about WNY IMpact Investment Fund

Building for the next-generation.

At the WNY Impact Investment Fund, we invest in Western New York companies with real commercial upside that also make this region a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

That focus has guided the Fund from the beginning and continues to shape how we evaluate opportunities and support the businesses we back.

Over the past nine years, we have made 27 investments in ambitious local companies led by founders and CEOs who are building meaningful businesses in Buffalo.
Their work reflects a simple idea that we have seen proven out over time: Western New York is well positioned to create significant business opportunities by solving real problems.

We intend to continue this work with the same discipline and long-term commitment, backing the next generation of companies and contributing to the region’s growth for years to come.
- Tom Quinn
TIMELINE
Past and Present.
The WNY Impact Investment Fund makes its public debut after three years of planning, introducing place-based social impact investment in Buffalo. 

Experienced entrepreneur and executive Tom Quinn is hired as founding CEO. Quinn closes Series 1 at $8.15 million.
2017
The Fund’s first deal is a $450K investment in recycling-compost startup EcoVerde.

Its first check written to portfolio co. Viridi, a lithium ion battery co. in a formerly abandoned East Side building.
2018
Successful deployment of Series 1 Fund, with deals in ag-tech, digital health and CPG startups rooted in WNY.
2019-2021
Fund closes Series 2 funding at $12.55M, bringing its total capital raised to exceed $20M which it reinvests back into the community
2022
Exciting deals in high-upside startups with major social impact includes Top Seedz, Arbol, 3AM Innovations, Buffalo FilmWorks and reinvestment into Viridi. Portfolio companies create hundreds of local jobs, revitalize local factories and show tremendous commercial promise.
2023-Present
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Leadership Team
Tom Quinn
Founding CEO
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Duane Connors
Director of Investments
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Heidi Burke
Director of Social Impact Analysis
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Dan Miner
Coordinator, communications and investor relations
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Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is composed of accomplished leaders whose collective expertise, strategic perspective, and dedication play a vital role in advancing our mission and long-term impact.
  • Melissa Baumgart
  • Martin Berardi
  • Brigid Doherty, Chair
  • Carrie Frank, Vice Chair of Social Impact
  • Pete Grum
  • Thomas Hunt
  • Thomas Hyde
  • Glenn Jackson
  • Ted Janicki
  • Northrup Knox, Vice Chair of Business Impact
  • Erin Komorowski
  • Buford Sears
  • Michael Ulbrich
Commercial ambition,
‍Real Impact.
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