The Upstate Founders Fête, held on February 5, 2025, in Buffalo, was a truly special evening bringing together a community of 150-200 high-growth business founders, investors, and leaders to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the future of entrepreneurship.
Hosted by Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) and Upstate Capital, the event was not just a celebration, but a powerful fundraiser in support of two transformative initiatives that are driving positive change in the startup ecosystem: Upstate Capital’s New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) and UVC’s Community Advocates.
About the NYBPC: New York’s largest intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition has three goals: to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and skills, to build personal networks connecting students to organizations in New York, and to launch new ventures. The program started in 2010 and has served over 8,000 students and helped launch over 170 ventures.
About the Community Advocates Program: Launched in 2024, the program is integral to UVC’s efforts to expand reach and impact. Each Community Advocate focuses on: identifying and supporting founders, increasing the density of local connections and enhancing awareness of UVC’s regional/national network.
A Night to Remember: Connecting, Celebrating and Investing in the Future
The night kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction, which raised funds to support UVC’s Community Advocates, who work as regional connectors to strengthen local startup networks, and the NYBPC, empowering the next generation of innovators.
The evening’s program featured a variety of inspiring moments, starting with welcome remarks from Olivia Goldstein, CEO of UVC, and Noa Simons, CEO and Founder of GoodBread and former CEO of Upstate Capital. The two shared their excitement for the work happening in the region and celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship that fuels the success of Upstate New York’s founders.
As the evening unfolded, it showcased stories from UVC’s Founder Network and Upstate Capital’s NYBPC, highlighting the incredible talent and drive of the entrepreneurs who have benefited from these programs.
The event also featured a fireside chat moderated by Jack Greco with Alice F. Jacobs on the topic of “Scaling Good: How Innovation Amplifies Philanthropy.” The conversation provided invaluable insights into how socially conscious businesses are transforming philanthropy through innovative practices.
This year’s Founders Fête was a reminder of the power of coming together to support and amplify the efforts of entrepreneurs across Upstate New York. The evening was a true testament to the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and a promising look at what the future holds.
Looking ahead, Upstate Capital and UVC remain committed to fostering a thriving community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors working together to shape a prosperous future.
To learn more about the NYBPC, please see the website: nybpc.org.