accelerator

Launch NY

Launch NY is a startup accelerator based in the United States, investing in Healthcare & Life Sciences; Commerce & Marketing and Energy, Environment & Mobility, 5 tracked investments.

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Investments Tracked

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About Launch NY

Launch NY is a startup accelerator headquartered in the United States. We have recorded 5 investments for Launch NY to date.

Sector activity concentrates in Healthcare & Life Sciences; Commerce & Marketing; Energy, Environment & Mobility and Fertility. Coverage extends to 8 sectors in total. Participation spans Pre-Seed and Seed rounds.

Launch NY invests in high-growth, high-impact companies across Upstate New York, providing mentorship and capital. They focus on catalyzing the entrepreneurial culture and driving innovation, job creation, and regional economic growth.

Investment Focus

Stage Focus

pre-seedseed

Sectors

Healthcare & Life SciencesCommerce & MarketingEnergy, Environment & MobilityfertilityCircular EconomymatchmakingMedical DiagnosticsPreventative Medicine

Investment Thesis

Team

George ChamounVice Chairperson

CEO of ACV Auctions. Co-founded Synacor in 1998. Syracuse native and University at Buffalo alumnus. Named one of Multichannel News '40-under-40' in 2009 and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Mel PassarelliVice Chairperson

Partner with Arete Advisory Services. Recently President & CEO of USU Solutions. Led turnaround of Attinuity to NASDAQ listing acquired for $560 million by Qlik. Over 30 years in software industry.

Quincy AllenDirector

Over 35 years in technology services. IBM's Go-To-Market Leader and Chief Marketing Officer for IBM Cloud 2015-2018. Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Unisys. President roles at Xerox.

Melodie BakerDirector

Executive Director of ImpactSTATS. National Policy Director for Just Equations. Charter school founder and education leader focused on equity and marginalized communities.

Tom LynchDirector

Senior executive with leadership experience in biotechnology and consumer products.

Ekua Mends-AidooDirector

President of Clementine Gold Group. Over 15 years in equity-centered strategy across corporations, municipal governments, non-profits, and healthcare. Cornell University Certified Diversity Professional.

David J. NascaDirector

Director of NBT Bancorp and NBT Bank ($16 billion Super Regional Community Bank). Former President and CEO of Evans Bank. 42-year career in banking and finance.

Zachary ShulmanDirector

Managing Partner at Cayuga Venture Fund. Teaches at Cornell Johnson School of Management leading Entrepreneurship@Cornell. Serves as Director of several companies including Primet Precision Materials and Advion BioSciences.

Marnie LaVignePresident and CEO

Over 30 years in private and public sectors creating products and startups in life sciences, informatics, and advanced manufacturing. Co-founded Launch NY. Chair of New York State Economic Development Council.

Scott TerhaarHead of Finance

Responsible for finance and grants administration. CPA with MBA from University at Buffalo. Previously EVP and CFO of ValueCentric (sold to IQVIA in 2019) and CFO of Perry's Ice Cream.

Lindsay Karas StencelPrimary Legal Counsel

Partner at Thompson Hine LLP. Former Fund Manager of Launch NY who built the LaunchNY Seed Fund. Named 2018 Early Stage Dealmaker of the Year and 2019 Investor of the Year by Upstate Capital Association.