New York, NY — [December 1, 2025] — Visible Hands has officially announced the newest cohort of their SEEN 50, a curated list of breakthrough founders driving innovation across sectors including AI, digital health, fintech, consumer tech, climate, and more.
The announcement comes alongside the return of the SEEN Summit, an annual gathering designed to elevate overlooked founders and spotlight the next generation of high-impact, high-growth companies shaping New York City’s tech ecosystem.
This year’s SEEN partners include the Brooklyn Chamber, Industry City, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Tech:NYC, The Pitch Show, and The Hustle. The SEEN Summit reflects a shared commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable innovation economy—one where underrepresented founders can access the networks, capital, and visibility needed to scale.
“Following the success of last year's inaugural SEEN Summit, we are thrilled to return with our longstanding partners at Visible Hands to advance meaningful conversations about New York City's technology ecosystem and the incredible impact diverse founders have had on our economy,” said Jon Schulhof, Executive Vice President for Innovation Industries at NYCEDC. “From serving nearly 400 founders to date through our Founder Fellowship program, to expanding the Venture Access Alliance to more than 100 venture capital firms, NYCEDC remains laser-focused on driving equitable industry growth and look forward to spotlighting some of the remarkable people helping shape this innovation.”
This year’s SEEN summit brings together emerging leaders who are not only building category-defining startups but also strengthening the cultural, economic, and technological fabric of New York City. The SEEN Summit will convene founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem partners for a full day of programming that includes panels, workshops, founder showcases, and community activations.
“The SEEN 50 represents the best of what’s emerging in New York City—creative, rigorous, resilient founders who are building real solutions for real people,” said Justin Kang, General Partner and Co-Founder of Visible Hands. “This activation continues to be a powerful force in creating a more inclusive innovation economy. This year’s cohort is proof that when overlooked founders have access to resources and visibility, they generate outsized impact—not just for the tech sector, but for the future of the city.”
To see the full SEEN 50 list, click here.
The SEEN Summit is an annual gathering designed to amplify overlooked founders and strengthen New York City’s innovation ecosystem. Through curated programming, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven storytelling, SEEN fosters access, visibility, and opportunity for founders building the future.
Visible Hands is an early-stage venture firm and platform investing in overlooked founders who are building scalable businesses across the United States. Through tailored programming, deep community support, and access to capital, Visible Hands helps founders accelerate growth and position themselves for long-term success.
Located on the Brooklyn waterfront, Industry City is New York City’s largest creative innovation campus—home to cutting-edge startups, creative studios, manufacturing labs, and cultural experiences. Its dynamic ecosystem makes it the ideal venue for SEEN, providing a vibrant backdrop for connection, collaboration, and founder storytelling.
