Participated · Seed · Nov 2024

Founded in 2020 by Daricus Releford, StoreCash is a mobile payment solution that lets users pay and receive cash-back rewards immediately. The app integrates its API with fintech partners and alerts users when retailers like H&M, Gap, or AMC offer cash back. In person, customers scan a QR code generated by the app; online, users manually enter a serial number and barcode to complete transactions. Cashback is primarily earned through affiliate marketing and card rewards, and StoreCash emphasizes faster, larger returns than competitors. The company reports StoreCash users earn around $900 annually just by using the app. StoreCash plans to add budgeting features to help users better track and organize their finances, and will use new capital to expand product development and the team.

Led · Equity · Oct 2022

Mod Tech Labs builds an automated platform that uses artificial intelligence to convert photos and videos into 3D, aimed at scaling content for film and transmedia production. The company is Austin-based and is led by CEO and co‑founder Alex Porter, who pitched at the 43North finals alongside co‑founder Tim Porter. Last week Mod Tech Labs won a $1 million prize in the 43North pitch competition and, per program rules, must relocate to Buffalo for one year to participate in the 43North Y8 accelerator in exchange for a 5% equity stake. 43North is a nonprofit backed by New York State, Empire State Development, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and other sponsors. Prior to the 43North award, the company had raised about $800,000 in funding to date, including $68,474 from 63 investors via a WeFunder equity crowdfunding campaign and $100,000 linked to its participation in the Sputnik Accelerator. Mod Tech Labs has also participated in accelerators such as MassChallenge (2021) and Sputnik (2020), and was previously known as Underminer Studios.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2022

ShearShare is a B2B mobile marketplace that lets licensed beauty and barbering professionals rent flexible, affordable workspace with no-term leases or commission fees. The platform supports 900 cities and has grown into a nationwide marketplace serving tens of thousands of industry professionals, owners, and operators. ShearShare recently completed a rebrand, launched an improved mobile UX, and expanded educational and business resources for its user community. It offers daily liability insurance through an exclusive partnership with Lloyd’s of London. The company plans to hire a CTO and a Head of Revenue Operations, amplify self-service features, expand its on-demand rental database, and introduce proprietary analytics for small business owners. ShearShare has established headquarters at 43North in Buffalo, NY. ShearShare operates an online marketplace that lets stylists book open chairs or stations at salons and barbershops, matching supply and demand across locations. The founders launched the Dallas-based company in 2017 and have expanded listings to more than 600 cities, with chair prices ranging from about $15 to $569 depending on market. The platform processes payments for stylists via a partnership with First American Payments. ShearShare serves both stylists and salon owners rather than focusing solely on consumer booking or salon management. The company plans to roll out ancillary services for stylists, including pioneering an insurance policy to cover on-the-job lawsuits. With new funding and a Google for Startups grant, the team says it is ready to accelerate expansion and add more services for independent beauty professionals.

Led · Equity · Nov 2019

Circuit Clinical operates an integrated research organization (IRO) and patient engagement business that connects physicians, sites, and patients to clinical research. The company has a network representing over 90 doctors across more than 30 site locations, a nationally accredited cancer center, and a database of more than 2.5 million potential trial participants. Its offering includes an award-winning patient engagement platform, TrialJourney, and spans 10 therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, women’s health, and others. Circuit Clinical positions clinical research as a care option and focuses on improving retention, decreasing patient burden, and enhancing the patient experience. As part of a new strategic partnership, all Circuit Clinical sites will be standardized on Medidata’s RAVE and myMedidata technology solutions to enable turnkey decentralized and hybrid trial programs. The company plans to expand its decentralized clinical trial (DCT) network to 500 physician investigators and reach 15 million patients through the partnership. Medidata’s strategic investment in Circuit Clinical’s $27M Series C will fund that expansion and technology integration. Circuit Clinical is an integrated research organization (IRO) headquartered in Buffalo, NY that began conducting clinical research within physicians' practices in 2015. It partners with a multi-specialty network of physician practices and multiple Accountable Care Organizations to offer patients access to clinical trials in their own doctors' offices. Its core product, TrialScout™, is a ratings-and-reviews platform and patient-facing trial finder designed to help patients find, choose, and rate clinical trial experiences. The company combines technology-enabled services with in-office research teams to rapidly find and enroll the right patients and support retention through study completion. As a 43North 2019 competition winner, Circuit Clinical received a $500,000 cash investment and one year of free incubator space, plus mentorship, investor-network access, and marketing and hiring support. The company is positioning to transform the patient experience of finding and participating in clinical trials through its platform and service model.

Led · Equity · Nov 2016

WeDidIt builds a data-analytics platform to aid nonprofit fundraising. The Dumbo startup was participating in NYU Tandon’s Digital Future Lab prior to its most recent win. After being selected for 43North’s Class of 2016, the company will relocate to Buffalo. The 43North selection included a $500,000 prize tied to program participation. WeDidIt is led by cofounder and CEO Su Sanni. The team says it developed the product by adapting fast-changing online and digital fundraising techniques—originally seen in the creative world—for charities, nonprofits, and schools.