Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) is a 501c3 non-profit founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. In early 2010, Martin Babinec and Nasir Ali launched UVC with the ambitious vision of connecting entrepreneurs across Upstate NY. Our goals are to make it easier for entrepreneurs to connect, increase successful entrepreneur leadership and connect Upstate to the national startup ecosystem. This slideshow captures highlights of UVC's journey and shows how Upstate founders have a more supportive environment in which to grow. Our work is far from over, but the load is definitely easier to carry thanks to the many supporters who have joined us to build a prosperous Upstate economy. Please consider a tax deductible donation to UVC.org/DONATE or contact us regarding sponsorship opportunities at UVC.org/CONNECT.

1. Building the new venture economy
in Upstate New York
2010-2015

2. The question we all ask…

3. UVC Insight: Upstate NY exports greatness!

4. The Expatriates’ View
“I did not know anyone in
Upstate NY who had started a
business and could help me;
In _________________,
everyone I met connected me
to others and I was on my
way!”

5. UVC is building a connected community to support
emerging Upstate entrepreneurs
• 501c3 public benefit organization
• Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs
• Programs informed by personal observations,
experience and data driven research
• Goals
– Make it easy for entrepreneurs to connect
– Increase successful entrepreneur engagement/leadership
– Connect Upstate to the national startup ecosystem

6. Upstate
Community
Connectors

7. Growing Online Presence

8. Trust-based Network
● Hundreds of startup founders
● UNY50 - the region's top fifty
entrepreneurs, investors &
business leaders
● Over 200 active angel investors
& top VC/PE funds
● 100+ colleges/universities
training half a million students
& researchers
● 30+ meetup group organizers
with 18,000 members

9. Successful Leaders
Committed to
Paying it Forward

10. UNY Ecosystem Map

11. UNY Events
Calendar

12. Seed and Angel
Funds
WNY Angel
Fund
Rochester
Angel Fund
Seed Capital Fund
StartFast Fund Eastern NY
Angel Fund
Hudson Valley
Seed Fund

13. Upstate Venture Ecosystem Awards
Honoring 90 entrepreneurial leaders who are shaping
a new economy for our region.

14. Upstate is Changing
Student Startup Programs
Syracuse Student Sandbox
Syracuse Student Sandbox
Colgate TIA
RIT Launchpad
Capital Region (IgniteU NY)
MVCC (ThINCubator)
Ithaca x2
SUNY Buffalo
Geneseo
2010 2015

15. Upstate is Changing
Private Sector Angel Funds
Seed Capital Fund of CNY
Rochester Angel Fund
WNY Angel Fund
Eastern NY Angel Fund
Hudson Valley Seed Fund
Seed Capital Fund of CNY
2010 2015
Southern Tier
Mohawk Valley

16. Upstate is Changing
Startup Accelerator Programs/Funds
StartFast
Germinator
Lean Launchpad
NEXUS NY
2010 2015
VCAMP (Buffalo)
HWX@UMU (Syracuse)
NONE