Venture NY Event Recap: Upstate Capital hosted its first-ever online event

Over 100 people joined Upstate Capital for its marquee online event: Venture NY on April 30, 2020. This event was made possible through a generous grant from NYSTAR, Empire State Development’s division for science, technology and innovation. Also supporting Venture NY this year were sponsors Center for Economic Growth, Innovate 518 and the Eastern NY Angels, and event partner BIANYS.

National Participation in Pitch Event Venture NY began with an invite-only investor-startup pitch event, which united investors and startups from all over the country. Nineteen startups pitched in the consumer goods, clean energy & building solutions, medtech & health, IT and software solutions categories. Invited investors, chosen due to their industry experience, watched the pitches and participated in a live Q&A with the startups.

Changing the Face of VC by “Applying Consistent Pressure” Dynamic VC trailblazer Lindsay Karas Stencel delivered the Venture NY keynote address. She overcame her challenges by applying consistent pressure over time. Stencel has changed the face of Midwest VC for the better while staying unapologetically true herself, fabulous jumpsuits and all. Stencel told her intimate story of dual degrees and personal struggles all while working hard to become a VC. She spoke about how she succeeded despite almost constant roadblocks, challenges, and gender discrimination. Ultimately, she became one of the most highly sought-after VCs and startup counsels East of the Mississippi. In addition to being a successful VC, she is also a law school professor, all before the age of 40.

VIP Experience
VIP guests attended a roundtable discussion with Lindsay and received a VIP Event Kit in the mail that included Lindsay’s favorite business book Gino Wickman’s “Entrepreneurial Leap”,and Upstate NY Business Goodies from Saranac Mountain Hearth, Rad Soap Company, Our.News, Saratoga Potato Chips, and Papa’s Best Batch.

Facilitating Connections through Smart Matchmaking
Business leaders, startups, investors, and event sponsors networked with each other with the help of smart matchmaking software. Venture NY attendees had over 380 meeting communications. This session bridged the gap between the current remote and WFH situations people are living in with the need to form relationships to create a vibrant business community.

Stay tuned for more information on our next events, and get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Upstate Capital at info@upstatecapital.org.