On March 20, 2025, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub hosted its highly anticipated Spring Showcase at The Senate Garage in Kingston, NY. The event brought together an inspiring group of startups, investors, and community members to celebrate entrepreneurial innovation in the Hudson Valley. The competition showcased ten groundbreaking companies, each making a significant impact in their respective industries.

SUNY New Paltz President Wheeler was in attendance to honor the companies, further demonstrating the support and commitment to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Virtual proclamations were also made by Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, underscoring the importance of this event on a statewide level.

The Startups That Took the Stage

• MiniProto (New York, NY) – A prototyping and manufacturing platform that streamlines the process of turning product ideas into reality, making high-quality, small-batch production more accessible to startups.
• HowGood (Kingston, NY) – A data platform providing sustainability intelligence for brands and retailers, helping them understand and improve the environmental and social impact of their products.
• GrownBy (New York, NY) – A cooperative sales platform that empowers farmers to sell directly to consumers, increasing revenue streams for small-scale agricultural businesses.
• One Public Grid (Brooklyn, NY) – A renewable energy startup focused on community-powered microgrids, enabling sustainable and equitable energy distribution.
• Moonburger (Kingston, NY) – A beloved plant-based fast food chain redefining the way people think about burgers with delicious, sustainable alternatives.
• Kool Nerd Connect (Newark, NJ) – A workforce development platform that connects students from underrepresented communities with mentorship and career pathways in tech and business.
• Uncaged Innovations (New York, NY) – A biotechnology company creating high-performance, sustainable leather alternatives without the use of animal products.
• Moonrise Bagels (Kingston, NY) – An artisanal bagel shop known for its high-quality, handmade bagels that have quickly become a local favorite. 
• Archtop Fiber (Kingston, NY) – A high-speed internet provider building an all-fiber network across the Hudson Valley to deliver fast, reliable, and future-proof broadband service.
• Plumb (Beacon, NY) – A digital platform that simplifies business ownership by bundling essential tools like payroll, benefits, banking, and HR into one intuitive dashboard for entrepreneurs.

The Hudson Valley Venture Hub continues to serve as an essential incubator for startups in the region, providing resources, mentorship, and connections to help early-stage companies thrive. This pitch competition was another step in building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, where founders can collaborate, gain insights, and secure potential investments.

By creating platforms like the Spring Pitch Competition, the Venture Hub is strengthening the Hudson Valley’s position as a growing center for innovation. Entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses gained exposure, feedback, and valuable networking opportunities with investors, business leaders, and other founders.

Thanks to the 200+ attendees who brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to the Senate Garage. The evening was filled with excitement as each founder delivered a powerful five-minute pitch. After much deliberation, three standout companies rose to the top:

• First Place: Uncaged Innovations – Allison Freedman wowed the judges with her sustainable alternative to animal leather.
• Second Place: GrownBy – Lindsey Lusher Shute impressed with her cooperative platform empowering farmers.
• Third Place (Tie): MiniProto (Alex Malcoci) and Archtop Fiber (Shawn Beqaj).

In total, $20,000 in prizes were awarded to support these incredible ventures.

Another highlight of the night was the announcement of Place, a place-based investment platform for the Hudson Valley. Attendees were the first to hear about this exciting new opportunity to invest in top-tier local startups like those on stage. Place is now accepting interest from founding members, who will receive preferred terms.

Eliza Edge, Director of the Hudson Valley Venture Hub, perfectly captured the sentiment of the evening, stating, “The Hudson Valley is emerging as a powerhouse for startups and economic development. This event is not only a celebration of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit but also a launchpad for deeper investment and collaboration.”

With every pitch event, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub reaffirms its commitment to fostering a dynamic, supportive environment for startups. The night was not just about competition but about the collective growth of a community dedicated to building impactful businesses. Whether through sustainable food solutions, cutting-edge materials, or equitable energy systems, the startups that took the stage are driving change in industries that matter.

As we reflect on another successful event, it’s clear that the momentum in the Hudson Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is stronger than ever. The region is rapidly becoming a launchpad for innovative businesses, and the Venture Hub remains at the heart of this movement. We look forward to seeing these startups continue to grow and to welcoming a new wave of founders in future competitions.

Thanks for coming out, Hudson Valley startup community!

Special thanks to our sponsors: Central Hudson, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Candle Production, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani.

Written by Lorena Marron, Senior Marketing Research Aide at the Hudson Valley Venture Hub. Undergraduate student at  SUNY New Paltz, majoring in Marketing and International Business.