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

What happens if my O-1 employer goes out of business?

You generally lose status once the employment ends, but you may use the 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor and file a new petition. However, since USCIS has started using its discretion to reduce or even eliminate the grace period in some cases it’s more important than ever to act quickly and consult with legal counsel.

Can O-1 or EB-1A holders sponsor parents for green cards?

No. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents. Once you become a citizen (typically after holding a green card for 5 years, or 3 years if you became permanent resident through marriage with a US citizen), you may petition for them.

Does the B-1/B-2 visa allow me to stay 6 months per year in the U.S.?

Not exactly. You are usually admitted for up to 6 months per entry, not per year.

Technically, you could enter, stay 6 months, leave, and reenter for another 6 months within the same year. However, doing so raises red flags.

CBP officers may question whether you are truly visiting for tourism or business, or whether you are working illegally.

Frequent or lengthy visits increase the risk of being denied entry and potentially having issues in obtaining a new visa.

Rule of thumb: Keep visits shorter (ideally under a month or two) and less frequent, to avoid any issues.

What is the “priority date” in green card cases?

It’s the date your approved I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) petition is filed, or if your green card requires a PERM process, the priority date is when the PERM is filed with the department of labor. This determines your place in line for visa availability, which is crucial in categories with backlogs.

Do I need a U.S. job offer to apply for an O-1 visa?

Yes. You must have either a U.S. employer or a U.S. agent who files the petition on your behalf.

You cannot self-petition for the O-1. Technically, you can work for a foreign company, but the petition still needs to be filed through a U.S. agent acting as your sponsor.

Other blogs for every step of your visa journey

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