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Empire State Development

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency.

Investor Profile

Empire State Development has backed more than 19 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 68% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Grant, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Germany.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Manufacturing, Biotechnology.
  • Led 3 rounds in the past year.

Stage Focus

  • Grant (68%)
  • Series A (21%)
  • Series B (5%)
  • Seed (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (95%)
  • Germany (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Manufacturing
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Development
  • Non Profit
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Therapeutics
  • Consulting
  • Food And Beverage
  • Service Industry
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Empire State Development frequently co-invest with?

Alexandria
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Pfizer Venture Investments
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Accelerator Life Science Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Partnership Fund for New York City
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Johnson & Johnson Robotics and Digital Solutions
North America, New Jersey, United States, New Brunswick
Co-Investments: 3
180 Degree Capital
North America, New Jersey, United States, Montclair
Co-Investments: 3
WuXi AppTec
Asia, Shanghai, China, Shanghai
Co-Investments: 3
WF
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 3
AbbVie
North America, Illinois, United States, North Chicago
Co-Investments: 2
ARCH Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Empire State Development?

Lamarr.AI

Galanta, Trnava, Slovakia (Slovak Republic)

Lamarr.AI is developing automated solutions for building envelope diagnostics and refurbishment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)SoftwareWeb Development
GrantAug 11, 2025
Flox

Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden

Flox combines GenAI and wildlife science to create solutions that monitor and manage wildlife effectively across various landscapes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Generative AISoftwareWildlife Conservation
GrantAug 11, 2025
Skyfire AI

Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Skyfire AI is a drone platform that provides autonomous flight and data tools for public safety and defense.

AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)Data VisualizationDrones
GrantAug 11, 2025
Lighthouse Avionics

Hilliard, Ohio, United States

Lighthouse Avionics is revolutionizing public safety with cutting-edge drone and airspace awareness technology.

Public Safety
GrantAug 11, 2025
Modovolo

Utica, New York, United States

Modovolo is an aviation and aerospace component manufacturing firm.

AerospaceManufacturing
GrantAug 11, 2025
SimpliFed

Ithaca, New York, United States

SimpliFed is a telehealth company that provides access to virtual breastfeeding support to new and pregnant parents.

ConsultingHealth CareParentingTelehealth
SeedFeb 4, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association

West Henrietta, New York, United States

RTMA fosters manufacturing innovation and growth in Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region.

Business DevelopmentManufacturingService Industry
GrantDec 12, 2024
Daystar Kids

Rochester, New York, United States

Daystar Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic, educational enrichment, and family support services.

Child CareHealth CareNon Profit
GrantNov 15, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
RochesterWorks

Rochester, New York, United States

RochesterWorks!, Monroe County's largest employment and training initiative,

AssociationCareer PlanningEmploymentHuman Resources
GrantNov 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,500,000
FuzeHub

Albany, New York, United States

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that assists small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies

Manufacturing
GrantJul 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,000,000