Season 2, Episode 5 of Empire State Entrepreneurs: NY Business Law is out now! In this latest episode, managing partner and host David Pfalzgraf sits down with Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, and Pete Grum, Chair of the Board of Directors at 43North and Venture Partner at Advantage Capital.
43North has played a key role in helping put Buffalo on the map as a destination for big ideas, bringing entrepreneurs from around the world to grow and thrive here. Since 2014, the company has been running an accelerator program, investing 5 million annually to recruit high-growth companies to our area. By backing bold startups, 43North is sparking new opportunities across the region and fueling Buffalo’s business boom and economic growth.
Colleen and Pete share their career journeys and perspectives: Pete, from his former role as President and CEO of Rand Capital to his current position at Advantage Capital, brings a wealth of knowledge to 43North as its Board Chair. Colleen reflects on her path from Los Angeles, where she worked at DreamWorks Animation, back to her hometown of Buffalo to help build 43North from the ground up. They discuss the early days of 43North, promoting the belief in Buffalo’s entrepreneurial potential, and the company’s path to becoming a driving force for innovation in WNY.
The conversation also features a spotlight on Top Seedz, a 43North-backed business that’s expanded nationwide and is making a difference right here in the Buffalo community. The episode also gives insight into this year’s competition, the 43North Foundation, and how Buffalo leaders can support startups. Colleen and Pete bring an engaging perspective on entrepreneurship and the importance of fueling and empowering innovative businesses that are changing the game in Western New York and beyond.
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