Selection reflects the growing national recognition of Western New York’s innovation and investment ecosystem
(Buffalo, NY) June 25, 2026 – Kauffman Fellows today announced that Monica Cronmiller, founder and managing partner of CapTable Ventures out of Rochester, New York, has been named to the Kauffman Fellows Class of 2026 (KF 31), one of the venture capital industry’s most prestigious and selective leadership development programs. Her selection, supported through Springboard’s efforts to strengthen venture talent and investment capacity across Western New York, underscores the region’s growing role in the innovation economy and its increasing connectivity to leading venture capital networks worldwide.
The KF 31 cohort includes 55 Fellows selected from a highly competitive global applicant pool. Kauffman Fellows has a global alumni network of more than 900 venture capital leaders across more than 65 countries.
Cronmiller joins venture capital professionals from around the world in the Kauffman Fellowship, designed to develop the next generation of venture capital leadership. Through CapTable Ventures, she provides venture-capital-as-a-service to family offices and foundations, giving them the capability to invest directly in private companies on their own terms.
“Being selected as a Kauffman Fellow is an incredible honor and an opportunity to learn alongside some of the most accomplished investors and innovation leaders,” said Cronmiller. “This recognition reflects the momentum we’re seeing across Western New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and I look forward to bringing new insights and connections back to the entrepreneurs, investors, and communities I serve.
“It’s not about one person. It’s about the people who have worked alongside us and the families and foundations making long-term investments in the region. The hard problems are what draw people in – difficult technology, regulated systems, and infrastructure that will shape how people and machines work together for years to come. That is where long-lasting companies are built, and Western New York can build them. My family is my why, and faith is what keeps me grounded in the work. We’re just getting started.”
Kauffman Fellows is a highly selective, two-year program that develops leaders in venture capital and innovation. Following a rigorous selection process, Fellows gain access to one of the world’s most influential networks of investors and entrepreneurs, along with mentorship, hands-on training and a community that has helped launch hundreds of funds and deploy hundreds of billions of dollars in capital.
“KF 31 is a remarkable cohort. This class reflects where venture is heading: more multi-stage and growth investors, top geographic hubs well represented, and an incredible range of experience. I’m excited to welcome these Fellows as they begin a journey to shape the future of the VC industry,” said Fernando Fabre, CEO of Kauffman Fellows.
As part of her Fellowship, Cronmiller will participate in national and international gatherings with fellow investors, contribute to thought leadership initiatives and complete a capstone project focused on opportunities and challenges facing Western New York’s innovation economy.
Cronmiller’s selection follows that of Colleen E. Heidinger, president of the Buffalo-based accelerator 43North and a member of KF 30. Together, their participation reflects the increasing presence of Western New York leaders within the global venture capital community and the growing strength of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“What never changes is the love of the work. Venture is pattern recognition under uncertainty, reading the signals others may miss and making judgments about where the world is going,” said Cronmiller. “At its core, it’s about deep relationships built on trust and execution and starting with a clear understanding of long-term vision.”
Her appointment is supported by Springboard, a regional initiative launched in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, to strengthen entrepreneurial connectivity across Western New York and support emerging venture capital leaders who can help attract investment and opportunity into the region.
“Monica’s selection to Kauffman Fellows KF 31 is a significant achievement and a worthy recognition of the leadership and investment expertise she brings to Western New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Paul Riser, Senior Program Officer, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “It’s also very encouraging to see the continued impact of regional efforts like Springboard, which helps connect Western New York leaders to national networks and opportunities. Recognition at this level not only speaks to Monica’s accomplishments, but also to the growing strength, collaboration, and ambition of the region’s innovation economy.”
To learn more about Kauffman Fellows, please visit: https://www.kauffmanfellows.org