HSBC Partners with Buffalo-Based 43North to Help Foster Startup Economy in Upstate New York

NEW YORK (May 6, 2025) — HSBC today announced a strategic partnership with 43North, an accelerator program created to recruit and invest in high-growth companies to Buffalo, NY. The collaboration’s inaugural Upstate Startup Showcase will host 12 startup founders at HSBC’s New York City Headquarters at Hudson Yards to present to potential investors, spotlighting the power of coordinated investment in the innovation economy to transform communities.

Selected founders will deliver a three-minute pitch to a room of investors and industry experts, from organizations like AlleyCorp, Endeavor, Precursor, MetaProp, Blue Collective and more—aiming to gain exposure and secure funding. Companies from 43North’s portfolio will be spotlighted alongside those of partner programs such as Genius NY, Grow‑NY, NextCorps, Radial Ventures and StartFast Ventures—highlighting the full power of the region’s innovation flywheel.

“HSBC has had a longstanding, deep connection to Buffalo and we are committed to doing what we can to support its burgeoning startup ecosystem. Today’s investment in local, innovative early-stage companies will power the engines of tomorrow’s growth.” said Sunita Patel, Head of Investor Coverage and Global Fund Banking, HSBC USA. “Partnering with 43North allows us to bring global capital, mentorship and networking opportunities to founders regardless of their location enabling them to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive regional economy in the state of New York.”

Since its founding in 2014, 43North has invested $5 million annually in startups that relocate to Buffalo through its immersive accelerator program. Its portfolio includes companies from major U.S. hubs like Boston, San Francisco, Austin, and New York City, as well as international startups from the U.K. and Canada. Over the past 11 years, 43North’s 74‑company portfolio has collectively raised more than $1 billion in follow‑on funding and created more than 3,000 jobs.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen firsthand that bringing startups and investors together drives transformative economic opportunities,” said Colleen E. Heidinger, president of 43North. “ACV Auctions—now a publicly traded company—made key investor connections at a similar event that helped propel their growth. With the Upstate Startup Showcase, we’re expanding beyond our portfolio to demonstrate the depth of New York State’s commitment and highlight how its investment in regional accelerators is paying off. Partnering with HSBC takes this effort even further—connecting Upstate founders to global capital and resources that drive real growth.”

For the founders participating in the showcase, the event offers more than just exposure—it creates direct lines to capital, mentorship, and long-term opportunity. Several portfolio companies credit 43North and similar programs for accelerating their trajectory by putting them in rooms with decision-makers and future partners.

“43North’s program gave us more than just funding — it plugged us into a network of investors, customers, and mentors who truly accelerated our growth,” said Dr. Daphne Pariser, Founder and CEO of HeronAI. “Events like the Upstate Startup Showcase are incredibly important because they put founders directly in front of the people who can help them scale. Relocating to Buffalo was one of the best decisions we made. It gave us access to a supportive, tight-knit community and resources that would have been out of reach in larger, more saturated markets.”

Applications for 43North’s 11^th accelerator cohort open June 11. Investors and founders interested in early access to applications or partnership opportunities can contact Jeremy Jones (Jeremy@43North.org) for more information at 43North.org.

For media:

HSBC: Elena Connolly, US Head of Communications, Corporate and Institutional Banking, elena.connolly@us.hsbc.com

43North: Christian Gaddis, Sr. Director Marketing & PR 43North@methodcommunications.com