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Innovate NY Fund

Innovate NY Fund

Supports seed-stage New York technology startups by investing through selected regional fund managers.

DiscontinuedNew York Ventures (Empire State Development)United StatesDeep-tech · adjacent

Eligibility · United States · US-NY

The Innovate NY Fund was a $45.9 million fund-of-funds initiative launched in December 2012, using a $35.6 million grant from the US Department of the Treasury and a $10.3 million contribution from Goldman Sachs. Seven fund managers were competitively selected to invest in seed-stage businesses supporting innovation, job creation, and high-growth entrepreneurship across New York State. Selected managers included Cayuga Ventures, Excell Partners, ff Venture Capital, Golden Seeds, Partnership Fund for New York City, SCP Incubators/Z80 Labs, and Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners.

Over its operational life the fund invested in 81 New York State companies, catalyzed more than $323 million in follow-on private sector investment, and contributed to the creation and retention of 2,250 jobs. No new investments are being made; all capital has been fully deployed and the fund is closed.

The Innovate NY Fund is documented here as a historical record of an earlier New York State venture initiative. Organizations seeking equivalent active state co-investment capital should apply to the NYS Innovation Venture Capital Fund, which serves as the successor program and holds approximately $135 million for direct co-investment alongside institutional and strategic lead investors into New York technology companies at Seed through Series B. Contact for historical inquiries: innovateny@esd.ny.gov.

Historical $45.9M fund-of-funds (launched 2012, now closed) that provided seed-stage investment capital through seven competitively selected fund managers across New York State.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Equity
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$45.9M

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: esd.ny.gov