TUKKI HEADS TO BUFFALO WITH A $1M WIN

The road to $1M in Buffalo

Contributor

Tukki

Reading time

5 mins read

Date published

Oct 20, 2025

Last week, Tukki was announced as one of the winners of the 43North competition, securing a $1M investment and entry into the 43North accelerator program in the U.S.

Every year, 43North brings together different startups to compete for funding, mentorship, and a chance to join Buffalo’s growing tech scene. This year’s cohort drew more than 1,000 applicants, from which Tukki stood out among the final 8 companies pitching live on stage.

It is a recognition of how far we have come and a clear sign of what is next.

Ramiro Roballos and tukki winning the 43north competition

Why Tukki is opting for Buffalo and why now

Buffalo is not a random destination. The city has become a rising hub for founders who are building purposeful, impact-driven technology. Its strategic location between the U.S. and Canada, just a few hours from New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto, creates opportunities for collaboration and cross-border growth.

Through 43North’s network, Tukki will now be able to expand its B2B efforts while continuing to strengthen the B2C product we have been refining over the past years.

“We’ve been testing the platform with B2C clients, iterating every detail, and ensuring that each experience feels personalized and seamless,” says Ramiro Roballos, Tukki’s CEO and co-founder. “Now, we’re ready to scale.”

The vision we're scaling

Tukki’s platform helps founders and professionals navigate the U.S. visa process in a more organized, smooth, and precise way.

Unlike traditional law firms that rely on scattered tools and delayed communication, Tukki integrates every step, from attorney reviews to client updates, inside a single transparent system.

The goal is simple: make immigration simpler, faster, and more human.

“This investment gives us the runway to accelerate what we already know works,” Ramiro adds. “It’s the right moment to grow, to connect with new partners, and to keep building technology that simplifies one of the most complex journeys in a person’s life.”

It takes a village

Before the final results were announced, Ramiro sent a message to the Tukki team:

Ramiro Roballos, message to tukki team before the results

When Tukki’s name was finally called, the celebration did not stay in Buffalo. From different corners of the world, the team was watching live, refreshing the stream, and sending all-caps messages of joy.

Because beyond the funding, this moment is about what it represents: a shared belief that immigration can be reimagined, and a global team working toward that mission together.

Reaction of tukki team after winning 43north

What’s next for Tukki?

Ramiro will soon be heading to Buffalo to start the next chapter with 43North.

If you are part of the Buffalo startup ecosystem or nearby, reach out to him on LinkedIn. He would love to connect.

And as they say in Buffalo: Go Bills!

WE CAN HELP

Need more clarity?

Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts

Can I switch from EB-2 NIW to EB-1A after filing?

You don't switch a pending I-140 from one category to another, since each filing locks in its own category. You can file a new EB-1A petition while your EB-2 NIW is still pending, and you can retain your earlier priority date through the EB-1A I-140 if the NIW was approved before being superseded.

Talk to an attorney before filing the second petition so the priority-date portability mechanics work as expected.

Is the O-1 visa easier to get than the H-1B?

Not on the eligibility side. The H-1B is harder to win because of the lottery, but the underlying criteria are more accessible: a bachelor's degree, a specialty occupation job, and a willing U.S. employer.

The O-1 has no lottery, but the evidence requirements for extraordinary ability are real and selective, so the bar is higher even though the process is more flexible.

Does a visa denial affect future applications?

A visa denial goes on your record and will be visible to consular officers reviewing future applications, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. Officers evaluate each application on its own merits.

The key is showing what's different about your situation since the denial. Many applicants who were initially denied go on to receive visa approval on a subsequent attempt with stronger evidence.

Can I file Form I-140 on my own without an employer?

Only two categories allow self-petitioning: EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver).

For all other categories, your employer must act as the petitioner and file on your behalf.

Both self-petition categories have the added benefit of not requiring a PERM labor certification or a specific job offer.

Do you need to declare cash when entering the U.S.?

Yes. If you're carrying $10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments (including traveler's checks, money orders, and certain negotiable instruments), you must declare it to CBP.

There's no limit on how much money you can bring into the country, but failing to declare amounts at or above the threshold can result in seizure of the funds and potential criminal charges.

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