The road to $1M in Buffalo

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.

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:

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.

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!