Summary:
Three Buffalo startups among 16 semifinalists in the 43North competition for $1 million prizes.
FoodNerd focuses on healthy toddler snacks.
Offerwell streamlines real estate transactions with automated tools.
BosonQ Psi specializes in quantum-powered cloud simulations.
The competition features 9 businesses from New York State and a global reach.
Exciting News from Buffalo's Startup Scene
Three Buffalo startups are making waves as they compete in the 43North competition, vying for one of five $1 million prizes. This prestigious event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will showcase 16 semifinalists next month.
Meet the Contenders:
- FoodNerd: Based in Amherst, this innovative company specializes in healthy toddler snacks. Founded by Sharon Cryan, an East Aurora native, FoodNerd is on a mission to provide nutritious options for young children.
- Offerwell: This startup collaborates with real estate agents, streamlining deal flow with automated tools designed to enhance efficiency in property transactions.
- BosonQ Psi: Originally from India, this company focuses on quantum-powered cloud simulations, aiming to revolutionize the software industry.
The Competition Landscape
Among the 43North semifinalists, nine companies hail from New York State, with the farthest competitor coming from the United Kingdom. The semifinalists were selected from nearly 1,000 applications worldwide, evaluated by a panel of over 60 investors and industry experts.
The live pitches will occur on October 9, with eight companies moving on to the finals at Sheaâs the following night.
Notable Other Semifinalists:
- 8B Education Investments (Ithaca): A fintech platform addressing education financing gaps.
- Cache (NYC): An AI-powered cash management platform.
- Cactivate (Boston): A marketing strategy tool utilizing large language models.
- Cosi Care (UK): Medical devices for itch relief.
- CoverRight (Brooklyn): A guide for older adults navigating health and finance.
- FLUIX (Tampa): An AI platform for energy savings in critical buildings.
- HeronAI (Cambridge): Streamlining accounting firms' reporting.
- Lilo (NYC): Automating workflows in commercial real estate.
- NearWave (Austin): Handheld imaging tech for cancer therapy.
- Rarebird (San Francisco): A coffee maker with a caffeine replacement.
- Spiky.ai (Brookline): Real-time customer insights for sales.
- xPub (NYC): Accelerating B2B sales cycles through automation.
- Zeph (NYC): AI-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation platform.
$25,000 People's Choice Award will also be awarded based on audience votes.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact
43North has significantly influenced Buffalo's startup ecosystem, creating over 1,000 local jobs and investing in 69 companies, with a notable focus on diversity among founders. 52% of the businesses backed by 43North remain in Buffalo, contributing to the local economy and innovation landscape.
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