Connecting & Empowering
Upstate NY
Founders

Building a venture-backable company is hard. Building one without help from experts and capital providers is much harder. Since 2010, UVC has made 1000s of curated connections and referrals for Upstate founders to unlock access needed to scale their business.

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About Us

Driving Connectivity for Founders

Created by high-growth founders, UVC has always been about supporting those building in Upstate New York. Over the last 12 years, our community has expanded into a region-wide movement built on a foundation of “Giving First.” As a result, thousands of Upstate founders have found access to mentors, advisors, investors and strategic partners across our global network of 17,000 supporters.

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By The Numbers

In 2024, UVC remained dedicated to empowering founders and fostering entrepreneurial growth across Upstate New York, equipping them with the resources and connections to succeed.

213+

High Growth Founders Supported

731+

High Growth Companies in Upstate NY

513+

Strategic Referrals for Founders

Our Programs

Founder Network

At UVC, we believe in the power of connection. Our Founder Network offers high-value introductions to other emerging founders, UNY50 entrepreneur leaders, and top-tier advisors. Whether you are just starting out or scaling your business, joining our community provides access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

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Founder Fusion Events

Our Founder Fusion Events are highly curated networking opportunities designed to expand connections for Upstate founders. Held in Upstate NY and major metropolitan cities such as NYC and Boston, these events blend diverse entrepreneur communities, fostering collaboration and innovation across regions.

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UNY50 Members

The UNY50 is a select group of accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders who are passionate about supporting UVC's mission. They embody the "Give First" philosophy, offering their time, networks, and expertise to help emerging founders navigate the challenges of building a successful business.

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Unleashed Founders Retreat

Unleashed is our annual retreat designed for founders to relax and recharge in an unplugged environment. This event is a unique opportunity to build lasting connections with successful entrepreneurs and meet the next generation of unicorn CEOs. It’s more than just a retreat—it’s a chance to be inspired, learn, and grow alongside peers who are on the same entrepreneurial journey.

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Sponsors

EY logo
Rockefeller Capital Management
Fidelity
Cooley
UpVentures logo
UNY50 Mentors

Connect with a UNY50 Mentor