To date, the Investor Network has deployed over $2.5 million into 23 companies through 31 SPVs supporting high-growth startups across Upstate NY.
Cydney Sanders is Launch NY's marketing and engagement manager. The following column introduces a new way for people to engage and invest in startups across western and central New York.
Startup investing can be high risk, hard to access, and complicated to navigate.
We’ve built a simple, more approachable way to invest in startups by investing together.
The Launch NY Investor Network brings together all parts of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to help startups secure the funding they need to grow.
As the only online platform exclusively offering investment opportunities in Upstate NY startups, investors have the chance to do well while doing good, supporting companies that are shaping the Upstate NY economy and the future of industry in
the region.
A great example is Verivend, Launch NY portfolio company and 43North winner in the fintech sector, which received $125,000 from the Investor Network and was acquired last year after only 8 months post-investment.
Why It Works
Start small and learn as you go
You don’t need to be a seasoned investor to get started or attend meetings with startups. With a ‘no cost, no obligation’ sign-up, you can invest into companies you choose through our platform.
Then Launch NY does the rest of the work to close and manage the investment while accredited investors build experience over time.
Built-in deal flow
Over 90% of the companies featured come directly from Launch NY’s portfolio. These are startups we’ve already worked with, mentored, and supported. Investors can access an online data room and “meet the founder” sessions with startups who are receiving mentorship and strategic assistance from Launch NY.
Invest with other accredited investors
Through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), multiple investors come together into a single
investment.
This structure means a simplified experience for both investors and founders, with Launch NY managing processes and deals that often make it challenging for individual investors to participate in rounds from Seed to Series A and beyond.
Real Impact
To date, the Investor Network has deployed over $2.5 million into 23 companies through 31 SPVs supporting high-growth startups across Upstate NY.
Behind those numbers is a bigger story:
Launch NY has worked with nearly 2,000 startups, providing mentorship and funding, helping to support more than 10,000 jobs across the region. When you invest, you’re not just building your portfolio; you’re helping build innovative products, companies, careers, and communities.
Our investors have supported a growing portfolio of high-potential startups across industries, from clean energy and applied AI, to advanced manufacturing. Check out the Investor Network Portfolio here: https://launchny.org/portfolio/
A few examples include:
Azuna - Azuna uses pure, organic Australian tea tree oil to effortlessly clean, freshen, and eliminate unpleasant odors. The company is targeting $100 million in revenue in FY 2026.
HelixIntel - HelixIntel provides a specialized Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) designed for facility teams to manage work orders, reduce equipment downtime, and lower risks to lower insurance claims. The company’s investors include Munich Re and National Grid.
Verivend - Verivend is a purpose-built payments and investment management platform that enables sponsors and investors to seamlessly raise, manage, and move private capital through a secure, fully digital experience. Shortly after closing the Launch NY SPV with Verivend, the company exited, returning half the initial investment amount to the investors and issuing them stock in the growing acquiring company.
A Streamlined Experience
You make the commitment on deals you like, then we handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
As part of the process, you’ll receive:
Investment documents and closing materials.
Quarterly updates on company performance.
Annual K-1s for tax reporting.
Ongoing communications with the company handled by our team.
Turnkey management investment processes until the company exits.
Simple, Transparent Costs
Joining the Investor Network is FREE. You only pay if you decide to invest:
A one-time fee (e.g., $500 on a $10,000 investment) to cover SPV administration, reporting, and tax documents.
10% carry on returns only when there are returns and after you have received your investment capital.
Who It’s For
The Investor Network is open to accredited U.S. citizens or U.S. taxpayers who are curious about startup investing and looking for a more guided, lower-barrier way to get started.
Join the Network
If you’ve been thinking about startup investing but didn’t know where to start, or you’re simply
busy and need a convenient way to jump in on deals you like, this is your entry point!
A simpler way to invest.
A smarter way to diversify.
A meaningful way to make an impact.
To learn more or get started, visit our website or contact our investment team.
