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By: Kathy Welsh | Hudson Valley News Network
HUDSON VALLEY — Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY) will host a forum highlighting the tech and investment trends of Hudson Valley from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 at SUNY New Paltz.
The event includes a panel discussion with angel investors, and presentations from the lead strategist of IBM Watson’s Venture Investment Group, and CEO of local tech company Connectidy.
New York State Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will deliver an address on the state’s innovation economy following a networking reception that begins at 5 p.m. Attendance is open to the public. www.uvany.org or call 603-289-9750.
“We’re very fortunate to welcome Lt. Gov. Hochul to our venture forum, which aims capture the wealth of opportunity Hudson Valley provides for investors, entrepreneurs, and growing companies,” said Sam Ticknor, Executive Director of UVANY. “We’re looking forward to sharing the trends we see emerging in the region with the great speakers we’ve lined up.”
Dozens of investors from across the state have already confirmed their attendance. Angel investors participating in the panel discussion include Johnny LeHane of Hudson Valley Startup Fund, Sandy Wollman of Westchester Angels, and Dick Frederick of Eastern NY Angels. Nasir Ali, Executive Director of Upstate Venture Connect, will moderate the discussion.
“UVANY’s Venture Forum is a great chance for entrepreneurs to become visible to the broader New York State venture community,” said Tony DiMarco, Founding Manager of Hudson Valley Startup Fund.
“This unique event brings together the entire Hudson Valley startup ecosystem including entrepreneurs, angel and venture capital investors, and a wide variety of services providers.”
Prior to the investment panel, Dave Galvin, who leads investment strategy for the $100 million IBM Watson Venture Investment Group, will discuss partnerships between IBM and venture backed companies that build on the Watson AI platform.
CEO of Connectidy, a company that has employed the AI platform through a dating app, will give a brief presentation.
“We’re very excited by the enormous advancement in entrepreneurship in the Hudson Valley,” said Authur Tisi, CEO of Connectidy. “With a strong foundation of academic institutions, we believe there’s limitless potential for startups in this region.”