43North's big night is going to look pretty different this year.
Instead of awarding one $1 million grand prize and seven $500,000 grand prizes, the competition will award five $1 million prizes to startup founders who can articulate a bright future and a concerted plan to grow in Buffalo.
There's more competition, too. The organization doubled its applicant pool this year, receiving submissions from 720 founders across the world.
Those founders were boiled down to 15 semifinalists who gave their pitches before 43North's judges today at Seneca One. Eight of them move on as finalists to pitch Thursday at Shea's Performing Arts Center.
Here are the eight companies who will take the stage.
Agape Wellness
CEO: Kadie Okwudili
Current location: Rochester
Founded in: 2018
What it does: The relationship wellness company created an app, which launched in November 2020, that prompts users with questions to kickstart deep chats. The business received a $75,000 Launch NY investment in 2020 and recently got into Y Combinator, a Mountain View, California-based accelerator, and raised a $1.8 million pre-seed round. The startup employs six and expects to hire four more workers by year-end. | Read more
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AMPAworks
CEO: Bianca Gonzalez
Located in: Santa Monica, California
Founded in: 2018
What it does: The startup builds technology using artificial intelligence algorithms to help hospitals be more efficient and reduce costs. The business has a camera that uses computer vision artificial intelligence to have full inventory visibilities in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, pharmacies and medical device companies. In 2019, AMPAworks got into the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator, a three-month program that includes $100,000 in funding. The startup also closed a $325,000 pre-seed round in 2019, according to its LinkedIn.
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CaHill Tech
CEO: Carley Hill
Located in: Clarence, NY
Founded in: 2019
What it does: The business created an app-based mobile training tool for companies and workers in the construction industry. In July, the startup entered the three-month Techstars Iowa accelerator program, which also includes a $120,000 investment. Founder and CEO Carley Hill recently closed on a $1 million seed round. The startup employs 10 and expects to hire six additional staff over the next three months. | Read more
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Lilu
CEO: Adriana Vazquez Ortiz
Located in: New York City
Founded in: 2016
What it does: The business builds tech-enabled products aiming to make early motherhood more comfortable and less stressful for new moms. The startup created a bra with a lactation massage cushion inside to help increase and maintain milk supply and alleviate clogged ducts and engorgements. Awards and backers, according to its LinkedIn, include: AlphaLabGear Hardware cup, YC Fellowship, NSF SBIR, HAX / SOSV, Lair East Labs, AdAstra Ventures, Crescent Ridge Partners, She1k and Fermata.
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Mod Tech Labs
CEO: Alexandria Porter
Located in: Austin, Texas
Founded in: 2020
What it does: The startup helps companies by digitizing the real world using photos and videos to create universal 3D content at scale. The platform is artificial intelligence-powered, and the business raised about $507,700 in 2020, according to filings. The startup was part of the MassChallenge accelerator in 2021. As of February, it has raised about $770,000 from investors including Sputnik ATX. | Read more
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Otrafy
CEO: Nhat Nguyen
Located in: Chicago
Founded in: 2018
What it does: The business’ systems-as-a-service platform automates the collection and transfer of food industry data. The goal is to help with real-time food safety, certifications and sustainability information.
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Phood
CEO: Alex Parmley
Located in: New York City
Founded in: 2018
What it does: The startup integrates with universities’ card services to create a connection between students’ flex dollar accounts and the gig economy. The business issues a virtual debit card to students which can be used to buy goods and services from third-party vendors. Partners and investors include Techstars, Motivate Ventures, WndrCo, Rarebreed, SideDoor Ventures, UPC Capital, Asymmetry VC, Fresh Technology, SIMULATE, DoorDash, Manifold Group, Qolo, Discover Financial, Gaingels and Sutton Bank, according to LinkedIn.
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Twipes
CEO: Al Borz
Located in: London, England
Founded in: 2015
What it does: The bio-tech materials company has developed flushable wipes from a material that can break down in water in three hours and biodegrade in a landfill in seven days.This year, the startup also got into the tech2impact accelerator.
