October 25, 2016, Buffalo, NY – Innovation will take center stage at Rich’s as finalists from the prestigious 43North Startup Competition are set to participate in the Finals Qualifying Round to be held in the company’s state-of-the-art Innovation Center and Atrium @ Rich’s on October 26. Hundreds of spectators are anticipated as 16 of the world’s best startups compete for a chance to win $5 million in prizes. 43North boasts unprecedented stakes, including cash prizes, access to staff and mentors, healthy tax-breaks and free incubator space in Buffalo.
“43North exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to investment in innovation that is part of the fabric of Western New York,” said Richard Ferranti, Rich’s EVP & COO. “Rich’s is proud to host this innovative competition that shows the world what we have to offer and helps us attract the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs to build an even stronger Western New York.”
In 2014, Governor Cuomo launched the 43North contest as part of his Buffalo Billion initiative, and Buffalo was quickly recognized nationally as a city ripe with entrepreneurial opportunity. Governor Cuomo; Bill Maggio, Chairman of the 43North Board of Directors; and Howard Zemsky, President & CEO of Empire State Development and Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development; will be in attendance to kick-off the third annual event.
The first round of competition will see the 16 finalists deliver a five-minute pitch to the panel of esteemed judges who will select 10 companies to advance to the Award Round on October 27 at Shea’s to pitch for one of 43North’s eight cash prizes, including the $1 million, $600K or $500K grand prizes. For more information about the event, visit: https://www.43north.org/competition/
