UPNY works with ambitious New York technology founders to validate markets, build traction, and create a stronger path to capital.
Technical Proof is not Market Proof.
Build the evidence that changes what comes next.
Weeks 1-6
Customer discovery
Find the real buyer and validate the problem with customers.
Advisor phase
Build traction
Turn what you learned into commercial traction, with UPNY advisors alongside you.
Pass
Commercial evidence
An LOI, a signed pilot, or a paying early adopter.
We invest as you prove the market.
100 Days
Signal
Six weeks of customer discovery, then an advisor phase. Pass with an LOI, a signed pilot, or a paying early adopter.
$75-150K
Pre-seed
Invested in about 15 top performers, selected on commercial evidence, not pitch quality.
$100-200K
Follow-on
For the ~5 companies with the strongest traction.
Seed + Beyond
Institutional capital
Scale market validation, strengthen unit economics, and grow revenue.
Investment is selective and based on demonstrated progress, commercial evidence, and company potential.
We surround founders with the people and relationships that accelerate outcomes.
Seasoned operators who help you make sharper decisions, faster.
Strong connections across customers, partners, and investors.
Hands-on support to solve challenges and unlock opportunities.
Clear milestones and the right support to reach your next round.
We back New York founders ready to build what's next.
Deep tech or scientific innovation with strong IP or technical advantage.
Pre-revenue or at the proof-of-concept stage with early validation.
Actively working to solve real customer problems in large markets.
Passionate, coachable teams ready to learn, adapt, and execute.
Headquartered in New York, including spinouts from New York universities and research institutions.
Open to feedback and ready to test, iterate, and prove traction.
If you're solving big problems and ready to build, we want to hear from you.
The next step is proving where the market pulls.
Apply to Signal