If you’re a serious founder, you already know how hard it is to find both meaningful capital and real, hands-on support outside of the “usual suspect” startup cities. But what if you could access $500K–$1M, a world-class ecosystem, and break out of the coastal echo chamber—with just 5% dilution and a huge updraft of attention? Meet 43North Accelerator: Buffalo’s standout startup rocket, famous for big checks, deep programming, and a proven ability to turn under-the-radar hustlers into breakout success stories. 🚀
In this no-hype, detailed guide, I’ll break down 43North’s entire value prop, investment terms, selection process, alumni, and strategic fit—so you’ll know exactly if this regional powerhouse is worth packing your bags for. Whether you’re a founder seeking injection-capital, a VC scoping new pipelines, or an ecosystem builder curious about playbooks that move the needle, read on for a tactical, founder-first download on how 43North accelerator delivers.
43North Accelerator Program Overview
Here’s your at-a-glance download on what 43North looks like in 2024:
- 💼 Program Name: 43North Accelerator
- ⏳ Duration: 1-year residency (with multi-year alumni benefits)
- 🌍 Location/Format: Buffalo, NY; 100% in-person (mandatory residency)
- 🚀 Stage Focus: Seed to Series A (post-MVP, traction preferred)
- 🧫 Industry Focus: Broad, but loves SaaS, HealthTech, Life Sciences, FinTech, AI/ML, CleanTech, Consumer/Enterprise Tech
- 💸 Investment Model: $500K–$1M equity investment per company (plus $500K+ perks)
- 📈 Equity Taken: Flat 5% (for all award levels)
- 🗞️ Fees: None to join; investment is true capital, not a fee-loan or SAFE convertible back to the accelerator
🌟 Why It Matters:
43North’s approach is not just “money for pitch deck” or a quick bootcamp. This is sustained, root-and-branch support, real venture capital, and deep integration into a rebounding region built for high-growth tech. The result? Startups like ACV Auctions have grown from humble beginnings to a $1B+ unicorn with deep Buffalo roots. That’s not just a headline. It’s a proof point. 🏆
43North Accelerator Investment Terms
43North doesn’t do half-measures—you get both real money and real skin in the game. Here’s how the numbers shake out:
- Cash Investment: $1M prize for one winner, with multiple $500K awards for others (usually 5–7 startups per year). 💵
- Equity: A flat 5% of the company, regardless of award amount—arguably one of the best $/dilution ratios anywhere for Seed/Series A. No hidden strings, just straight preferred stock at this stage.
- In-Kind Perks: Beyond the check, startups get free, modern coworking space for 1 year at Buffalo’s Seneca One Tower (the region’s top tech hub), plus access to legal, accounting, marketing, design, HR credits, and $500K+ in discounts/perks (AWS, Google, Techstars, etc).
- Ongoing Support: 43North accelerator reserves the right to invest in follow-on rounds and coordinates investor networks for future fundraising.
- Participation Clause: Big kicker—founders/team must relocate HQ (or big operational presence) to Buffalo for at least a year.
Net: 43North isn’t just fishing for rocketships—it’s fueling and co-piloting them, all while taking one of the founder-friendliest equity deals you’ll find at this scale. That’s why folks pay attention. 🎯
Why Founders Join 43North: Benefits
What do you really get by joining? It’s a long step up from cash and shoutouts:
- Unmatched Non-Dilutive Capital: Up to $1M, with one of the lowest equity asks in the game. Use for hiring, marketing, R&D, or a war chest—no spend micromanagement! 💸
- 1:1 Mentorship: Tactical, operator-led guidance from unicorn founders, deep-dive VCs, and active Buffalo/NYC/SF network. The access is real, not ceremonial.
- Ecosystem Embeddedness: Direct inroads to Buffalo’s revitalized tech, corporate, and civic networks—customers, partners, and even universities. You’re not on an island.
- Hiring & PR Muscle: Free, well-located office space, plus recruitment help and local immersion for teams—founders aren’t left to “figure out Buffalo” alone. Flexible hire support = fast upscaling. 🏢
- Perk Stack and Services: $500K+ in in-kind credits and support—legal, finance, marketing, design, HR, software.
- Long-Term Alumni Leverage: Ongoing support, events, and network access—well after you “graduate” the core program.
- Follow-On Fundraising: 43North accelerator has pro-rata rights and will connect you to VCs/angels for serious follow-on capital.
More than a contest or bootcamp, it’s a real accelerator—meaning: hands-on work, ecosystem landings, and a hard focus on getting you to Series A and beyond. It’s about momentum, not just exposure. 🌍🚦
43North Accelerator Eligibility Requirements
Is this accelerator for you? Here’s the short version:
- Stage: Seed to pre-Series A, with MVP, pilots, or early revenue. No pure “idea stage” applications.
- Team: At least 2+ founders is strongly preferred; solo founders rarely selected.
- Industry: High-growth, venture-backable verticals—think SaaS, Health, Life Sciences, AI/ML, FinTech, IoT, Clean/Circular Tech, Enterprise, Consumer.
- Founder Type: Gritty, committed, unafraid to relocate; CEO/lead founder must commit full-time for 12 months.
- Relocation: You must move HQ/major ops and real founder presence to Buffalo for one year. Yes, non-negotiable.
- Legal: US-incorporated or able to re-incorporate (international teams must play ball on structure).
- Participation: Full engagement in programming is required. No “absentee” companies.
- Exclusions: Agencies, consulting/service shops, small-scale or non-venture businesses, and non-profits aren’t eligible, period.
If this profile fits your startup—and you see strategic edge in a Buffalo hub—you’re in the sweet spot.
Application Process
Getting into 43North accelerator means more than just a clean Typeform submission. Here’s exactly how the process works, step by step:
1️⃣ Online Application:
Each spring, fill out a detailed application on 43North’s own portal. You’ll need company info, a pro pitch deck, bios, and crisp breakdowns of traction, product/market fit, and vision for the next leap.
2️⃣ Screening & First Cuts:
A mix of internal staff and external experts reviews applications for viability, stage, and fit. More than 1000+ apply; 90%+ go out in the first round.
3️⃣ Semi-Finalist Interviews:
The shortlist (think: ~20–25 companies) moves to remote interviews—think Zooms, deep dives on business model, founder backgrounds, and Buffalo readiness (commitment really matters here).
4️⃣ Finalist Pitch/Selection Event:
Selected semi-finalists pitch live in Buffalo at 43North Finals Night. It’s a serious, high-visibility demo day with judges, VCs, city stakeholders, and the regional tech crowd. Bring your A-game.
5️⃣ Award & Residency:
5–7 startups are awarded $500K–$1M and execute a Residency Agreement, formally locking in team relocation and Buffalo integration.
Pro tip: Start prepping before applications open. The selection ratio is tight (sub-2%), so polish your deck, practice your pitch, and show you’re “Buffalo-ready.” 🗽
43North Accelerator Portfolio & Notable Alumni
Alumni aren’t just for show—they prove (or flunk) an accelerator’s model. Here’s how 43North stacks up, with companies you’ll want to know:
- ACV Auctions (2015): The flagship story—a B2B auto auction startup that IPO’d at $5B+ and employs hundreds in Buffalo. Unicorn status, and the living mascot for why 43North (and regional bet) can work.
- Squire: Barbershop SaaS tool that’s become a star in venture circles, running up ~$165M raised post-program. YC alum, super-fast growth.
- Patient Pattern: Healthcare SaaS acquired by PointClickCare in 2022. Clean exit, shows impact in digital health vertical.
- CleanFiber: Green insulation/energy efficiency startup, Series B+, major employer in Buffalo—demonstrates deep “real tech” chops (not just AI/SaaS).
- Circuit Clinical: Clinical trial SaaS, has raised $32M+. Strong proof of healthtech integration and regulatory navigation.
- HiOperator: AI-driven customer service automation, $18M+ raised, classic AI ops win.
- Strayos: Mining/agriculture visualization AI, shows range of hardware-data mix.
- Kickfurther: Brand financing platform; gives a nod to fintech/marketplace breadth.
43North Accelerator Key People & Mentorship Network
No accelerator succeeds on money alone—real wins are about who helps you go further, faster. 43North’s team stands out for depth and operator cred:
- Colleen E. Heidinger (President): Set the modern direction, major voice and ecosystem builder for Buffalo.
- Andrew T. McLeod (Partner): Former COO at ACV Auctions (the unicorn); gives hands-on ops and scaling mentoring.
- Jack Greco (Investment Partner): Well-known angel, syndicate lead, and portfolio access point.
- Craig W. Turner, Janet Templeton, Maura Devlin, Chris Smith: Deep expertise in ops, marketing, and portfolio navigation.
Mentor Network?
100+ top operators, startup execs, and visiting VCs from Buffalo, NYC, SF, and the broader east coast ecosystem. These aren’t just “advisors on cap table” but folks who (frequently) drive in for pitch, fundraising, and team strategy sessions.
Plus: direct ties to local universities (University at Buffalo, Roswell Park), regional investors, health/life science execs, and experienced alumni ready to guide and open doors. It’s real leverage, not vanity mentorship. 🤝
43North VC Partners & Ecosystem Support
Often, the core reason to join any accelerator is access—to funding, partnerships, and network. 43North accelerator shines here by being a magnet for both capital and corporate:
- VC/Investor Network: Demo Days routinely host Greycroft, Accel, Revolution, Golden Seeds, RRE Ventures, Buffalo Angels, Launch NY, family offices and more. Proximity to NYC/Upstate seed/Series A pools.
- Enterprise & Gov Partners: M&T Bank anchors the ecosystem; Empire State Development and public sector funders support both cash and connections.
- Life Sciences & Research: Tight partnerships with University at Buffalo, Roswell Park, Jacobs Institute (think: health, medtech pilots).
- Ecosystem/Physical Hub: Seneca One Tower HQ is Buffalo’s downtown tech core; expect to share halls and elevators with founders, CTOs, and talent on similar journeys.
- Follow-On & Grant Growth: 43North helps companies tap into regional, state, and national grants, and coordinates introductions to co-investors for future funding rounds.
Summary? You’re not siloed. Instead, you’re plugged into a dynamic, growing tech city actively betting on your success with open doors and real commercial opportunity.
FAQ
❓ Is 43North only for US companies?
Nope! International startups are welcome (and have won), but you need to be able/willing to incorporate and relocate to Buffalo.
❓ Can solo founders apply?
You can, but success odds drop. Teams of two or more are preferred—ideally CTO + CEO split.
❓ What stage are most selected startups?
Post-MVP and at least some early traction—the “I built my prototype last week” phase is too early. Pre-Series A sweet spot.
❓ Do all winners give up 5%—even at $1M?
Yes: flat 5% equity for all prizes. That’s very founder-friendly for these check sizes.
❓ What’s the catch on relocation?
Gotta move HQ or significant ops to Buffalo (not just a P.O. box) with an on-the-ground founder/lead for 12 months. No workarounds.
❓ Does 43North accelerator help with visas?
Limited; they’ll introduce you to Buffalo-based law firms but can’t guarantee results. Immigration is on you.
❓ Is remote participation ever allowed?
No—this is true in-person, ecosystem-embedded acceleration.
❓ Consulting, nonprofit, or service companies eligible?
No. Only scalable, venture-backable, product-driven businesses.
❓ What happens after 1 year?
You’re not contractually bound to Buffalo but many stay for ecosystem, support, and growth benefits.
Final Thoughts on
Here’s the play: 43North accelerator offers one of the best risk/reward deals in US acceleration—capital big enough to make a difference, equity light enough to bring investors in, and hands-on programming that’s way deeper than a basic “business competition.” If you can embrace a real Buffalo commitment, there’s powerful value here: community, PR, access, and proof your team can play big outside legacy startup ZIP codes.
If you’re a mission-driven, high-growth founder open to new geographies and want a launchpad that’s proven (not just hyped), 43North absolutely rates a closer look. The selection bar is high, but for those who prep, commit, and can see the upside in Buffalo’s insurgent tech scene, this program is one of the strongest regional bets on the table.
