Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Buffalo's Tech Scene

Alright, let's talk about networking in Buffalo's tech scene - it's an absolute must if you want to make it big. Thanks to this fresh data, we now know there are plenty of dope meetups to check out, like the Web 3.0 group focused on DAOs, NFTs, and crypto, or the Buffalo Game Space for all you gamers out there.

The 2024 Industry Leader Forum is bringing together tech heavyweights like Nancy Garcia from Tech Buffalo and execs from Bank of America to dish on the region's tech future.

And if conferences are your jam, Buffalo is hosting some major tech events in 2024 and 2025 covering everything from full-stack development to software architecture.

With all these opportunities to connect, learn from the pros, and show off your skills, Buffalo is becoming a serious tech hub. Just remember to check out resources like these job hunting tips from Nucamp to make the most of your networking efforts.

Buffalo's a hotspot for the next wave of tech startups, and the Buffalo Startup Weekend is where it all goes down! This crazy 54-hour hustle brings together all the ballers - entrepreneurs, devs, designers, and biz whizzes, to turn those sick ideas into legit companies.

It's an epic networking fest where you'll meet your tribe, maybe a co-founder or two, score some solid mentorship, and have investors scope out your vision. But it ain't just about the schmoozing - you'll get hands-on with prototyping, validating your concept, and pitching like a pro, all under the guidance of seasoned startup vets.

And the best part? You'll have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready to rock by the end of the weekend, putting your idea to the ultimate test.

Just peep the success stories from past Buffalo Startup Weekends - companies like Meetopolis, an event planning platform that slayed the game in 2018.

The founder, Lisa Thompson, straight-up said it was the event that gave them the push to turn their idea into reality. Then there's Buffalo Rising Software, who crushed it in 2016, scoring funding and mentorship to build their fire software solutions.

Richard Perez, the co-founder, spilled the truth - "Buffalo Startup Weekend was the catalyst that took our startup from concept to reality. The mentorship, resources, and intense focus let us validate our idea and build a prototype in just 54 hours."

With a track record like that, the Buffalo Startup Weekend is a no-brainer if you're trying to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, make some serious connections, and maybe even launch Buffalo's next big thing in tech.

You don't want to miss this epic opportunity to hustle and grind your way to the top!

Check this out! TechBuffalo is the place to be if you wanna get into Buffalo's tech scene. It's this non-profit that's all about helping people like us connect with opportunities in the local tech world.

Whether you're a coding whiz, an entrepreneur with an idea, or just someone who's about tech, TechBuffalo has your back.

These guys aren't messing around – they've got a ton of programs to level up your skills and get you noticed.

You can join their training programs to learn the latest tech skills that companies are looking for. Or, if you're more of a hands-on learner, they've got these tech events and workshops where you can pick up knowledge and network with industry pros.

But TechBuffalo isn't just about learning – it's also a tight-knit community that'll have your back.

They've got job boards to help you find gigs, mentorship opportunities to guide you through the tech world, and even coworking spaces where you can vibe with other like-minded techies.

It's like a one-stop shop for everything you need to crush it in Buffalo's booming tech scene.

If you're serious about making moves in the tech game, get connected with TechBuffalo ASAP. These guys are doing big things, and you don't wanna miss out on the action.

It's gonna be a wild ride!

Alright, let's talk about the Buffalo Open Coffee Club! This spot is like the hub for all the tech geniuses and entrepreneurs in the city.

Every Tuesday morning, they gather at the Seneca One Lobby Bar from 7:30 to 9 AM for a sweet blend of networking, idea-sharing, and some seriously good coffee.

It's like a weekly mega-meetup where Buffalo's brightest minds unite to shape the future.

The best part? It's an open and chill atmosphere, perfect for making genuine connections.

No stuffy agendas or forced convos here. You can just kick back, sip your caffeine fix, and let the conversations flow naturally. Whether you're looking to expand your network, stay up-to-date on the latest industry buzz, or seek advice from seasoned pros, this is the place to be.

But don't just take my word for it.

Check out what one regular attendee had to say:

"The Open Coffee Club has been an invaluable resource for networking and staying connected with Buffalo's vibrant tech community. The relaxed atmosphere fosters genuine connections that often lead to exciting opportunities."

Pretty sweet, right?

So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in Buffalo's thriving tech scene, mark your calendar for every Tuesday morning at Seneca One.

You might just stumble upon your next big idea or make that game-changing connection over a steaming cup of joe.

Buffalo's tech scene is on fire, and the 43North accelerator is at the heart of it all! This startup competition has been investing $5 million annually into seed-stage companies since 2014, attracting some seriously innovative entrepreneurs to the city.

If you're an aspiring founder or just someone who loves tech, you gotta get connected with 43North.

Each year, they select 5 startups to receive a $1 million investment and join their immersive accelerator program.

It's not just about the cash, though – these companies get access to free workspace, mentorship, and a network of over 1,000 investors across North America. Plus, they can enroll in the STARTUP-NY program to operate tax-free, which is clutch.

43North's portfolio is stacked with success stories like KAV, a startup creating custom-fitting helmets, and Guidesly, an online marketplace for outdoor adventure guides.

They've even got tech unicorn ACV Auctions and publicly traded companies like Hemogenyx on their roster. It's how much these startups have achieved with 43North's support!

But it's not just about the companies – 43North hosts a ton of events and mixers where you can connect with mentors, investors, and other entrepreneurs.

It's the perfect place to network, get some guidance, and maybe even find your next co-founder or investor. If you're serious about breaking into Buffalo's thriving tech hub, you gotta tap into the 43North community.

Hackathons are the real deal! They're epic coding parties where you get to create sick projects with your squad while networking with the sickest devs in Buffalo.

In 2024, this city is hosting some major hackathon action, like Digital Ag Hackathon by Cornell and BisonHacks which has a prize pool of $33,500! Insane, right?

By joining these hackathons, you'll level up your skills in areas like:

• Teamwork coding: Collab with your crew to build mind-blowing apps.
• Problem smashing: Tackle real-world issues and sharpen your creative thinking.
• Rapid prototyping: Master the art of agile development and MVP creation.
• New tech: Explore cutting-edge tools, frameworks, and coding languages.

To maximize your networking game, try these tricks:

1. Pre-hackathon meetups: Hit up the pre-hackathon meetups and socials to make new connections.
2. Chat with mentors: Chat up the mentors and judges – they're industry pros who could be your future bosses.
3. Team-building activities: Slay the team-building activities and pitch sessions to showcase your mad skills.

4. "Hackathons are way more than just code fests; they're your chance to link up with fellow coders and build lasting bonds," says Patricia Johnson, a hackathon veteran from Buffalo.

By diving into Buffalo's hackathon scene, you'll gain invaluable experience, forge connections with the coolest devs, and position yourself at the forefront of this city's booming tech landscape.

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) is where it's at if you wanna get your tech game on point. This massive 120-acre campus is a hotbed for all things innovative, with tons of dope organizations and events catering to us techies.

One standout spot is the BNMC Innovation Center, where entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry bigwigs come together to collab and make magic happen.

If you're tryna tap into the BNMC community, you gotta hit up these lit events:

• IC Success Pitch Night: Pitch your biz ideas to a panel of badass judges.
• BNMC Networking Events: Meetups for connecting with like-minded hustlers and building your network.
• Innovation District Beer Garden: Because networking is way more fun with brews involved, am I right?

But it's not just about the events.

The BNMC hooks you up with all sorts of resources to help you level up:

1. Innovation Community Portal: Your one-stop shop for startup support, coworking spaces, and more.
2. Dig @ the Innovation Center: A coworking space where you can grind and vibe with fellow entrepreneurs.
3. Health and Well-Being Programs: Because self-care is essential when you're out here hustling hard.

If you really wanna immerse yourself in this community, consider volunteering or interning at one of the BNMC organizations.

As the CEO Joseph Brown says,

"The BNMC is all about bringing together innovators and fostering that entrepreneurial spirit. By getting involved, you'll gain mad experience and connections that'll take you to the next level."

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is the coolest club in town for anyone trying to make moves in the business world around here.

These guys have been hustling since way back in the 1800s, and they're all about bringing people together to make things happen.

When you join the Partnership, you're tapping into a massive network of over 2,500 companies and organizations across different industries.

That's a ton of potential connections and opportunities just waiting to be explored. And being a member comes with some serious perks.

First off, they host a ton of events throughout the year, from seminars and panel discussions to straight-up networking parties.

It's the perfect chance to rub elbows with other ambitious professionals and maybe even find your next business partner or mentor. Plus, they've got specialized programs like the Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program, where you can get guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs who've been there and done that.

But it's not just about networking and events.

The Partnership is also a powerhouse when it comes to advocating for policies that support business growth in the region. They've got your back with resources like market research, workforce development initiatives, and export assistance programs to help you level up your game.

And let's not forget about the sweet deals you can score as a member.

Whether you're just starting out as an entrepreneur or running a well-established business, there's a membership level that fits your needs and budget. The benefits are worth every penny.

So, if you're serious about taking your career or business to new heights in Buffalo, joining the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is a no-brainer.

It's like having a backstage pass to the region's thriving economic scene, and who doesn't want that?

The University at Buffalo is totally killing it when it comes to tech. They've got this sick setup called the Center for Computational Research (CCR) which is like a superhero lair for all things data and computing.

It's stacked with crazy powerful tech, training programs, and collab spaces for interdisciplinary projects that'll blow your mind. To really tap into UB's tech scene, you gotta check out these epic events and opportunities:

• UB Hacking event: A 36-hour hackathon that draws in over 600 students from all over North America. It's like a tech Olympics where you team up and build insane solutions while networking with industry pros. Learn more.
• UB Tech Expo: Taking place in October 2024, this event is a total showstopper for cutting-edge research and projects from UB's computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship programs. It's the perfect chance to connect with faculty, students, and potential employers who are making waves in the tech world.
• UB Tech Talks: A series of monthly seminars featuring industry legends and UB's finest sharing their knowledge on the latest tech advancements. Attend these to stay ahead of the curve and network with your fellow tech enthusiasts. Learn more.

You can also join student orgs like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or the Entrepreneurship Club to collab with peers and get hands-on experience.

The faculty here are super engaged too, like Dr. Atri Rudra, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, who said:

"At UB, we foster an environment where students can actively engage in cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial endeavors. Our door is always open for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology."

Dive headfirst into UB's tech community and make your mark!

LinkedIn is where it's at for anyone trying to make moves in Buffalo's tech scene. But just having a profile isn't enough - you gotta optimize that bad boy to truly stand out.

We're talking a slick professional photo, a headline that grabs attention, and a summary that tells your story in a way that resonates.

Once you've nailed the basics, it's time to get that networking game on point.

Start by joining local tech groups like the Buffalo Data Science Community or BootSector. Not only will you connect with likeminded folks, but you'll also get the inside scoop on events, job openings, and what's buzzing in the 716 scene.

Don't sleep on updating your summary with those sweet tech skills you've been honing.

Use that space to flex your coding muscles, share projects you've crushed, or highlight any certifications or training you've completed (shout out to Nucamp's coding bootcamps for leveling up your skills).

Remember, networking is a two-way street.

While you're scoping out potential opportunities and making connections, be sure to engage with others' content, endorse your peers, and celebrate their wins.

A simple "Congrats on the new role!" can go a long way in strengthening those bonds and keeping you top of mind when new gigs arise.

The Buffalo tech community is thriving, and your LinkedIn profile is the key to unlocking doors.

Polish up that online presence, get active in the right circles, and watch as your professional ecosystem flourishes right here in the 716.