On September 25, 2024, Upstate Capital hosted the 5th Annual Buffalo Private Equity Summit at 500 Pearl, Buffalo, NY. This exclusive event brought together a national audience of private equity investors, M&A transaction professionals, CEOs, and emerging professionals to connect, share insights, and facilitate deal flow opportunities.
The event showcased Buffalo’s resurgence as a hub for manufacturing, innovation, and business, while providing visibility into market dynamics, insights from leading experts, and opportunities to grow relationships with investors and referral sources.
Highlighting Buffalo’s Business Ecosystem
The Summit included notable pre-event programming such as the Dealmaker Match and the CEO Leadership Roundtable, sponsored by TalentRise. The Dealmaker Match facilitated one-on-one networking for private equity investors, strategic buyers, and investment bankers, while the CEO Leadership Roundtable brought together top executives for an exclusive, in-depth discussion on leadership development, offering insights into the challenges and strategies for guiding businesses through private equity-backed growth.
Keynote Conversation with David Helgerson, Hamilton Lane
David Helgerson, Managing Director and Head of Impact and Targeted Investing at Hamilton Lane, delivered a keynote titled “Investing for a Dynamic Future.” He discussed Hamilton Lane’s approach to sustainable and impact investing, sharing case studies and strategies for achieving both financial returns and positive societal impact. The keynote offered invaluable perspectives on the future of private equity, with a focus on sustainability and impact investing as crucial components of economic transformation.
Panel Discussions
The Summit included two key panels:
Driving Scalable Value in Healthcare
This panel explored how private equity is driving transformation in the healthcare industry, funding advances in healthcare companies and improving patient outcomes. Hope Mago, Partner at HCAP, moderated the discussion with Anthony DeSena, CEO & Co-Founder of PAX Health, Jay McHarg, CEO of AeroSafe Global, and Jason Hall, former CEO of Benefit Resource (BRI). Together, they shared their insights on navigating competitive and regulatory challenges and provided perspectives on how private equity can create value. Their expertise shed light on the evolving dynamics of healthcare investment and the critical role private equity plays in the sector’s evolution.
Energizing the Future
As the energy sector faces increasing pressure to transition towards sustainability, this panel focused on how private equity is catalyzing change in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and technological advancements. Moderated by Sam Ticknor, President of Union Hill Advisors, the discussion brought together Patrick Eilers, Founder & Managing Partner of Transition Equity Partners, Jim Newman, President & CEO of NOCO Energy Corp, and Jon Williams, Chairman & CEO of Viridi Parente. The panelists discussed the market opportunities and challenges facing the energy industry as it shifts towards cleaner, more efficient solutions. Their insights underscored the pivotal impact of private equity in shaping the sustainable future of the sector.
Networking Opportunities
The Summit provided numerous opportunities for attendees to network and build relationships. A networking reception hosted by Bluehenge Capital Partners took place at Patrick’s Rooftop, offering a relaxed atmosphere for investors and professionals to connect. Additionally, a dedicated “Women in PE” lounge hosted by Withum & KeyBank facilitated conversations and connections for women in private equity.
Interested in Getting Involved?
The Upstate Capital Association of New York hosts events connecting the investment community across New York. As a member-driven non-profit, our mission is to increase access to capital for companies and deal flow for investors throughout Upstate New York. Become a member.