Startup Insights & Stories

Expert advice, practical lessons and inspiring successes from our startups, founders and mentors.

STARTUP SPOTLIGHT

Find unique, local gift ideas for all your favorite people in our gift guide featuring regional startups that have taken part in our Cultivator program.

Two women in traditional South Asian attire sit together at a desk, looking at a laptop. One woman wears a red and black outfit with silver earrings, while the other wears a black and gold embroidered dress with gold earrings. Both are smiling and appear to be collaborating on work, with a blue cup and some papers visible on the desk.

EXPERT ADVICE

The U.S. International Entrepreneur Rule allows immigrant entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. for up to five years if their startups secure significant investment or funding, show potential for economic growth, and meet other criteria. Successful ventures may enable entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency. Learn more about the U.S. Entrepreneur Rule.

Simple agreement for future equity.

EXPERT ADVICE

A Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) offers early-stage startups a flexible investment option, providing funds in exchange for future equity when the business grows. Learn more about what a SAFE is, how it works, and about UB's standard terms for investments made through its Cultivator program.

STARTUP STORIES

Western New York's startup ecosystem and greater WNY community come together every fall for 43North’s annual startup competition, where 16 semi-finalists pitch and five high-growth companies walk away with $1M each. In 2024, three of the 16 semi-finalists hail from Buffalo, all of which have been supported in various ways by UB's startup initiatives.

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Additional resources for startup growth

Build your business and connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs in our two business incubators—the Incubator @ CBLS downtown and the Incubator @ Baird near North Campus.

ArmHug.

Get up to $100,000 in pre-seed startup capital and help from experienced entrepreneurs through the UB Cultivator.

Seed Fund.

Take your business to the next level with up to $250,000 from our venture capital fund, the Buffalo Innovation Seed Fund.