Launch NY 2025 investments include firms in Southern Tier

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Companies in Ithaca and Binghamton are among nine firms benefiting from Launch NY investments totaling $1.35 million so far in 2025. Launch NY investments in 2024 totaled $2.765 million, per a July 29 announcement. Bridge Green of Binghamton secured a $250,000 from LP Fund II and nonprofit seed fund. Bridge Green is a new portfolio company for Launch NY and focuses on innovative technologies that upcycle and extract critical minerals from used lithium-ion batteries to support a “circular economy and strengthen the domestic supply chain,” Launch NY said. At the same time, Dimensional Energy of Ithaca will use a $75,000 investment from LP Fund I and nonprofit seed fund. Dimensional Energy has received previous investments from Launch NY to commercialize its carbon-capture technology. Launch NY invests from its for-profit LP Funds I and II, nonprofit seed fund and the growing Investor Network, which is a syndicate of accredited investors who receive access to pre-vetted startup investment opportunities in upstate New York. “Launch NY has not wavered in its crucial role establishing Upstate NY as a viable place to build high-growth startup companies,” Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., president and CEO of Launch NY, said in the announcement. “We continue to see tremendous innovation emerging from these communities, and we’re proud to help them build early traction as they launch their products into the market and attract additional capital from other sources.” Launch NY describes itself as the only venture-development organization serving upstate New York and the most active seed fund in New York state. The organization’s announcements this year included the close of its $15.775 million Launch NY Limited Partner (LP) Fund II in the second quarter and geographic expansion into Albany.

WNY startups

Besides the Ithaca and Binghamton firms, Launch NY also invested in five firms that are based in Buffalo, one in Rochester, and one in Webster. Launch NY made a $200,000 investment into PhysicianX, a Buffalo-based technology startup that empowers medical residents, fellows, and established doctors seeking new career options. It also invested $285,000 in 3AM Innovations of Buffalo from the Launch NY LP I, nonprofit seed fund and Investor Network. 3AM Innovations has received previous investments from Launch NY and provides software to keep first responders safe in emergency situations. Another Buffalo firm, Arbol, picked up a $100,000 investment from the nonprofit seed fund. Arbol has received previous investments from Launch NY and is a financial operating system that helps colleges keep students enrolled by identifying financial risks early and guiding students with personalized support. In addition, BetterMynd of Buffalo will a nearly $125,000 investment from LP Fund I and nonprofit seed fund. BetterMynd is an existing Launch NY portfolio company and creates a venue for web-based mental health therapy at colleges and universities. Launch NY also invested $60,000 in Edenesque of Buffalo with the money coming from LP Fund II and nonprofit seed fund. The plant-based dairy startup has received previous investments from Launch NY. In Monroe County, a $185,000 investment in Nordetect in Rochester coming from LP Fund II and nonprofit seed fund. Nordetect is a new portfolio company for Launch NY which enables precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. Panacheeza of Webster will use $75,000 from the nonprofit seed fund. Panacheeza is a shelf-stable, plant-based grated parmesan made with just five simple ingredients.