2019 marked the tenth year of UVC operations and it’s a good time to check on our progress, celebrate the wins and plan for the future. When we started UVC, we knew that the path to prosperity required a generation-long effort to bring together the vast resources distributed across Upstate NY.
At UVC, we spend a lot of our time helping emerging entrepreneurs in Upstate communities find the people that can help them succeed. For the past year, however, a new trend seems to be coming together–experienced entrepreneurs from major tech hubs are rediscovering what a great place Upstate is to build out their teams!
Our friend and mentor, J. Montieth “Monty” Estes, a visionary leader who helped create the culture of entrepreneurship support in Upstate NY, passed away on February 11, 2018. With his passion for founders commercializing new technologies, Monty was a passionate advocate for our region and its entrepreneurial potential.
Drive Binghamton (#DriveBing) is a remarkable collaboration of community builders from academia, economic developers, members of the business community and, most importantly, the area’s emerging entrepreneurs, creatives, and technologists.
Seven years ago Martin and I recognized that the only way Upstate NY can compete with larger metro areas is by building stronger connectivity among the region’s entrepreneurs and supporters.
UVC and its partners have been working diligently to promote the cause of high growth entrepreneurship across Upstate NY. The first Upstate Venture CEO Survey (conducted by Rochester-based CGR) offers many insights into high growth businesses and their economic impact on the state. It also points to opportunities for the broader community to support and nurture these drivers of our future economy.
UVC is officially announcing the launch of our Fall 2016 fundraising campaign. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation today to move us further towards our goal. uvc.org/donate
Since launching Upstate Venture Connect in 2010, Martin and I have met with thousands of Upstate NY entrepreneurs, from startup founders to CEOs of profitable fast growing companies. Invariably, our conversations with every CEO turn towards a few themes: how to recruit talent, attract attention and raise capital. Our new Upstate CEO Survey will now help us determine the impact our high growth businesses are having on Upstate’s economy. Please take this short, confidential online survey to shine light on your accomplishments!
In early 2010, Martin Babinec and Nasir Ali launched a 501c3 non-profit with the ambitious vision of connecting entrepreneurs across Upstate NY. The slideshow enclosed captures highlights of UVC’s journey and shows how Upstate founders have a more supportive environment in which to grow.
