BUFFALO INNOVATION SEED FUND
Buffalo Innovation Seed Fund (BISF) is an early-stage, evergreen venture capital fund with $10M in assets under management dedicated to growing the next generation of outstanding, diverse businesses in Buffalo and Western New York.
Beyond money, startups and entrepreneurs benefit from a long-term relationship with our Startup Ventures team.
We bring a network of successful entrepreneurs to the table for coaching and draw our advisory board members from mid-and later-stage investors. We’ll help you navigate UB resources like our incubators, labs, researchers and hiring students and alumni. Our thorough vetting process can also benefit your business.
Who's a good fit for BISF? Ask by stage:
Up to $100k
Up to $250k with 1:1 match to non-NYS funds
No prior affiliation with UB is required to utilize some of our startup support services. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, inquire today, and we'll help you figure out which paths are a fit so we can both invest our time well.
SUNY Research Foundation is the investor. The initial fund has been capitalized by NYS Empire State Development with $10M to deploy as part of the Innovation Hub Initiative.
Convertible Notes, SAFEs and Priced Rounds
You'll find our suggestions below, but don't hesitate to bring your own questions too.
You will pitch to an advisory board of experienced investors, subject matter experts in various technologies, venture capitalists and business people. The team evaluates and provides oversight to the investments awarded.
MemoryFox is a software-as-a-service company and DIY storytelling platform that makes it easy for nonprofit organizations to collect, organize and share community-generated digital content to build community and raise funds. The company serves organizations across the country, such as food banks, United Ways, and Veterans Service Organizations.
Immunaeon is a patient advocacy organization that provides educational resources for patients and their families. The company is working to build an infrastructure to store a person’s immune system for future use against potentially life-threatening illnesses. Through patient outreach and engagement, Immunaeon empowers patients to understand their clinical results and make the best treatment decisions possible.
Team Real Talk is an ed-tech startup that is building an online social learning platform to be implemented into the college curriculum to promote diversity, equity and inclusion discussions while preparing students for the professional work environment. The goal of the platform is to increase participation, engagement and comfortability with discussing and solving societal issues, one real talk at a time.
Get up to $100,000 in pre-seed startup capital and help from experienced entrepreneurs through the UB Cultivator.
Tap into legal services at our Entrepreneurship Law Center if you're not ready to engage outside counsel, but still need quality legal guidance.
Build your business and connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs in our two business incubators—the Incubator @ CBLS downtown and the Incubator @ Baird near North Campus.