May 13, 2024
ACV Cuts 30 Jobs; 43North Foundation Struck by Lightning
ACV Auctions cuts 30+ employees. Lightning strike damages the 43North Foundation. Jack McGowan of WNY Venture Association featured as 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 - Jack McGowan
Jack McGowanserves as the Executive Director of Western New York Venture Associationand Buffalo Angels. Jack has spent a majority of his career working with startups in Western New York. Using his business acumen and network, Jack mentors others and makes Western New York a better place for startups. In addition, Jack helps nurture startups by volunteering as a mentor, pitch competition judge, connector, speaker, and promoter. Jack loves to meet new entrepreneurs and hopes that they learn as much from him as he learns from them. The mutual mentorship relationship is truly embodied by Jack's willingness and eagerness to try new things, listen, and help out.
Powered by BootSector May 14 at Seneca One | 7:30-9:00AM
How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide (404 Link Removed)
SCORE May 14 at Online | 1:00-2:30PM
How to Create a LinkedIn B2B Marketing Strategy for Your Business (404 Link Removed)
SCORE May 16 at Online | 1:00-2:30PM
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 !
ACV cuts more than 30 employees (404 Link Removed) 43North Foundation Lightning Strike (404 Link Removed)
Got something inspiring to share? Let us know at news@joinbootsector.com !
How Startup Equity REALLY Works
Hat tip to Shannon McCabe (404 Link Removed) for sharing this YouTube channelwith the folks over at Good Neighbor Fund. It was so good that we needed to share it with all of you too!
Don't Wait For Your Moment
I think most people exist in a state of waiting. One may have a vision about what their life should look like and what it will look like, eventually. Maybe this includes building something exciting and leaving a mark - for example, with a startup.
But don't confuse waiting with timing. The right timing can create an opportunity, but one can't seize that opportunity by waiting.
The ship to success doesn't simply come in to harbor. Success has to be gone after, fetched, swam out to, and seized.
Jordan Walbesser Executive Director, BootSector