Launch NY

?? #FounderFriday Spotlight: Justin Hillery ??? This week, we’re spotlighting Justin Hillery, a serial entrepreneur blending creativity, design, and strategy to tackle global challenges. With expertise in product development, branding, marketing, and strategic planning, Justin is dedicated to driving innovation and creating positive change. A Rochester native and RIT graduate, Justin is the founder of StrongArm Technologies, recognized as one of TIME’s Top Inventions of 2018. As a TechStars alumnus and MassChallenge finalist, he has deep experience in entrepreneurial ecosystems and fundraising. Today, he leads HUEY Suncare, a skincare brand ensuring proper sun protection for all skin types. Beyond entrepreneurship, Justin is an ISA-certified surf instructor and volunteers with Laru Beya Collective, helping underserved youth in Rockaway, NY learn to surf. When he’s not building businesses, you’ll find him fly fishing or mountain biking. Join us in celebrating Justin’s innovation and impact! ?? #FounderFriday #FoundersGoBig #BlackExcellence #WNYEntrepreneurs

Congratulations to #WNY #startup 3AM Innovations Inc. for receiving another $285,000 investment from Launch NY. We’re proud to see growing companies we’ve supported continue to make headway and headlines! Read more??? https://lnkd.in/ejCSbqC9

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Excited to announce my participation as a guest speaker at "Elevating Black Voices in Entrepreneurship: Venture Capital Edition" hosted by Launch NY! ?? Event Details: ??? Date: February 27, 2025 ?? Where: Virtual Event Join me for a dynamic discussion on navigating the venture capital landscape, essential for founders and investors seeking to forge connections, tackle obstacles, and seize opportunities in the startup sphere. I am thrilled to be part of a stellar panel alongside esteemed leaders Hassan El-Saddique, Shonda Brock, and Justin Hillery. Together, we'll delve into strategies for shattering barriers and achieving triumph. Eager to exchange insights and knowledge within this remarkable community! ?? Reserve your spot today! ?? https://lu.ma/u5cuzqsq #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #LaunchNY #DiverseInvestors

?? Join us TODAY at 12:00 PM for "Elevating Black Voices in Entrepreneurship: Venture Capital Edition"! ??? Date: February 27, 2025 ?? Where: Virtual Event ? When: 12:00 - 1:00 PM Discover the challenges, opportunities, and successes of Black founders & investors in venture capital. Learn how to break barriers, connect with investors, and drive change in the startup ecosystem. Whether you're a founder looking for funding, an investor championing diversity, or an advocate for equitable access, this is a must-attend conversation! Save your spot now! ?? Register here: https://lu.ma/u5cuzqsq #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #DiverseInvestors #BlackHistoryMonth #LaunchNY

Good Morning, Join SCORE Mentors Buffalo Niagara in collaboration with Capital Connect (Pursuit, The Enterprise Center at PathStone, WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative) and Launch NY this Wednesday, 2/26 at 6:30pm to get information about accessing Capital for your growing Business! Here is the link to request 1 to 1 consultation with any CDFI: https://lnkd.in/eNCCcMY8 It is a virtual and you do not want to miss this!! Registration Link below: https://lnkd.in/eFbGqGie

Upstate Venture Connect and Upstate Capital brought together founders, investors and leaders to support entrepreneurship and innovation. Yami Payano (SignSpeak) and Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D. (Launch NY) shared how these organizations have helped startups access resources, build connections and grow their businesses across the region. Read more on how we're fueling startups across Upstate New York here: https://bit.ly/431hfrP. Written by sayhii. #UpstateCapital

?? #MentorMonday Spotlight: Juliet Lawrence ?? This week, we’re spotlighting Juliet Lawrence, a results-driven finance professional, angel investor, and startup consultant dedicated to empowering visionary entrepreneurs. With expertise in Corporate Finance, Treasury, Strategic Planning, Pension Compliance, and Executive Compensation, she thrives on solving complex financial challenges and identifying high-potential ventures for growth. Juliet’s passion for entrepreneurship extends beyond investment—she actively supports startups by providing strategic insights and financial guidance to help them scale. Her background includes a B.A. in Health and Humanity with a Biotechnology Minor from USC and an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan. We’re grateful for Juliet’s leadership and mentorship in guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs toward success! ?? #MentorMonday #BlackExcellence #WNYEntrepreneurs #FoundersGoBig

? Time is almost up to register to join Shift 2.0 and our partners Launch NY on your lunch hour 12-1pm THIS WEDNESDAY 2/26 to learn all you need to know about how AI will impact the future of manufacturing. Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D. will be moderating the panel discussion. ??? Register HERE today, before time runs out https://lu.ma/79hidc5j We hope to see you there!

???? Recent funding from Launch NY, as part of Refraction's ongoing pre-seed round, will support the company as it builds out features on its platform and invests in sales personnel who excel in the auto dealership market. Refraction's continued growth marks an evolution in the Upstate New York startup ecosystem, and we're proud to play a leading role in moving it forward. ??