43North

43North is a founder-first startup accelerator based in Buffalo, New York, designed to support early-stage companies across a diverse range of industries. The organization invests $1 million in five companies per cohort in exchange for 5% equity, positioning itself as a high-conviction, in-person accelerator that connects founders with peers, mentors, and investors. Since its inception, 43North has built a portfolio of 79 companies spanning sectors including consumer products, enterprise software, edtech, automotive technology, and more. The program is industry-agnostic, welcoming startups from virtually any vertical, which has resulted in a broad and varied portfolio of alumni companies. Notable portfolio companies include ACV Auctions, the nation's leading wholesale automotive auction marketplace; Squire, a leading barber business management platform; Top Seedz, an award-winning producer of USDA Organic, gluten-free, vegan seed crackers; Kangarootime, an all-in-one childcare management software; and Guidesly, a SaaS platform for outdoor guides. 43North's core value proposition is leveraging Buffalo, New York as a strategic and affordable hub for startup growth, offering founders an ecosystem of resources, talent, and community connections. Beyond direct investment, 43North operates the Compass platform, a dedicated job board and talent network designed to connect job seekers with portfolio companies hiring in the Buffalo area and beyond. The Compass Talent Network hosts over four thousand candidates familiar with startup environments, and the platform automatically syndicates job postings to its community via email newsletters, social channels, and networking events at no cost to employers. This infrastructure supports portfolio companies in scaling their teams efficiently within Buffalo's growing tech and startup scene. 43North plays a significant role in the economic development of the Buffalo region, attracting entrepreneurial talent and capital to Western New York. The accelerator's model emphasizes in-person community building, mentorship from experienced operators and investors, and helping founders validate their go-to-market strategies, build their teams, and raise subsequent funding rounds.