The launch of the application process for 43North’s 10th Anniversary Cohort was an ideal time to highlight new discoveries from one of our most successful portfolio companies.
The startup accelerator and incubator made the announcement Wednesday at Top Seeds’ new warehouse on Oak Street in Buffalo.
Erie 1 BOCES worked with 43North and some of its partners to develop curriculum and projects for students as part of a pilot program leading up to the inaugural 43North Student to Startups competition (the student version of the 43North Finals). did. This means that even at the K-12 level, our education system is laying the foundation for future entrepreneurs, getting them thinking about that path at an even earlier age, and supporting Buffalo’s growing startup ecosystem. Here’s another example of this.
Top Seeds is preparing to open a 35,000-square-foot production facility, more than double the size of its current headquarters in Cheektowaga.
It joins ACV Auctions, Kangarootime, CleanFiber and more as other 43North portfolio companies that have grown and are located throughout Western New York.
And that’s exactly why state officials created the 43North contest 10 years ago – to revitalize the region’s small startup sector and help foster a new generation of high-potential businesses.
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“I can’t say enough that I didn’t do this alone,” said Rebecca Brady, founder of Top Seedz, winner of the 2021 43North contest.
“It really has been the entire Buffalo community that has supported us,” she said. “And of course, 43North has been amazing. What a fun partner to have on this journey.” They provided everything I needed, including guidance, education, and support. ”
Guidedsley’s Taylor Lord (right) and Store Cash’s Daricus shake hands with Stepwise’s Austin Hunt during the 43 North Finals event at Shay’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo on October 12, 2023. -Hugging Releford (left). Guidesly, Store Cash and Stepwise are each his five 2023 43North final winners.
Libby March/Buffalo News
43North wants to help build more stories like Top Seeds as it opens the application process for companies seeking one of five $1 million prizes to be awarded at this year’s finals on October 10. I am. The deadline for applications is June 7th. Contest finalists will be determined around early September.
43North began as the state’s idea to revitalize Buffalo’s startup and technology ecosystem and has become a catalyst for the region’s innovation growth.
Colleen Heidinger, executive director of 43North, reflects on 43North’s 10 years as a startup incubator and accelerator preparing for its next round of competition.
“At 43North, we often talk about the concept that thinking and believing can be the beginning of great things,” said Colleen Heidinger, executive director of 43North.
“That vision has created a ripple effect, even a wave of opportunity, in our region. People now expect more from us,” she said.
The state is 43North’s largest financial supporter, and the company currently creates more than 1,000 local jobs and invests in a portfolio of 69 companies, including 46% with founders of color and 26% with founders of color. is a female founder. These startups have gone on to raise more than $1 billion in funding.
“We measure the success of 43 North by the amount of jobs it was able to create,” said Timothy Hogues, secretary of the state Department of Civil Service. “Thanks to 43North’s support, Buffalo has become a hub for innovation.”
Top Seeds first connected with 43North in 2018 by winning a $50,000 prize through the Ignite Buffalo program. Ms. Brady said she is one of the founders who used her 43North connections to learn at every opportunity.
What started in 2017 as a company producing 12,000 boxes of crackers a year has grown to a company producing 15,000 boxes every few days. Once the new facility is up and running, Top Seeds will produce 12,000 boxes in four hours.
The new facility has six ovens installed and ready to go, with the potential for more to grow. Top Seeds will move manufacturing to the new facility by June.
The company has more than 40 employees, many of them new to Buffalo, and its products are currently sold in more than 4,000 stores across the country, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, CVS and Kroger. Top Seeds projects sales to reach $10 million this year.
Brady hopes to continue growing in the U.S., with an eye toward someday selling overseas, including in Toronto. Manufacturing in the new facility will extend the shelf life of the crackers.
Top Seeds has unveiled a mural at its new facility on Oak Street in Buffalo.
