Insyte Consulting’s Jack McGowan was recognized with the Community Catalyst Award at the Upstate Venture Connect Unleashed Founders Retreat in Saratoga Springs on September 11, 2025.
The award honors Jack’s decades of leadership in Western New York’s startup ecosystem. Through Insyte, Jack has played a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurs by serving as:
- Executive Director, Buffalo Angels – leading an angel investor network and fund that has invested more than $9 million in 54 early-stage companies across Buffalo and Upstate New York since 2008.
- Director, Western New York Venture Association (WNYVA) – guiding the region’s original forum for startup investment pitches and networking, operating continuously since 1994.
- Mentor, coach, and judge – contributing to major startup competitions including 43North, UB’s Panasci Technology Business Competition, the NYS Student Business Plan Competition, Buffalo Startup Weekends, and others.
- Educator – presenting regularly on startup funding and investor pitching at universities and entrepreneur education workshops.
- Advisor and connector – providing guidance on funding strategies, investor pitches, SBIR proposal development, and connecting founders to capital sources, collaborators, and customers.
Founders across Western New York are encouraged to connect with Jack (jmcgowan@insyte-consulting.com) to explore how Insyte can help their startups grow and succeed.
