How 43North Built a $5M-Per-Year Startup Accelerator in Buffalo (Just Go Grind, Episode #366)

Episode 366: Justin Gordon interviews Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, a pioneering startup competition and venture program focused on building Buffalo into a thriving center for innovation and entrepreneurship. 43North invests $5 million annually in companies that relocate to Buffalo through its immersive accelerator program. Applications now open: https://43north.org/founders/program/ Watch this episode and others on YouTube. --- Show Notes: 00:00 What’s coming in the episode… 00:23 Introduction 01:01 What is 43North? 03:27 The early days of 43North 07:08 Covid days at 43North 09:14 Admission process 16:02 Getting the right partners 19:58 The first IPO from a 43N’s company 21:02 The long-year program  26:53 Why five “$1M” on investment money? 31:02 The impact of 43North 34:50 What’s next? 40:13 Why has 43N succeeded? 41:15 Take a look at the application! 42:22 Reach out to Colleen --- Connect with Justin:  Twitter: https://x.com/justingordon212 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justingordon8/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincharlesgordon/ --- What Justin is working on:  Just Go Grind Newsletter: https://www.justgogrind.com/subscribe The LA Grind Local Newsletter: https://thelagrind.beehiiv.com/subscribe Newsletter Founder Course & Community: https://newsletterfounder.com/ Running (Strava): https://www.strava.com/athletes/52394979 Hiring: https://partnerslink.athyna.com/pod Scouting: https://headline.com/