Over the past decade, Upstate New York has emerged as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a series of remarkable milestones marking its progress. From ACV Auctions going public in 2021 to ODU creating hundreds of new jobs in Buffalo, the region has continued to evolve. TCG Player’s $300 million acquisition by eBay, PARS’ transformation in the Mohawk Valley, PUBG’s acquisition of Matt Glory in Albany, and Rosie in Ithaca becoming part of Instacart all showcase the momentum of this growing ecosystem. Most recently, Hidden Level in Syracuse announced its $65 million Series C raise—a testament to the strength and potential of Upstate New York’s entrepreneurial landscape.
These milestones are not just headlines; they are proof of what happens when a community unites to build, take risks, and push forward. Fifteen years ago, regional leaders shared a common vision: to foster an environment where entrepreneurs could thrive. This vision laid the foundation for Upstate Venture Connect (UVC), founded by Nasir Ali and Martin Babinec, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering an innovation-driven economy across Upstate New York. UVC set out to break geographic silos and build a unified entrepreneurial ecosystem. The mission was clear—connect entrepreneurs, develop critical resources, and drive regional growth. Over the years, as UVC has expanded, so has its impact, empowering entrepreneurs with essential resources and fostering meaningful collaborations.
This year’s gathering attended by COO Ian Gauger and VP of Marketing Jennifer Sertl was a testament to the power of this entrepreneurial spirit. Colleagues from across the state—including the Capital Region, Ithaca, Binghamton, Central New York, Rochester, and the Hudson Valley—came together to celebrate collective achievements. The event featured a silent auction to support UVC’s programs, inspiring stories from founders, a fireside chat with Alice Jacobs moderated by Jack Greco, and a major announcement by Launch New York.
Noa Simons, Co-Founder and CEO of GoodBread and former CEO of Upstate Capital, took the stage to reflect on the night’s energy. “What incredible energy in the room tonight—truly beyond what I could have hoped for,” he shared. Simons acknowledged the vision behind the event, emphasizing the dedication of Olivia Goldstein and the team in making it a reality. “I have been ideating for a few years now on a formal event to celebrate entrepreneurship and to fundraise for the NYBPC, a program near and dear to my heart. Olivia, you picked up this vision and ran with it—this is amazing, so thank you.”
She also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the evening’s success. “Of course, we all know this is a team sport, and no one works in a vacuum.:
As the night continued, attendees had the opportunity to connect, share insights, and celebrate the progress made in Upstate New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the foundation laid by organizations like UVC and the relentless drive of entrepreneurs, the region continues to grow as a beacon of innovation. The event served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision—to build, support, and sustain a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
More on Upstate New York with Ian Gauger
For many, Upstate New York evokes images of historical landmarks and “Rustbelt” manufacturing towns. However, beneath this surface lies a burgeoning tech corridor brimming with potential and opportunity. The Greater Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is challenging the traditional Silicon Valley narrative, rapidly emerging as a dynamic tech scene. Recently designated as the NY SMART I-Corridor, this region is bolstered by a new federal grant of $40 million awarded under the CHIPS & Science Act of 2023. This initial investment has the potential to unlock billions in future funding to support the region’s focus on semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.
