On March 20, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz will host “The Most Promising Companies in the Hudson Valley” at the Senate Garage in Kingston. This exclusive event aims to showcase the region’s most visionary and technology-forward startups, bringing together business leaders, investors, elected officials, and entrepreneurs to recognize the top companies driving innovation and economic growth in the area.
The event will feature 10 companies (including locally based hamburger chain Moonburger) competing for $20,000 in non-dilutive capital via five-minute pitch presentations. Judges include Eliza Blank, CEO and founder of The Sill, Zachary Pecenak of NY Ventures, and Veronica Fey, partner at SoundBoard Ventures.
Eliza Edge, director of the Hudson Valley Venture Hub, emphasizes the significance of this occasion: “The Hudson Valley is emerging as a powerhouse for startups and economic development,” she says. “This event is not only a celebration of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit but also a launchpad for deeper investment and collaboration.”
Established in 2018, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub serves as a central resource to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem. In 2022, it was designated as the Innovation Hot Spot for the Mid-Hudson Valley by Empire State Development, securing $1.25 million over five years to bolster entrepreneurial activities. The Venture Hub offers a highly individualized accelerator program that supports technology-forward startups, guiding them toward increased investment and revenue generation. Portfolio companies benefit from services such as New York State tax incentives, paid advisement, and access to student support for tasks ranging from social media management to customer discovery research.
The impact of the Venture Hub’s efforts is evident. In its first year as an Innovation Hot Spot, the Hub provided incubation services to 20 regional companies across various industries, including software, food and beverage, and the sharing economy. These companies reported the creation of 26 new full-time equivalent jobs and generated $4.5 million in private investment and increased revenue. This growth represents an 18-fold return on the state’s investment in the Venture Hub’s inaugural year.
Previous “The Most Promising Companies in the Hudson Valley” events have spotlighted startups that have gone on to achieve significant milestones. For instance, Moonrise Bagels, which, after winning a Venture Hub pitch competition, attracted notable guests to their new Poughkeepsie location, signaling their growing prominence in the region.
The upcoming event on March 20 is an opportunity for deeper investment and collaboration within the Hudson Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By bringing together key stakeholders, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub aims to catalyze further growth and innovation, solidifying the region’s status as a burgeoning hub for startups and economic development.
Tickets to the event are $20. Pizza and cold beverages are included.
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This article appears in March 2025.
