Summary:
FoodNerd wins a $1 million investment from 43North.
Sharon Cryan emphasizes the impact of Buffalo on her mission.
Winners are required to operate in Buffalo for at least one year.
FoodNerd plans a major facility expansion to 30,000 square feet.
Other winners include CoverRight, HeronAI, Spiky.ai, and Rarebird.
On a night where 43North celebrated a decade of impact in Western New York, Buffalo startup FoodNerd emerged as a standout winner. The company, founded by Sharon Cryan, clinched a $1 million investment from 43North and also took home the $25,000 People's Choice Award during the finals held at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.
Sharon Cryan, founder of FoodNerd, gives her pitch during the 43North Finals at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
FoodNerd is a food technology platform that is redefining the processing of shelf-stable foods through its patent-pending technology that creates nutraceutical-grade food. Cryan, a Buffalo native and attorney, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Everything about FoodNerd and why I wanted to make a difference was born out of Buffalo."
The 10th anniversary cohort of the 43North startup accelerator included four other winners: CoverRight, HeronAI, Spiky.ai, and Rarebird. Governor Kathy Hochul attended the event, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Winners must base their operations in Buffalo for at least a year, with 43North taking a 5% equity stake in their businesses, aiming to encourage them to remain and invest in the region.
FoodNerd’s Big Move
Cryan has ambitious plans, moving from an 8,000-square-foot facility to a 30,000-square-foot site in Clarence to nearly double production. The company primarily targets children aged 8 months to 3 years and has secured a $4 million funding round. Cryan remarked, "We are such a food town to our core... I’m just so proud of it."
A Homecoming for HeronAI
Daphne Pariser, founder of HeronAI, is returning to Western New York with plans to help accounting firms save time through an automated platform. HeronAI has seen significant growth, amassing a waitlist of 1,600 potential clients.
A Long Trip for RareBird
Jeffrey Dietrich, founder of RareBird, is set to introduce a patented coffee with a caffeine replacement. He plans to establish a roastery in Buffalo, leveraging a $1.7 million National Science Foundation grant.
CoverRight’s Focus on Older Adults
CoverRight, founded by Kevin Chan, guides older adults through health, finance, and lifestyle options, addressing the challenges that come with retirement.
Spiky.ai Embraces AI
Spiky.ai utilizes AI to provide real-time insights for revenue teams, already analyzing 6,000 meetings weekly and working with major entities like Google and Salesforce. Aksar, the founder, aims to establish a headquarters in Buffalo to expand their operations.
The night was a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the potential of startups in Buffalo’s vibrant ecosystem.
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