.
Key people at LaunchNY.
