
Deadline:
July 09, 2025
Location(s)
Online United States of America
Overview
43North offers an opportunity to scale your business with funding and an immersive accelerator program like no other.
Details
A Decade of Innovation & Proven Success
Since coming on the scene in 2014, our portfolio companies have raised more than $1B. With a unicorn and publicly traded company among our ranks, we’re co-investors with VCs like Bessemer, Iconiq Capital and Rise of the Rest, to name a few.
Application & Selection Process
After completing the online application, hundreds of applicants are narrowed down through three highly competitive selection rounds. The first two rounds are virtual. The third round is an in-person pitch on stage as part of 43North Finals.
Five companies are selected to receive a $1 million investment and join 43North’s accelerator in Buffalo, NY, for a year of programming and an unparalleled experience.
Application & Program Timeline
- June 11: Online application opened
- July 9: Online application closed.
- Mid July: Invitations will go out for virtual interviews.
- Late July/Early August: Those who move forward will have a 20-30 minute video interview with 3-4 members of our team
- Late August: We’ll notify you if you’re moving forward to the due diligence phase.
- September: Due diligence to pick the Final 15 invited to Buffalo
- October 13-17: 43North finals Week. Finalists will come to Buffalo, NY to meet the 43N team, get to know our city, and connect with 20+ VCs from around the country
- October 16: 43North Finals! Our selection process will conclude with 8 finalists pitching live on stage at Shea’s in Buffalo, NY. From there, 5 companies will be selected to join our Y10 cohort and each receive a $1m investmen
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
What We Look For
Investing in Seed-Stage Startups
Our startups are often seed-stage companies that have:
- Established traction with paying customers.
- Already raised venture capital investment(s).
- Have three or more full-time team members.
- Additionally, founders should not only be willing to relocate their company to Buffalo, NY, but should see significant value and opportunity in operating here.
- Many past winners are graduates of other incubators or accelerators.
However, if you have an incredible company that falls outside this description, we want to know about you.
Program Requirements
- What winners agree to:
- Provide 43North with 5% equity in your company in the form of a warrant.
- Agree to locate your CEO and 50% of your staff in Buffalo for at least 12 months.
- Participate in monthly programming
43North is open to applicants from anywhere in the world, and we’ve had companies from as far away as Nigeria, Israel, and Taiwan receive investment.
Dates
Deadline: July 09, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Over the past 9 years, our accelerator program has evolved into so much more than a check for $1M. In addition to receiving investment, winners receive:
- Free workspace. Our new headquarters is in Seneca One Tower in downtown Buffalo. You will work alongside some of the city’s fastest-growing companies, leading researchers, esteemed business executives and brightest minds.
- Mentorship. We pair our portfolio companies with experts and other founders specific to their industry. We have a team of mentors ready to help with any general business needs the company has, from marketing and sales to web development, recruiting and manufacturing.
- Access to our network. The 43North team is incredibly connected in the Buffalo business community, so whether you need introductions to potential customers, manufacturing space, corporate partners, or service providers, we are here to help! We’ve also built up a network of hundreds of VCs and angels from across the country so we can introduce you to potential investors when you’re ready to raise your next round.
- Recruiting, marketing and fundraising support. We’re here to help you scale in Buffalo, from hiring top talent to building a digital marketing strategy that supports your sales objectives. We have a full-time Director of Talent Strategy on our team, whose sole focus is helping you make great hires and a marketing team that can assist with everything from public relations to video production, graphic design, social media marketing and event planning.
- The opportunity to operate tax-free. Through the STARTUP-NY program, you and your employees can work free of state income taxes for up to 10 years.
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.