Startup:NYC’s Official Launch Party

Last week, we announced Startup:NYC, a community of New York’s next superstar founders. Last night, we got together with members of Startup:NYC’s VC council, founders, supporters, and other ecosystem leaders to celebrate it.

Tech:NYC President and CEO Julie Samuels kicked off the evening by highlighting this community as well as its aim of assembling tailored resources and — importantly — forging closer ties to funding networks for emerging and underrepresented founders building in New York City. “We believe one of the healthy barometers of a tech ecosystem is having companies that were once startups now dedicating themselves to supporting their peers,” she said. “We’re thrilled to have partners in the NY tech community who are not only doing that, but are also committed to ensuring that founders of all backgrounds have the support they need.”

We also heard from some of our leaders and Startup:NY’s founding partners, who spoke about the dynamism of the New York tech ecosystem and their commitment to founders.

David Alpago, Partner/Principal at EY, said “What’s happening here in New York is special. We’re honored to be part of it.”

Alex Wheldon, Rho’s Cofounder, President and Chief Product Officer, spoke about being in the right place at the right time: “NYC is the best city in the world to start a business [...] This is exactly where it’s happening right now.”

Steve Baglio, Corporate Partner and Head of New York Office at Gunderson Dettmer, spoke about being a “fast supporter of NYC tech forever”, reminding founders there to reach out to him as often as they need help.

Now the work begins on delivering for founders of all backgrounds and the next generation of check writers that we believe will shape the face of New York City’s tech ecosystem. First, though, we can’t help but reflect on the energy in the room from our friends, our partners, and our outstanding community. We hope the photos below convey at least some of it.

Founders, applications are open for Startup:NYC. Look out for more announcements coming soon.

As always, thank you to our founding partners EY, Google, Gunderson Dettmer, Justworks, Rho, and WeWork. 

Photos by Tom LeGoff