March 4, 2024
Pitch-In Buffalo Relaunches; Verivend Raises $1MM
Pitch-In Buffalo returns with three pitches including TimeCapsule and Clark Mediation. Verivend raises $1MM seed extension. GNF awards three new micro-grants.
Here's what's happening in the WNY Startup Community, brought to you by BootSector.
BootSector is an all-volunteer, grassroots non-profit that wants to make WNY the best startup community in America. To do this, we provide infrastructure, events, and places to connect in order to amplify the impact of WNY startup community leaders.
Startup Community Leaders
In 2024, we hope to feature 24 fantastic individuals in WNY who volunteer to make WNY the best startup community in America. Everyone has the potential to contribute and we should be especially appreciative of those who show up and help out.
This feature is one small way we can say "thank you" to those who make this community great. Each featured volunteer would be happy to speak with you and involve you in the vibrant events and efforts of BootSector.
This Week's Feature - Scott Falbo
Special thanks to Scott Falbo, who is a co-founder of LenderLogix and a frequent event attendee, panelist, and all around supporter of all things relating to entrepreneurial expansion and regional innovation. Currently, Scott works with LenderLogix's incredible team to create amazing software for mortgage lenders and their customers (NPS of 86 - not too bad)! Previously, Scott worked in software development and technology leadership in tandem with large government contractors and health insurers. When home, Scott enjoys spending time with his beloved family and encouraging the next generation of local entrepreneurs especially through the UB CoLab. Recently, Scott was honored to sit on a panel of local business owners in Larkinville and shared insights with the Western New York Prosperity Fellows. A fun fact about Scott: he coaches his sons' flag football teams (and the coach gets to be the QB, so he scores tons of touchdowns against 6 and 10 years olds)! We are delighted to feature Scott Falbo and we are grateful for his continued commitment to our growing ecosystem.
Pitch-In Buffalo Gets Started
A BootSector classic returns!
Pitch-In kicked off again in Buffalo with a strong showing from three great pitches: Karl J. P. Smith, PhD for Truest North Compass; Jess Kent for Clark Mediation; and Jonathan Wess of TimeCapsule. Special thanks to Megan Kelly and David Brenner (404 Link Removed) for planning and hosting this BootSector event.
(LinkedIn coverage: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjamin-spitler_last-week-bootsector-relaunched-pitch-in-activity-7167963282157338624-zGs4)
GNF Micro-Grant Award Winners
This incredible BootSector-powered group announced three new micro-grants!
Good Neighbor Fund is pleased to announce their THREE latest micro-grant awardees. Congratulations from BootSector to these new winners:
- Jacqueline Cherry and Muuvya: Transformative, inclusive, and mindful dance classes that foster personal growth, self expression, and well-being through movement.
- Tracey Wei and Parrti LLC: An apparel brand that engineers clothing so comfortable and versatile that they can be dressy for special occasions and dressed down for every occasion.
- Kelly Barone and The Makery Creation Studio: A unique café experience for people looking for things that are social and community-focused, that aren't based around bars or drinking. Instead of ordering food, you can order an art project!
Buffalo Fashion Runway - Black Carpet
Buffalo Fashion Runway (powered by BootSector!)pulled off another incredible - and sold-out - event this past week. Featured on WGRZ →, Most Buffalo, Buffalo Spree, and WIVB, this group celebrated art, fashion, and community by showcasing local Buffalo artists and designers while paying tribute to the diversity, resilience, and elegance of black culture and its influence on fashion.
Upcoming Events - Powered by BootSector
Check out these great events, all powered by BootSector!
Buffalo Open Coffee Club (404 Link Removed)
Powered by BootSector March 5 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM
Real Talk: Business Challenges and Growth Mindset
Powered by BootSector, presented by CoPivot March 9 at Sibley Square | 10:00AM-2:00PM
More Startup Community Events - This Week
Quiet week, this one! Got any startup events we're missing? Tell us at news@joinbootsector.com.
Looking for More? Check out BootSector's Community Calendar
Verivend Raises $1MM
The Buffalo-based fintech startup raised nearly $4MM over the past three years.
Congratulations to Verivendfor raising $1MM in investmentsas part of a seed extension round. Verivend has developed a payments platform built to move private capital, providing a secure environment for firms, funds and limited partnerships to complete investment transactions. The company was founded in 2019 by Rodney Reisdorf →, as well as Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Ebel (404 Link Removed)and G. Aaron Santarosa.
Funding Opportunities
Is your startup looking for investment? Of course it is. Check out these opportunities!
Good Neighbor Fund - Buffalo (404 Link Removed) - Powered by BootSector
Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Requirements: Fill out the application here.
Amount: Up to $1,500
Deadline: May 17, 2024 Requirements: This competition is open to businesses operating within the Finger Lakes nine-county region. The application opens this month, please send proof of residency/identification, business plan, and proof of at least two years of revenue (2022, 2023 Tax Return) to Assunta Davidson at axdvpr@rit.edu by May 17th, 2024.
Check out this week's Startup Community Asks
Got an ask? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com!
RIT Looking for Biz 2 Student Coaches
Coaching takes place on March 7, 2024.
Alumni and friends are welcome to volunteer as a coach to Biz 2 student teams. The coaching sessions will take place Thursday, March 7 from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm. 5 additional coaches are needed. Coaching sessions will be held in the SHED.
Email wpsdar@rit.edu if you would like to volunteer or if you have questions.
Pitch-In Rochester Looking for Pitchers!
Pitch-In Rochester (powered by BootSector, presented by StartupGrind) announced that they are looking for pitchers for their next event on March 14th. Click the link to sign up!
The Exchange at Beverly Gray Needs Mentors
The Exchange at Beverly Gray announced that they are actively seeking experienced mentors to guide early-stage entrepreneurs towards sustainability. If you possess mentorship experience and are eager to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to click the link above to access the application form. Join us in empowering the next generation of business leaders!
University at Buffalo Fast 46 Nominations
Nominations are open until March 8, 2024.
UB Fast 46 Nomination Form (404 Link Removed)
The Fast 46 program recognizes and celebrates the success of 46 of the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UB alumni or former students around the world. To be considered a Fast 46 finalist, eligible companies must have been in business since January 2020; have verifiable revenues of at least $100,000 or more in 2020 and 2021, and at least $250,000 in 2022; and the owner or leader must be a UB graduate or former student.
BSides Buffalo Needs Speakers and Sponsors
Nominations are open until March 31, 2024.
BSides Buffalo Speaker Form| BSides Buffalo Sponsorship Packet
BSides Buffalo is a community-driven, grassroots technology conference supporting the Western New York community. It will be a one day event, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in the recently-renovated Science Hall on the campus of Canisius University in Buffalo, NY.
NYBPC Judges and Mentors Needed
Nominations are open until April 1, 2024.
NYBPC Judge and Mentor Registration (404 Link Removed)
Judging the NYBPC is an opportunity to see top teams across New York State pitch innovative ideas and early stage ventures, meet emerging entrepreneurs, and be part of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the next generation. Judges and mentors are venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, experienced entrepreneurs or leaders from the business community.
In Case You Missed it - Startup News Briefs
Check out these news briefs compiled by the BootSector team!
- Circuit Clinical grows business | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed)
- Exo Supply launches products in Tops stores | Buffalo Business First (404 Link Removed)
- Startups to Watch | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed)
- Launch NY grows local economies | RBJ (404 Link Removed)
- Buffalo startup permanently closes operations | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed) - Entrepreneurs are getting younger and more willing to take risk | Buffalo News
- Q&A: Tom Quinn aims to make an impact with startup investment fund | Buffalo News →
On Traction
Let's face it, you want to get things done. Entrepreneurs are built to take action. But action doesn't happen in a vacuum. Just like a wheel, action requires traction.
So how can you get traction in a flood of messages, emails, and notifications? Here's a few ideas: establish a daily routine, get a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, a solid understanding of what is expected of you. If you can figure out when and where things will take place — this is how you get traction.
Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector