UVANY changes name to Upstate Capital Association of New York

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY) is rebranding as the Upstate Capital Association of New York (Upstate Capital).

The change seeks to “better reflect the organization’s purpose,” it said in a news release issued Wednesday.

Upstate Capital, headquartered in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford, defines its mission as working to “increase access to capital for companies and deal flow for capital providers across the spectrum of funding available for companies at all stages.”

The statewide organization has served as a “hub” to connect for investors, lenders, professional advisors, and companies seeking capital in upstate New York since 2003.

With its new name, Upstate Capital says it is “continuing” to make accessing capital “more efficient” for companies, while expanding its network of investors, professional advisors, and company executives across the state. The organization puts on events, conducts regular communications with members, and maintains an online membership portal.

“I am enthusiastic for this evolution for Upstate Capital,” Noa Simons, executive director, said in the release. “The organization is a great platform for connecting people across New York State and beyond, and this new brand more accurately represents all the constituents who belong to the organization and gives us a broader platform to simplify access to capital for companies, while continuing to provide meaningful value for our investors, members and partners.”

Upstate Capital is the “only organization” that supports the investment and entrepreneurial communities “through all stages,” the organization contends.

As the market has “evolved and matured,” venture capital and private-equity investors have been joined by private and institutional lenders, angel investors, and family offices to “share knowledge and build relationships,” the release stated.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com