New York Ventures (Empire State Development)

Invests New York Ventures through state-backed equity capital for early innovation ventures, regional managers, and accelerator-aligned entrepreneurs.

New York Ventures is the venture capital arm of Empire State Development, New York State's economic development agency. It deploys equity capital into early-stage technology companies, emerging fund managers, and accelerators across the state, with more than $106 million invested in 122 companies since 2015 and more than $715 million in private co-investment attracted alongside that capital.

The platform runs through four active funds: the Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund, the NYS Innovation Venture Capital Fund, the Emerging and Regional Partner Fund, and the Community and Regional Partner Fund. The first provides $50,000 to $250,000 with a 1:1 private match for pre-seed and seed companies; the regional manager funds back diverse or undercapitalized fund managers; and the broader venture vehicle reaches seed through Series B companies. It operates through equity, convertible debt, SAFE, and co-investment structures rather than grants.

New York Ventures is built for founders and fund managers who can bring private capital to the table and show New York presence. Its portfolio skews toward women-, minority-, and veteran-led companies and toward regions outside New York City, and applicants are expected to submit investment presentations rather than wait for a fixed deadline. Weekly office hours and technical-assistance support through LaunchNY give the platform a practical, rolling entry path.