Z80 Labs

Co-founders Jordan Levy and Ron Schreiber lead investment decisions. Both previously worked together at SoftBank Capital, where they gained early-stage venture experience before spinning out to launch Z80 Labs in Buffalo. Dan Magnuszewski, co-founder of portfolio company ACV Auctions, previously served as Managing Director and remains closely associated with the firm's startup operator network.

Deal flow flows through two primary channels: the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where Z80's offices and startup tenants are physically co-located, and the 43North startup competition, a 501(c)(3) affiliate chaired by Jordan Levy. 43North awards $5 million annually in non-dilutive funding to early-stage companies willing to operate from Buffalo, creating a structured pipeline of ventures that transition into Z80's portfolio.

Z80 Labs was the first venture fund capitalized through the Innovate NY Fund, an Empire State Development program that directs state economic development dollars into local venture funds. This makes New York State a foundational backer, tying Z80's investment mandate to Buffalo-based job creation alongside its venture-return objectives. The structure functions as a public-private partnership unique among seed-stage US venture firms.