The Upstate Capital Association of New York is hosting the 5th Annual Celebration & Awards event (online!) to celebrate the investment ecosystem across New York.
Founded in 2003, our mission is to increase access to capital for companies and deal flow for investors. We believe that cultivating relationships between entrepreneurs and capital providers is a pillar of a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem, and that by supporting and celebrating investment transactions, we support a diverse, vibrant local economy.
Our marquee annual celebration highlights the most interesting deals and most active dealmakers across New York State in seed, venture, private equity and corporate finance. Over 100 companies and individuals will be nominated from all across New York State for awards that recognize individuals and teams that build businesses and conduct transactions.
Audience
Over 200 entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, investors and capital providers (angel, seed, venture, private equity, private debt and senior lenders), professional advisors (attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, and key stakeholders (local and regional press, local and state politicians)
Background
Our 2019 deal celebration was a sell-out event – it featured Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investors Alliance, the association of senior private equity investment professionals focused on the lower middle market whose members represent the entire private capital ecosystem. It is an alliance for professional fellowship, business opportunities, innovation, regulatory expertise and market data
Venture NY is taking place in conjunction with Upstate Capital’s Annual Awards Celebration
The Upstate Capital Association of New York is hosting the Venture NY Series A Showcase in partnership with 43North, GENIUS NY, 76West, Grow–NY and Luminate.
Featuring some of the fastest-growing startups from across New York, this event includes pitches and opportunities for group and 1-1 networking. This statewide collaboration is the first of its kind.
On September 22, 2020, the Clarifi COVID-19 Test Kit obtained Emergency User Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. They have raised over $30M in venture capital this year.
The company is an operator of a technology company intended to develop and produce plant-based whole cut meats. They raised $7M in seed funding in 2020.
The company raised over $2M of seed funding in a deal led by Excell Partners. Armory Square Ventures and other investors also participated in the round. The company is a provider of meal preparation and delivery service intended to deliver healthy, chef-cooked meals.
Heart Health Intelligence is an operator of a medical device startup intended to transform the healthcare system by facilitating the transition from reactive to proactive and preventive care.They raised both a seed round in April and had a much larger investment transaction later in 2020, with General Catalyst and Austin McChord of Datto fame coming in to lead the company. Launch NY, Excell Partners, Impact Capital, Rochester Institute of Technology Venture Creations and Tech Coast Angels also participated in the early round.
Bush Industries, which designs and manufactures furniture, was acquired in 2020 through a leveraged buyout deal, strengthening the company’s presence in the Jamestown community. The management team is now leading the $200M company. Both mezzanine and debt investors provided capital. This was an exit for Buffalo-based PE firm Lorraine Capital, with Upstate Capital members KeyBank and Freed Maxick also participating in the deal.
“Sean exemplifies all the qualities we look for in a deal-maker and is an apostle for the upstate New York deal community. Sean has over 14 years of industry experience and brings a unique international experience to a network. He previously worked internationally in Malaysia and Hong Kong and holds an MBA and a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He’s also very active in the community as a Director of the 100 Club and on the Board of Directors of Upstate Capital. Sean was nominated for his outstanding work in 2020, having helped over 70 plus clients complete PPP loan process applications. He went above and beyond in this process when after successfully converted all of his applications, he voluntarily reached out to help his colleagues in the state and beyond to help them complete theirs.”
Dick retired from the Upstate Capital Association of New York’s Board of Directors this year.
“For his many contributions to the Upstate investment ecosystem, including building great companies, the Eastern NY Angel Fund, and helping countless entrepreneurs and angel investors gain knowledge and skills through teaching, coaching, consulting and mentorship.”
