Buffalo’s startup scene is no longer emerging—it’s accelerating.
That was the powerful message delivered to a packed auditorium on May 1 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, where leaders from the 43North Foundation laid out a bold vision for transforming Buffalo into a national hub for startups and tech talent.
The event—part of The Buffalo News’ Voices of Vision series—offered more than just updates on the city’s progress. It made a compelling case for why the moment to rally around innovation is now, and how the region’s economic future could be shaped by the 43North Foundation’s strategic investments.
“Elements are in place for a powerful change,” said Bill Maggio, board chair of the 43North Foundation. “Our focus is to create companies in Buffalo and bring the corporate community into the conversation.”
The message was clear: This is about building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that’s generational.
The ambitious plan—called “Lightning Strike”—is a blueprint to accelerate Buffalo's innovation economy by reinvesting funds from the success of companies like ACV Auctions into new, homegrown ideas.
“How do you turn lightning strike moments into sustained momentum, accelerated momentum?” asked 43North Foundation CEO Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa. “Our mission is to make sure the Western New York tech ecosystem is ambitious, equitable and built to last for generations.”
After studying successful tech hubs in Salt Lake City, Austin and Pittsburgh, among other cities, the Foundation has identified four core focus areas:
- Launching Buffalo’s first-ever venture studio, Radial Ventures, led by ACV co-founder Dan Magnuszewski
- Fueling the talent pipeline from schools to the workforce
- Strengthening corporate connectivity, building tighter bonds between startups and established businesses through
- And rebranding Buffalo as a destination for innovation through storytelling
A panel discussion brought these priorities to life.
Jesana Gadley, talent programs lead for M&T Tech, traced her journey from Westminster Community Charter School to the Buffalo Public Schools to a thriving career, thanks to investments in local talent through Say Yes Buffalo and M&T’s Buffalo Promise Neighborhood.
“There’s demand and interest. We just have to open the door and create that space,” Gadley said. “M&T Bank’s model is not something we’re gatekeeping. If we continue to share, then we will see our communities thrive.”
For Magnuszewski, Radial Ventures is a way to pay it forward.
“What we’re creating is a process where ideas can come from people in the community, from across industries … and we vet the best ideas and provide a team of builders to accelerate the creation of these companies, providing them a stronger foundation,” he explained.
Lauren Washington, senior associate director of startup ventures for the University at Buffalo’s Cultivator program, emphasized storytelling as a critical—and often overlooked—element.
“What I love about Buffalo is that we’re humble, but we also need to start shouting from the rooftop about what’s happening here,” said Washington. “I would love for Buffalo to be one of the first cities when they’re talking about startup hubs and ecosystems.”
Each panelist agreed: Changing the narrative can help change the future.
The conversation continues at the next Voices of Vision event, sponsored by Burchfield. The community is encouraged to share their ideas, feedback and questions on the Voices of Vision website.
