On Thursday, October 14 2021, Upstate Capital and NYSTAR presented Invest NY: Climate Tech to highlight innovation working to help decarbonize the economy. This event featured two panels with investors and entrepreneurs, as well as opportunities to network.
To kick off the event, thirteen startup companies delivered three-minute pitches to investors from New York and beyond. See the full pitch session below, or look for a brief description of each company and more information here.
Following the pitches, the founders had the opportunity to network with investors and CEOs to further discuss their companies and make connections.
Up next, board member Nick Querques, Director of New Ventures at SUNY Research Foundation, hosted a conversation with Makini Byron, Director of External Technology and John Sirman of Linde. John has been with Linde, the world’s largest industrial gas company, for 23 years. He spent seven years as the Director of External and Emerging Technology prior to his current role as Vice President of Electronic Deposition Materials. Makini shared her experiences involving startups that Linde takes interest in. The three agreed that the most effective way to make a connection with an investor starts with casting a specific net rather than a wide one. Makini emphasized the importance of reaching out to people who are looking for what you have to offer, and to keep your first communication succinct opposed to flooding anyone with too many details from the beginning. Nick agreed and added that making a follow-up easily accessible to the investor is a great way to maintain ongoing communication.
Up next, was a conversation between executive committee member Jennifer Tegan, Managing Director of Venture NY at Empire State Development, and Charlotte Hamilton of Conamix. Charlotte highlighted the importance of first impressions and how Zoom has affected the depth of which people are able to connect. One piece of advice she gave as an established entrepreneur was to always be persistent. She discussed how vital that one trait can be, as it allows you to stand out in a sea of people that will give up before trying and trying again. This panel concluded with a Q&A portion, where attendees were able to ask Charlotte questions regarding her experiences and for advice.
To finish out the event, all attendees were given the option to network further with the startup founders, investors and panelists.
We are pleased to congratulate Ken Visser of Ducted Wind Turbines, the winner of the Climate Tech event game. As the prize, Upstate Capital has donated $100 to the charity of his choice, the Adirondack Foundation.
The event was part of the Invest NY Series: to highlight investment opportunities in innovation in a number of sectors across New York. Upstate Capital has partnered with NYSTAR to produce these events in a number of key industries including health and well-being, industry 4.0, women’s health and climate tech. To get access to all our video content, become a member today!