Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 5/1/2027
In short
43North is a startup competition in Buffalo, NY, offering five companies $1M each and accelerator support as part of its final 2026 cohort, open to high-growth startups globally.
43North
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 5/1/2027274 days left
$5,000,000
Annual Investment
5
Companies receive $1M each
2026
Final competition year
Buffalo, NY
Program location
Globally
Applicant reach
Overview
43North is a business plan competition and accelerator program based in Buffalo, NY, established in 2014 with an annual investment of $5 million into the local startup ecosystem. The initiative aims to transform Buffalo into a nationally recognized startup hub by attracting and nurturing high-growth companies. The program is entering its next era, with 2026 marking the final competition and programming continuing through 2027 for the last cohort. The competition culminates in the 43North Finals, a public event where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a large audience. Five companies are selected annually to receive significant investment and join the accelerator cohort. Beyond funding, 43North provides an immersive accelerator experience designed to help founders scale their businesses. Over the past decade, 43North has contributed to the growth of Buffalo's tech scene, seeing portfolio companies achieve milestones such as becoming a unicorn and a publicly traded company. The program has co-invested with notable VCs and operates with the support of New York State, Empire State Development, and M&T Bank, among others. The evolution of 43North is rooted in Buffalo's success, paving the way for future innovation and company creation.
Prizes
Top 5 Companies
Investment in exchange for 5% equity, a spot in the next cohort, and participation in the immersive accelerator program.
$1,000,000 each
Key dates
- Final 43North competition2026
- Programming for final cohort continues through2027
Sponsors & partners
New York StateEmpire State DevelopmentM&T Bank
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is the application open to every business?
+
The information provided does not specify any restrictions on business types, but emphasizes 'high-growth startups'.
What does the 43North team bring to the table?
+
The 43North team provides funding, an immersive accelerator program, and support to scale businesses.
How many companies are selected?
+
Five companies are selected to receive $1M each and a spot in the next cohort.
Are seats assigned?
+
This question appears to relate to attendance at the Finals event, not the application process, and no specific answer is provided.
I'm a Shea's season ticket holder. Do I have tickets?
+
This question appears to relate to attendance at the Finals event, not the application process, and no specific answer is provided.
Who is on the 43North team?
+
The page mentions key leadership and staff over the years (Jordan Levy, John Gavigan, Bill Maggio, Eric Reich, Alex Gress, Colleen Heidinger) and that the team supports founders and staff.
Can I bring my family & kids?
+
Yes! 43North provides support for families, kids, and pets relocating to Buffalo, including recommendations for schools/daycares/nannies, navigation of school enrollment, insight into neighborhoods, recommendations for extracurricular activities, pediatricians, specialists, pet sitters, kennels, groomers, vets, and doggy daycare.
What is there to do in Buffalo?
+
Buffalo offers year-round activities including food and art festivals, live music, a vibrant waterfront, golf, fishing, kayaking, parks, bike paths, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, professional and minor league sports teams (Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bisons), arts and architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, Buffalo AKG Art Museum), and parks by Frederick Law Olmsted. A Buffalo’s Relocation Guide is also available.
What are some of the milestones of the 43North portfolio?
+
Milestones include ACV Auctions going public, Squire raising over $167 million in funding, and other companies securing Series A funding, grants, and expanding operations.
Will your staff and judges sign confidentiality agreements?
+
The answer to this question is not explicitly provided on the page.
Can I be both an applicant to 43North and a judge?
+
The answer to this question is not explicitly provided on the page.
Who are the judges?
+
The page mentions Gary Vaynerchuk as a judge in 2015 and refers to 'VCs' in general but does not list current judges.
How many rounds of judging are there?
+
The page mentions a 'rigorous selection process' and 'Semi-Finals event' and 'Finals', implying multiple rounds, but does not specify the exact number.
What criteria will judges use to score applications?
+
The page does not explicitly list judging criteria.
If I applied in any of the previous years but did not receive an investment, can I apply again this year?
+
The answer to this question is not explicitly provided on the page.
Who should I contact if I’m having a technical issue with my application?
+
The page does not provide specific contact information for technical issues.
Is there a cost to apply?
+
The answer to this question is not explicitly provided on the page.
Do you accept solo founders?
+
The answer to this question is not explicitly provided on the page.
Can I apply if I am not from Buffalo?
+
Yes, 43North receives thousands of applications from across the globe and all 50 states.
Does my startup need to relocate to Buffalo, New York if I receive investment?
+
The page states that finalists travel to Buffalo and that moving for business might mean moving your family, indicating a relocation requirement for selected companies.
Can I complete the program virtually?
+
The page implies an in-person program, referencing relocation to Buffalo and an 'immersive accelerator program,' but does not explicitly state whether virtual completion is possible.
Is the 5% equity negotiable?
+
The page states that five companies secure $1M each and a spot in the next cohort, with an investment in exchange for 5% equity, implying it is not negotiable.
Does 43North take equity in companies selected for the program?
+
Yes, 43North takes 5% equity in companies selected for the program.