The Founder Institute, the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, is in the final stage of testing demand for opening a new semester in Buffalo for the Spring of 2015.
The testing phase ends soon (Mar 19, 2019), so if you'd like to help bring a new semester to Buffalo, please fill out this form today and spread the word. It only takes five minutes, and there is no obligation.
Over the last few weeks, the feedback we have received in Buffalo has been positive, and we have received a large amount of support from local startup and economic development organizations. In addition, we have reached out to some of the area's top technology entrepreneurs to support the program.
We are humbled by the list of top local and global entrepreneurs that have pledged their support to mentor new companies in a Buffalo Founder Institute program.
This list of entrepreneurs includes:
- Alex Kogan: CTO , Hi Operator
- Bob Willer: CTO, Kangarootime
- Brandon Burke: Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, LegWorks
- Cody Semrau: Founder & CEO, BetterMynd
- Duane Conners: Investment Associate , WNY Impact Fund
- Elizabeth Tsai: Founder & CEO , HiOperator
- Jack McGowan: Director, Buffalo Angels
- Jack Greco: Principal, Cupule Ventures
- Joel Colombo: President , 360PSG
- Kim Speier: Portfolio Growth Manager, 43North
- Lauren Baynes: VP Portfolio & Selection, 43North
- Lauren De Luca: Angel Investor , Buffalo Angels
- Lena Levine: Founder, Lena Levine Studio
- Lindsey Tropf: Founder & CEO, Immersed Games
- Mariah Ramos: Portfolio Manager , 43North
- Matt Davison: Managing Partner, Martin Davison Public Relations
- Matt Helt: Program Directors, 1863 Ventures
- Matthew Pelkey: Attorney, Colligan Law LLP
- Pat Whalen: COO, BNMC
- Scott Wayman: Founder & CEO, Kangarootime
- Scott Friedman: Managing Partner, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP
- Scott Stenclik: CEO, Aleron
- Tim Shisler: Consumer’s Beverages, Marketing Manager
- Tom Mc Manus: CEO, KegWorks
- And many more to be announced.
In the Founder Institute's structured, step-by-step program, these mentors will provide promising startup entrepreneurs in Buffalo with expert feedback and support to build their companies. In addition, participants are not required to quit their day job to participate, so they can begin building a business around their ideas without putting their livelihood at risk.
If we get enough demand to officially launch a Buffalo Spring 2019 semester, then we will secure approximately 10 - 20 additional mentors. In fact, in most Founder Institute semesters the ratio of Mentors to Founders is greater than 1:1.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200 cities and 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 9,000 companies form and improve their business ideas, develop their marketing strategy, create an advisory board, recruit co-founders, improve their pitch, launch a product, prepare to raise capital, bootstrap to profitability, generate revenue, and more.
Help bring a new semester to Buffalo and fill out an Interest Form today.
