Venture NY 2026 brought together investors, entrepreneurs, students and ecosystem leaders from across the state for two days of meaningful connection and forward-looking conversation in Rochester. Across panels, presentations and networking sessions, one theme remained consistent: while access to capital continues to evolve, strong relationships, disciplined strategy and a connected ecosystem are what move innovation forward.
The event opened with conversations focused on how investors are really deploying capital in today’s market. Attendees heard candid perspectives on how venture firms are sourcing deals, underwriting risk and refining their investment theses in a more selective environment. Later, a case-study-driven discussion examined where returns are being created now, highlighting the shift from hype-driven investing to more measured, performance-oriented outcomes. Together, these sessions set the tone for an event grounded in realism, adaptability and long-term value creation.
On day two, the program expanded into some of the most important questions shaping New York’s innovation economy. A featured conversation on AI explored what makes an AI company truly investable, with discussion centered on data strategy, governance, risk and valuation. Another panel, From Lab to Market — Scaling NY Innovation, spotlighted the challenges and opportunities of translating research and university-generated IP into venture-scale businesses. These sessions underscored both the depth of innovation emerging from New York and the practical barriers founders must navigate to build scalable companies.
A major highlight of the event was the New York Business Plan Competition Finals, where 60 top student-led teams from across New York State presented across six industry tracks. The quality of the finalists and the energy in the room reflected the strength of New York’s next generation of founders. From software and hardware to health, mobility and agriculture, these teams demonstrated not only creativity, but also the ability to connect innovation to real market needs. The afternoon program also showcased the broader founder support landscape in New York, with leaders from organizations including FuzeHub, Grow-NY, Luminate and HUSTLE sharing what comes next for emerging companies seeking funding, mentorship and growth opportunities.
The program concluded with an inspiring keynote address from Ed Mitzen, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of Business for Good, who shared his journey as a founder and offered words of wisdom for attendees about creating meaningful social impact through their future endeavors.
Just as important as the formal program were the moments in between. From registration and networking to the reception and closing conversations, Venture NY created space for LPs, GPs, founders, students and resource providers to build relationships that can lead to future investment, collaboration and company growth. The event reinforced that building successful companies takes more than capital alone. It takes access, insight and a network that knows how to support momentum at every stage.
Events like Venture NY reinforce why Upstate Capital exists. Our mission is to increase access to capital and strengthen the connections that drive investment across New York. Over these two days, we saw that mission in action through candid conversations, new introductions, practical insights and visible momentum across the state’s venture ecosystem.
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated and helped make this year’s event a success. We look forward to continuing the conversations and carrying this momentum forward.