43North What We Look For - 43North

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 2014, 43North has invested in 59 startups from around the world, which have gone on to raise an additional $1B, with a $4.4B market value. Our companies cover a wide range of industries and verticals, from artificial intelligence to medical devices, consumer products, manufacturing, and all-in-one software platforms.

Learn more about our portfolio here.

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Squire founders

Our Awards

Each year, our winners receive a share of $5 million in investment:
  • One investment
    $1,000,000
  • Seven investments
    $500,000
  • Follow-on funding
In addition to the investment, portfolio companies also receive:
  • – One-on-one mentorship with experts in their field
  • – Class A office space in the newly renovated Seneca One Tower in Downtown Buffalo
  • – Access to an extensive network of 600+ investors, customers, and vendors
  • – Recruiting, marketing, and fundraising support from the 43North team
  • – Freedom from New York State taxes for 10 years, both for their company and the personal income of their employees. For details and eligibility, please consult the STARTUP-NY website.
Ravi Sahu

Ideal Applicants

At 43North, we look for companies with:
  • – Pre-seed/Seed stage qualifications
  • – Founders that have domain expertise and a great team
  • We do accept companies with solo founders, but our expectations will be higher.
  • – Traction with paying customers
  • – Revenue or a clear path to revenue within 12 months
  • – A strong value proposition to locate in the Buffalo region
  • Hiring needs that match our talent pool
  • Potential strategic partnerships with Buffalo-based companies
  • Locating in Buffalo presents a new opportunity (e.g. expanding into the U.S., establishing an East Coast presence, etc.)
In exchange for investment from 43North, portfolio companies:
  • – Provide 43North with 5% equity, in the form of a warrant.
  • – Locate their CEO and 50% of their staff in Buffalo for at least 12 months.
Liz Tsai

Eligibility

The following businesses are NOT eligible for the competition:
  • – Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts
  • – Residential real property business
  • – Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities
  • – Sports venues
  • – Gaming and gambling businesses
  • – Places of overnight accommodation
  • – Past 43North winners
  • – Entertainment-related establishments
  • – Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g. movies, albums, concerts)
  • Please give our Terms & Conditions a good look to make sure everything matches up.