Launch NY Invest Local Donations

Support startup companies in your own backyard transforming the future of our city through your donation.

A fundraising campaign for Launch NY
Make a Donation

$25

Did you know that $25 could buy a domain license for a year?

$50

Did you know that $50 could buy a boat load of business cards?

$100

Did you know that $100 can register a company legally?

$250

Did you know that $250 could pay for a table at a trade show?

$500

Did you know that $500 could help develop a brand logo and a message?

$1,000

Did you know that $1,000 could help test concepts with customers?

$2,500

Did you know that $2,500 could help build a website and web presence?

$5,000

Did you know that $5,000 could help build a prototype or demo?

$10,000

Did you know that $10,000 could pay for prototype testing and launch?

Enter a custom amount

#InvestLocal Startup Support:


We want to thank everyone for their continued support. With your help we exceeded our original Crowdfunding Campaign goal of $100,000 to raise nearly $130,000! Since then Launch NY invested over $2.2 million in 45 of Upstate NY's most promising startups that has been supported through your donations and awards from The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and others, including The John R. Oishei Foundation and U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.


You can make an impact today on our growing startups through Launch NY's #InvestLocal financing programs that include donation and return based options.


Meet some of our most promising entrepreneurs you are helping support!







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Founder's Circle Donors


Why Donate?

Did you know that only 3% of the venture capital invested annually in NYS comes to Upstate NY to fuel our most innovative companies? How do we bring vital resources to startups, who account for the majority of new job growth in the US and transform the region’s economy? You can still donate to Launch NY to bring venture capital to our region by clicking here.

Your tax-deductible donation to Launch NY will make an immediate impact on a region you love.

Launch NY is a nonprofit organization in Upstate NY cities of Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, and surrounding areas that provides high-growth potential startup businesses both the mentoring and capital resources they need to start, grow, prosper and give back - and build a new economy. For the majority of these startup companies, the first 2-3 years are the “make or break” years when they have to develop and test their ideas. Your donation to Launch NY’s seed fund will provide the vital proof-of-concept funding to support the most promising entrepreneurs to build their business and attract other investors. You can make a difference through a one time tax-deductible gift online by clicking here or make a pledge over time by contacting President & CEO, Marnie LaVigne at [email protected]. 


Upstate NY cities and towns have a chance at new life through innovative startup companies that are popping up everywhere. Imagine breakthrough products and services that make people's lives better and provide job opportunities for the whole community. 


That's what Launch NY is all about – providing pro bono mentoring and funding to high-growth potential startup companies on behalf of making Upstate NY the place to work and live in the new millennium. 


With our team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, working in tandem with regional partners, since 2012 we have assisted over 1000 companies who have employed over 3600 people across all industry sectors. 

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"This investment we have received, in addition to the mentoring from Launch NY, will help us improve the senior placement experience for families. Ideally, this will lead to more seniors finding the right home and care in Western New York.”

- Will Zacher, Co-Founder, Williow



"Launch NY was pivotal in starting my business from idea conception to funding. I truly believe that this progression would not have been successful without the assistance of my EIR, Ed Bizari, and the excellent advice and guidance that he provided.”

- Steve Mohnkern, Co-Founder, Nivitus


"Launch NY is more than a funding source; Lindsay Karas [COO] and Marnie LaVigne [president and CEO] are very conscientious. I told Marnie our story, and she says that while Circuit Clinical is not typical of companies Launch NY invests in, they could offer mentorship. The fact that Launch thought enough of us as we were rebuilding to spend time, energy and resources made others start looking at us in a new light."

- Irfan Khan, CEO, Circuit Clinical



"Growth is going to occur in large part due to the success of entrepreneurs and innovators across the region who are developing breakthrough products and services to help our communities thrive."

- Marnie LaVigne, President & CEO, Launch NY


"EagleHawk would not be where it is today without the support of Launch NY. The coaching and the mentorship provided early on helped us position our business to raise capital. Then when we started to raise capital, Launch NY’s commitment was seen as a vote of confidence and helped us secure commitments from other angel investors. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the Launch NY family.”

- Patrick Walsh, Co-Founder & CEO, EagleHawk

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