May 6, 2024
43North $1MM Deadline June 7; Launch NY Raises Millions
43North's annual competition closes June 7, up to $1MM per winner. Launch NY announces new capital raises. Lena Levine featured as a 2024 community leader.
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 community for startups in America. To do this, BootSector provides infrastructure, events, and places to connect in order to amplify the impact of WNY startup leaders.
In 2024, we're featuring 24 individuals in WNY who make WNY a better community for startups. This feature is one small way we can say "thank you" to the volunteers that make an impact. Reach out and get connected!
This Week's Feature - Lena Levine
Lena Levine is an award-winning SaaS and startup industry expert with 15+ years of experience. She is passionate about helping founders validate software product ideas and help companies achieve product-market fit. Since 2013, Lena has mentored startup founders, built a local network of 900 women in tech, and organized 100+ multi-city tech events including coding classes, hackathons, and conferences in partnership with Girl Develop It, Inclusive Tech Buffalo, Founder Institute, and Buffalo Startup Week/Weekend. Lena splits her time between Buffalo and Miami while serving as the CEO of Forcoda.
Powered by BootSector May 7 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM
Why to Apply Webinar | 43 North (404 Link Removed) May 8 at Online | 11:00AM-12:00PM
Check out BootSector's community calendars for more events - now on Google and Luma! BootSector's Community Calendar - Google BootSector's Community Calendar - Luma
Any startup events that we're missing? Tell us at news@joinbootsector.com
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.
Amount: Up to $1MM
Deadline: June 7, 2024 Requirements: Winners must provide 43North with 5% equity in your company in the form of a warrant. Winners must also agree to locate your CEO and 50% of your staff in Buffalo for at least 12 months as well as participate in monthly programming.
Got news you'd like to share? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com !
Verivend's Journey to Revolutionize FinTech in Upstate New York | Buffalo Rising Buffalo Games' Nagendra Raina on power, people, and puzzles | Buffalo Business First (404 Link Removed) Startups FIRE Awards winners share advice and tips | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed) Launch NY raises millions to support startups | Buffalo Inno (404 Link Removed)
How Can I Help You?
Most of us need help. So what's the right and wrong way to ask? Is there a mindset that can help grow a community instead of diminish it?
When we ask for help, we have the tendency to treat people as means to and end sometimes, and that's OK. But others don't exist solely to meet our needs. Each individual possesses their own rationality, agency, and dignity. Each has their own purpose - call it destiny or maybe their ultimate goal.
Don't approach someone solely through the lens of "What can you do for me?" but also ask, "How can I help you become who you're supposed to be?"
Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector