The 6th Annual Buffalo Private Equity Summit brought together nearly 200 private equity and M&A professionals at Seneca One Tower for a day of insights, strategy and connection.
The event featured interactive morning workshops on executive leadership and private equity investing, followed by a keynote from Kim Barnhart of the National Center for the Middle Market, who shared fresh data and analysis on U.S. middle market performance and trends.
Afternoon sessions highlighted a case study on Deiorio Foods, exploring how private equity helped reimagine a 95-year-old brand, along with panels on the independent sponsor ecosystem and market views in private equity.
Independent sponsors are reshaping the lower middle market, and this year’s panel brought their growing influence into focus. Moderated by John Koeppel, Partner and Independent Sponsor Leader at Lippes Mathias LLP, and Stephanie McAlaine from the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA), the discussion featured A. David Kocen, Managing Partner at Bluehenge Capital Partners.
They explored how the independent sponsor model has evolved from a niche approach to a sophisticated and expanding segment of private equity. The conversation covered capital trends, the increasing role of lenders and service providers, and what’s ahead as this model continues to mature and gain momentum across the investment community.
We extend a sincere thank you to John, Stephanie and David for sharing their insights and contributing to a dynamic discussion at the Buffalo Private Equity Summit.
The day concluded with the Taste of Buffalo Reception and networking meetups that continued into the evening. Now in its sixth year, the Summit remains a cornerstone event for relationship-building and idea exchange across the region’s investment community.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Upstate Capital extends sincere thanks to our event sponsors for their partnership and support of the 2025 Buffalo Private Equity Summit: Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, TalentRise, Argosy Capital Private Equity, Hamilton Lane, Western New York Impact Investment Fund, Pine Street Capital Partners, Bluehenge Capital Partners, Lippes Mathias LLP and Colligan Law, LLP.
We also thank our annual sponsors for their ongoing commitment to Upstate Capital’s mission of fostering connection, collaboration and growth across New York’s investment community: Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, New York Ventures, KeyBank, Schwartz Heslin Group Inc., Withum, Hamilton Lane, SUNY RF and Harter Secrest & Emery LLP.
Their continued support makes it possible to bring together dealmakers, investors and business leaders from across the region.
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