Stories 6787-Springboard2025

The startup scene in WNY is growing fast: no longer overlooked, no longer underestimated. At the Springboard Speaker Series, investors from across the country came to see firsthand the opportunities in Western New York that are alive, thriving, and ready for venture capital.

At the Springboard Speaker Series, top investors shared their advice for founders: if you’re going to take the leap as an entrepreneur, you need strong conviction in what you’re building.

Dave Egner, CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, shares how Springboard was created to carry on Mr. Wilson’s entrepreneurial spirit, providing opportunities and funding to programs that help other entrepreneurs in WNY.

Dan Gigante talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for his organization.

Jordan Walbesser talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for his organization.

Adam Utley talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for his organization.

Jack Greco talks about why he served as judge for the 2025 Springboard prize program and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in WNY.

Omar Bakht talks about why he served as judge for the 2025 Springboard prize program and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in WNY.

Kamal Patel talks about why he served as judge for the 2025 Springboard prize program and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in WNY.

Chris Schoepflin of Main Light Strategies talks about how and why the Springboard program was developed.

Paul Riser from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation talks about how and why the Springboard program was developed.

Tamara Zantell talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for her organization.

Megan McNally talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for her organization.

Olivia Goldstein talks about what the 2025 Springboard prize funding will do for her organization.

200+ founders, investors, and business leaders packed into Hydraulic Hearth to hear from top VCs across the country at the Springboard Speaker Series: Nationwide Trends in Venture Capital in Buffalo, NY. The future of entrepreneurship isn’t just on the coasts anymore; it’s happening right here in WNY!