Latitude

From Rust Belt to Tech Hub: Drive Capital's Bet on Buffalo

43North welcomed Landon Campbell from Drive Capital on the Latitude Podcast! As a "Fly in a VC" guest, Landon visited with our Y9 cohort, sharing Drive Capital's story, their early-stage funding model, and key insights and tips for founders as they prepare for investor meetings.

Hook, Line, And Accelerators: Startup Success With David Lord, From Guidesly

In this episode of the Latitude Podcast, we're joined by David Lord and Taylor Lord from Guidesly, who are part of our new Y9 cohort. From their roots in the industry to their integration into the Buffalo community, David and Taylor share valuable insights and exciting plans for the future. Tune in to learn how Guidesly is changing the game for outdoor enthusiasts and guides alike.
Connect with GuiseleyLinkedIn: GuideslyLinkedIn: David LordLinkedIn: Taylor LordGuidesly WebsiteGuidesly.com 

Charging Ahead: Jane Chen's Electrical Revolution with StepWise

Join us on the Latitude podcast as we dive into the journey of Jane Chen and her visionary co-founders of StepWise. Explore how StepWise is breaking down barriers in the energy sector and addressing critical bottlenecks. Learn about Jane's experience at 43North Finals, and her unexpected journey to national TV, and discover why their team chose Buffalo as the ideal place to nurture StepWise's growth.
LinkedIn: Jane Chen
LinkedIn: Austin Hunt
LinkedIn: Ethan Brewer
 
 

Leaning into Your Strengths for Entrepreneurial Success

Discover the keys to entrepreneurial success as Helen Min, Managing Partner at Phenomenal Ventures, shares insights on playing to your strengths in the startup world. Helen, a Buffalo native with a background in major tech companies and advertising, discusses the evolving role of AI, the power of complementary strengths in founding teams, and the crucial art of storytelling for startup founders. 
Connect with Helen:
Twitter: @helen_minWebsite: Phenomenal VenturesVisit 43north.org to learn more

How Tech Can Save You Money with StoreCash

Join us in this episode of Latitude with 43North as Justine Palkowski, Senior Marketing Manager, welcomes Daricus Releford, Co-founder and CEO of StoreCash, a Y9 43North company. Discover how StoreCash's app helps you save 7-15% at your favorite stores, the unique QR code payment system, and how it differs from other cashback platforms. Explore the financial benefits for everyday shoppers and the exciting move to Buffalo. 
Plus, get insights into Daricus's entrepreneurial journey and his experience as a Black founder navigating the startup landscape.
Connect with Daricus: LinkedIn: Daricus Releford
Download StoreCash:
Download StoreCash AppStorecash Website
Other Mentions: 
About 43North’s Program Scott Wayman, KangarootimeEvan Leapart, Kredit Academy and Black Men Talk Tech

From Financial Instability to $1M Investment: Kredit Academy's Journey to 43North

Delve into the remarkable journey of Kredit Academy as founder Evan Leaphart shares the inspiring evolution from grappling with credit card debt to securing a groundbreaking $1 million investment at 43North. Explore the challenges, the innovative approach to financial literacy, and the profound impact on youth empowerment. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Evan's decision to relocate from Miami to Buffalo, New York, participating in 43North’s accelerator program.
Show Notes:
Gain valuable insights into the challenges of managing high-interest debt and how this experience fueled the vision for Kredit Academy.
Learn about Kredit Academy's innovative approach to financial literacy and its profound impact on youth empowerment.
Discover the significant milestone of securing a $1 million investment at the 43North competition.
Connect with Evan Leaphart and explore the latest initiatives from Kredit Academy.
Black Men Talk Tech: In addition to being the visionary behind Kredit Academy, Evan Leaphart discusses his instrumental role in founding Black Men Talk Tech—a community-driven initiative addressing the resource gap for Black entrepreneurs in the tech industry. This platform offers essential support, networking opportunities, and education, contributing to the success of underrepresented individuals in the startup ecosystem.
Connect with Evan and Mike:LinkedIn: Evan LeaphartLinkedIn: Mike Gross
Learn more about Kredit Academy and Kiddie Kredit:Kredit Academy WebsiteDownload Kidding Kredit

Peddling Forward: Building a Community with KAV

Join host Justine Palkowski in a captivating conversation with Whitman Kwok, founder of KAV, as they explore his inspiring journey to Buffalo after earning a spot in 43North's Y9 cohort. Discover how KAV is transforming the cycling landscape, not just with cutting-edge helmets but by building a thriving community both on and off the road.
Key Points:
Insights into the 43North application process and the competitive landscape.
Whitman's reasons for choosing Buffalo and the city's unique attributes.
KAV's commitment to community building, from local bike clubs to worldwide connections.
Excitement about Buffalo's sports scene, market proximity, and clean energy initiatives.
Dive into the innovative technology behind KAV helmets, ensuring a custom fit for everyone.
Connect with Whitman and KAV:
Whitman’s LinkedIn: LinkedIn
KAV’s Website: kavhelmets.com
KAV’s Instagram: kavsports

Exploring Innovation Beyond the Coasts

Join 43North's Latitude Podcast for an insightful episode featuring Steve Case, Chairman and CEO at Revolution LLC, author of “The Rise of the Rest.” and former co-founder of AOL.
In this conversation with 43North President Colleen Heidinger, discover the significance of regional collaboration, key to building a thriving tech hub. Steve's return to Buffalo, where he explored innovation in 2015, unveils valuable lessons for shaping a brighter future for Buffalo and beyond. Tune in for a compelling discussion on innovation beyond the coasts.
Click here for full show notes

Mastering Your Inbound Pipeline

In this episode, CJ Maurer, the driving force behind The Gist, a dynamic inbound marketing agency headquartered at Buffalo's iconic Seneca One Tower, joins forces with the 43North team. Together, they explore the intricate world of mastering your CRM to supercharge sales through the dynamic landscape of inbound marketing.
 
RESOURCES
43North: 43north.org 
The Gist: thegistinbound.com 
Twitter: @thegist
Connect with CJ: LinkedIn

Trainwreck Sports Takeover: Behind the Scenes of 43North Finals

Get ready for a thrilling episode as Maniac from Trainwreck Sports takes over the Latitude Podcast. In this special edition, we dive deep into the preparations and secrets behind the scenes of 43North Finals. Joined by the talented members of the 43North Marketing Team – Tiffani, Devin, and Maura – Maniac explores the newest developments, creative planning, the esteemed judging panel, scripted vs. spontaneous moments, and what the team is most excited about this year.
 
Get FREE Tickets to 43North Finals
Follow Trainwreck Sports

More Than a Logo: How Brand Identity Sets You Apart

John B Johnson, Identity Architect, discusses how to optimize your brand identity to directly benefit your marketing efforts, product development, and more. Listen to John's tips on why your branding needs to be more than a logo, and how a small studio helped 43North Y7 Portfolio Company, ShearShare!
 
RESOURCES
Click here for full show notes
John’s Instagram: @johnbcreating
a small studio Instagram: @asmallstudioco
a small studio website: asmallstudio.com

4 Ways to Kill Your Startup

Brett Brohl, Managing Partner at Bread and Butter Ventures, joins Cindy Sideris, Sr. Platform Manager at 43North, to discuss four mistakes founders can make when scaling their startup.
RESOURCES
Apply: 43North Accelerator Program
Website: Bread & Butter Ventures 
Open Office Hours: Book Here
Twitter: @brettbrohl
LinkedIn: Brett Brohl
YouTube: Brett’s Brain

Innovation Across Borders with Twipes

43North sits down with Twipes (Y8) co-founders, AL Borz and Elle McIntosh. Twipes moved from London, UK to Buffalo, NY in 2023 to join 43North’s Y8 cohort and to expand their sustainable business in the United States. 
RESOURCES
Apply: 43North Accelerator ProgramWebsite: Twipes.comInstagram: @twipesuk Twitter: @twipesukTikTok: @twipesukLinkedIn: Ellenor McIntosh, Alborz Bozorgi

Emerging Tech Ecosystems with Dom Costanzo

Dominic Costanzo relocated from Richmond, VA to Buffalo, NY to contribute to the growth of Buffalo’s Startup Ecosystem. In this episode, Dom sits down with Cindy Sideris to discuss the qualities of successful emerging tech ecosystems in mid-sized cities. 

The Key to to a Successful Co-Founder Relationship

ShearShare co-founders Dr. Tye and Courtney Caldwell are married co-founders who have found success in both business and their relationship. From moving their business to Buffalo, NY, to writing best-selling books, we dive deep into their secrets for making it all work at the Latitude podcast with 43North.
 
RESOURCES
Show Notes: The Key to a Successful Co-Founder Relationship
Apply: 43North Accelerator Program
Website: ShearShare
ShearShare App: Download the App
Instagram: @ShearShare
Twitter: @ShearShare
TikTok: @ShearShare
Books: Mentored by Failure, The Happiness Journal

Latitude Trailer

Presented by 43North, we dive deep into conversations with founders, CEOs, and venture capitalists who are building Buffalo’s thriving startup and tech ecosystem. If you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or someone who just loves all things business, these conversations are your secret sauce to success. This is Latitude with 43North.