Despite the rain, the 2026 Saratoga Forum delivered exactly what its theme promised: opportunity.
Investors, business owners, founders, advisers and economic-development leaders gathered in Saratoga Springs on July 29 and 30 for two days of candid conversations, meaningful introductions and new opportunities to support the companies and communities shaping Upstate New York.
The Saratoga Forum offered content for both early and late stage investors, networking and venues, as well as the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with longtime colleagues and continue conversations beyond the formal program.
An Upstate Growth Story Sets the Tone
Scott Rajeski’s fireside conversation about the growth of Latham Pool Products set the tone for the Forum.
Rajeski shared the company’s journey from an Upstate New York manufacturer to a publicly traded industry leader, offering an honest look at leadership, building strong teams, growth through acquisitions, private equity partnership, operational discipline and preparation for the public markets.
Moderated by Mike Lasch of Pine Street Capital, the conversation was engaging, personal and filled with practical lessons for business leaders navigating growth and change.
The discussion that followed, What Makes a Company Investable in Today’s Market?, generated significant audience participation. Panelists explored the qualities investors and buyers evaluate beyond financial performance, including leadership, growth potential, operational readiness, risk, diligence preparation and valuation.
Insight into the Economy and Emerging Opportunities
Day two began with Hugh Johnson’s highly anticipated State of the Economy presentation. Johnson translated complex economic and financial-market conditions into clear, practical insight for investors and business leaders.
The program then turned to two areas with significant potential for New York: quantum technology and energy innovation.
During Quantum’s Inflection Point: Investing in New York’s Next Frontier, speakers examined the movement of quantum technology from research toward commercialization. The panel explored New York’s distinctive combination of research institutions, universities, public investment, emerging companies and corporate expertise—and what will be required to translate those assets into scalable, investable businesses.
The Forum concluded with New York’s Energy Opportunity: Investing in New York’s Innovation Advantage. The discussion brought together perspectives from investors, entrepreneurs, corporations and the public sector to explore where capital is flowing, which technologies are gaining momentum and how New York can continue attracting investment and accelerating commercialization.
The room was filled with energy and the panels offered an informed and practical exchange the Saratoga Forum is designed to create.
Connections Beyond the Conference Room
The value of the Saratoga Forum extended well beyond the stage.
Attendees toured the IBM Quantum System One at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, connected during an evening reception at Walt Whitman Brewing and continued conversations during an afternoon at Saratoga Race Course.
These experiences created space for relationships to develop naturally. New introductions were made, existing partnerships were strengthened and conversations begun during the sessions continued over meals, receptions and shared experiences.
That is where much of the Forum’s lasting value is created.
Thank You to Our Speakers and Sponsors
Upstate Capital extends its sincere appreciation to every speaker, moderator, sponsor, board member, partner and attendee who contributed to the success of the Forum.
We are especially grateful to the organizations whose sponsorship made the event possible, including:
- iAlta
- AlphaSense
- NYSERDA
- The Business Council of NYS
- Bluehenge Capital Partners
- Nixon Peabody
- Saratoga Economic Development Corporation
- NY Ventures
- Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
- Couch White LLP
- Phillips Lytle LLP
- Pine Street Capital Partners
- Western NY Impact Investment Fund
- David N. Deutsch & Company
- Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency
We also thank our annual sponsors and year-round partners, along with Kopa and Realm for supporting this year’s attendee gifts.
Their support enables Upstate Capital to develop relevant programming, convene leaders from across the state and create the environments where trusted relationships and investment opportunities can grow.
The Value of the Upstate Capital Community
The Saratoga Forum is one example of what the Upstate Capital Association of New York works to accomplish throughout the year.
Our mission is to connect investors with deal flow, expand access to capital and increase investment in companies and communities across Upstate New York.
Membership in Upstate Capital provides access to a statewide network of investors, executives, founders, advisers and economic-development leaders who are committed to strengthening New York’s investment ecosystem.
Members support—and directly benefit from—year-round opportunities to:
- Develop trusted relationships across the investment community
- Discover companies, transactions and emerging areas of deal flow
- Participate in candid conversations about markets and investment trends
- Connect business owners and founders with capital and expertise
- Increase visibility for organizations supporting economic growth
- Help build a stronger and more connected investment ecosystem across New York
Joining Upstate Capital is more than attending events. It is an opportunity to contribute expertise, relationships and resources to a community working to make New York a place where companies, capital and opportunity can grow together.
Continuing the Conversation
The conversations that began in Saratoga will continue through Upstate Capital’s events, investor programs, communications and member network throughout the year.
We look forward to sharing photos and video from the 2026 Saratoga Forum and continuing to build on the introductions, insights and opportunities created during these two days.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Forum a success—and to the members, sponsors and partners who make Upstate Capital’s work possible throughout the year.
Learn more about the Upstate Capital Association of New York, explore upcoming events and become part of the statewide investment community at upstatecapital.org.