Case Study: UVC’s Impact on Founder Success in Rochester
Empowering Yami Payano and Sign-Speak through Strategic Referrals
Overview
Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs in Upstate New York by providing curated referrals, introductions, and events designed to foster growth and innovation. One standout example of UVC’s impact is its collaboration with Yami Payano, the co-founder and CEO of Sign-Speak, a groundbreaking platform enabling real-time translation between spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL).
Challenge
As an early-stage founder, Yami sought not only funding but also strategic connections to amplify Sign-Speak’s mission. Navigating the complex startup ecosystem to identify aligned funders and supporters was a critical challenge.
In 2022 after Sign-Speak’s cofounders participated in TechStars, they relocated to Rochester to be closer to RIT. UVC was one of the first entrepreneurial organizations to meet Sign-Speak and introduce them to the community.
How UVC Helped
UVC leveraged its extensive network to connect Sign-Speak with key stakeholders across Upstate NY. This included:
1. Launch NY– A non-profit venture development organization providing seed capital and mentorship.
2. New York Ventures– A state-backed investment fund supporting promising startups.
3. Tech Garden– A CNY-based incubator providing resources and funding for technologydriven businesses.
Results
The curated referrals made by UVC were instrumental for Sign-Speak to secure funding for its seed round. As a result, Sign-Speak continues to grow and scale in Rochester NY. With this support, the company was able to:
● Scale Product Development: Leverage funding to enhance the core technology of Sign-Speak.
● Expand Industry Reach: Establish credibility and visibility in both the tech and accessibility sectors.
Founder Testimonial
“UVC’s introductions to investors helped me fill out half my seed round, and changed the trajectory of Sign-Speak. The connections to Launch NY, New York Ventures, and Tech Garden not only helped us secure critical funding but also provided invaluable mentorship and resources. UVC isn’t just a network – it’s a partner to success.”
– Yami Payano, CEO, Sign-Speak
Conclusion
UVC’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Upstate NY shines in the success of Sign-Speak. By bridging the gap between founders and funders, UVC transforms connections into growth, innovation, and impact. This case study illustrates how UVC’s strategic referrals can empower founders like Yami and the Sign-Speak team to bring their visions to life, advancing both their ventures and the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem To learn more about UVC, visit www.uvc.org, where you can join the Founder Network or engage as a mentor, partner, or supporter. To learn more about Sign-Speak, visit www.sign-speak.com.