BootSector Mourns Alex Gress, 43North Executive Director

Here's what's happening in the WNY Startup Community, brought to you by BootSector.

We're Back!

The BootSector Newsletter team is back after some well deserved R&R. We're going to try out some new ideas in this space and we'd love your feedback. Got some thoughts, questions, or ideas? Just click the button below. Send BootSector Your Feedback!

BootSector Spotlight

Take a look at some highlights from groups that are Powered by BootSector!

WNY AgTech Meetup

Another fantastic AgTech meetup is in the books! Dan Abbotoy (404 Link Removed) 's Powered by BootSector meetup is growing with some top-level talent. Special thanks to Starco Lighting, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, 43North, and Empire State Development for underwriting this event!

GNF Announces Their Summer '23 Grants

Good Neighbor Fund announced four micro-grant awardees:

• Homage Design Co. (Lydia O'Connor) - Denver
• Plant Soul Vegan LLC (Oboseoye Ojeaga) - Buffalo
• KidocateRx (Stacie Lampkin) - Buffalo
• Rosia B. Mobile Phlebotomy Services (Candace Lattimore) - Buffalo

Powered by BootSector Headlines

Groups Powered by BootSector are in the news. Check out these stories!

• Good Neighbor Fundpartnered with TechBuffalo and UB's Blackstone Launchpad to meet with M&T's new tech hub →
• BootSector's Executive Director, Jordan Walbesser (404 Link Removed) was quoted on advice for launching and growing health care-related startups (404 Link Removed)
• BootSector Director Megan Kelly (404 Link Removed) is starting as a Startup Success Manager at the UB Cultivator (404 Link Removed)
• BootSector's Executive Director, Jordan Walbesser (404 Link Removed)was quoted on why he became an LP for Good Neighbor Fund.
• TechBuffalo and Invest Buffalo Niagara teamed up with BootSector for a Breakfast and Brainstorming Session about hiring and retaining international talent →
• Good Neighbor Fundfounder Jason Bartz (404 Link Removed) , sat down with Greg Pokriki (404 Link Removed)on the latest episode of the Bell Ringer Podcast
• Asif Hossain (404 Link Removed) and Jordan Walbesser (404 Link Removed) are exploring what it takes to keep international students in WNY and are collecting contacts at H1BinBuffalo.com (404 Link Removed)

Want BootSector to Power Your Project? Email us!

BootSector's Statement on Alex Gress

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the untimely passing of Alex Gress, the former Executive Director of 43North and an extraordinary leader within our community. Alex tragically lost his life doing what he loved, competing in the Muskoka Ironman Triathlon.

As a stalwart champion of Buffalo's startup ecosystem, Alex led with passion, vision, and tireless dedication. His work at 43North was instrumental in driving our city's entrepreneurial growth, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. His influence transcended the business sphere, impacting the lives of countless individuals who had the privilege to know and work with him.

Alex's zeal extended beyond his professional life. He was an exceptional athlete, an Ironman competitor, embodying perseverance and commitment.

The same discipline, determination, and strength that he exhibited in his races were evident in his approach to nurturing Buffalo's startups, making him a truly inspiring figure.

While we mourn this tremendous loss, we are comforted by the indelible impact Alex has left in our community. His legacy will continue to inspire, drive innovation, and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Our deepest condolences go out to Alex's family, friends, and all those touched by his remarkable life.

As we remember Alex, let's honor his legacy by continually striving to elevate Buffalo's startup community and living our lives with the same passion and determination he embodied.

Startup Community Events

Looking for something entrepreneurial to do? Why don't you come out to these upcoming events?

Startup Community Cookout

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-cookout-tickets-676671632067

Come to the Startup Community Cookout sponsored by TechBuffalo and BootSector!

Seating is available but limited, so if you want to guarantee yourself a seat feel free to bring your favorite camp chairs. Click the image or this link to register →

Upcoming Events

• Startup Speaker Series - Session One - Powered by BootSector - Monday, July 24 from 6-8pm at Twin Petrels Seltzer Co.
• Better Together - Powered by BootSector - Monday, July 24 from 7-8:30pm on Zoom.
• Buffalo Startup Coffee - Powered by BootSector - Tuesday, July 25 from 7:30-9am at HANSA
• Buffalo Cannabis Network - Powered by BootSector - Wednesday, July 26 from 5-6:30pm at The Beer Keep.
• Startup Grind July Pitch In - Powered by BootSector - Thursday, July 27 from 5:30-7:30pm at Innovation Square (22nd Floord)

And here's a few other startup community events to check out this week:

• Women in Tech WNY MeetUp - Wednesday, July 26 from 9-10:30am at HANSA

But wait, there's more! You can see all of the WNY Startup Community Events on BootSector's Venture Herd Calendar. Click the button below to see more! Check here for more events!

Startup Funding

Looking for news on fundraising opportunities or recent raises. We got you covered!

Copprium Raises $297,000

https://www.copprium.com/

Copprium, which officially launched in March 2022, creates conductive inks for manufacturers to use to print electronic pathways – from solar panels and biosensors to antennas and clothing with wearable sensors. Copprium's four employees operate out of the University at Buffalo Baird Incubator (404 Link Removed) . So far, Copprium has raised $297,000 in non-dilutive funding, according to its founder, Brian Bischoff (404 Link Removed) Is there funding news that we missed? Let us know!

In Case You Missed It - News Briefs

Check out these news briefs compiled by the BootSector team!

• Keith Blakely (404 Link Removed) (OnCore Golf) is dropping some startup advice (404 Link Removed) about perseverance.
• The University at Buffalo's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (404 Link Removed) graduates 49 new entrepreneurs (404 Link Removed)
• BosonQ Psiis now part of the Griffiss Institute's HUSTLE defense accelerator (404 Link Removed) , sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab, Rome.
• Buffalo startup ThinkTechis ready to add on customers (404 Link Removed)
• Congratulations to all the startups listed as finalists for this year's Fast 46 awards (404 Link Removed)
• Impact Capital (404 Link Removed) launches second fund to invest up to $15M in startups (404 Link Removed)
• Buffalo Business First goes behind the scenes (404 Link Removed) on how 43North selects contestants for their pitch competition.
• Microsoft TechSpark program welcomes TechBuffalo (404 Link Removed)
• Congratulations to Brian Bischoff (404 Link Removed)and Coppriumfor winning the 2023 TechConnect Innovation Award !
• LaunchNY introduces a new look
• Fret Zealot 2 crushes its Indiegogo goal (404 Link Removed)
• BetterMynd (404 Link Removed)and Dalorumgive some mental health tips for founders (404 Link Removed)
• Stratium (404 Link Removed) officially launches and is ready to solve some serious energy problems (404 Link Removed)

Did we miss something? Send us your ICYMI!

BootSector's Gives

BootSector believes in Giving First. So here's what we're giving this week.

Free Day of Coworking at Serendipity Labs

Join Serendipity Labs for a free day of coworking on August 9 in celebration of International Coworking Day. Enjoy complimentary mocktails while connecting with like-minded professionals, fostering collaborations and networking opportunities. Click here for more details (404 Link Removed)

BootSector's Asks

Once you give, it's ok to ask. So here's what BootSector is asking for this week.

This week, we're asking you to give our LinkedIn page a follow! Our LinkedIn page is a great source of information on what's happening in the WNY Startup Community in real time. Come check us out by clicking the button below! Follow BootSector on LinkedIn!

Startup Jobs

BootSector is always on the look out for job opportunities in the Western New York Startup Community. Post your openings on the WNY Community Slack → ! And let us know if you have a position to fill using the button below.

From the Western New York Startup Community Slack

• BosonQ Psi - Paid Internship (contact abhishekchopra@bosonqpsi.com)
• Kickfurther - Entry/mid-level operations person to work in their AR dept. (contact Heidimarie@kickfurther.com)
• FLX AI - Technical folks (data scientists/image scientists, software developer/engineers) with US security clearances (contact karla.george@flxai.com)
• LenderLogix - Customer Success / Account Management Specialist
• FTS - Mechanical Design openings (Buffalo and Rochester) (contact Mike Gouger)
• Reverse Job Opening - Alex Williams (404 Link Removed) is looking for customer success and project management roles (contact Alex here: alexbomaniwilliams@gmail.com)

Got a job you want to post? Send it to BootSector!

Parting Thoughts

People Influence People

The most important single influence in the life of a person is another person. Don't believe me? Ask any successful salesperson, executive, or founder.

People like to do business with and work with people they like. Personal interaction shows your character and personality in ways that an email or pitch deck can't.

So go pick up the phone and grab a cup of coffee with the people you want to influence. We can build a strong startup community one relationship at a time.

Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector Share this mailing list with your friends!