KAV Moving All Manufacturing To New Buffalo Plant

A Silicon Valley startup choosing Western New York as its next-gen launch site had a great ring to it two years ago. But KAV Helmets, the Redwood City, California-born innovator of cycling helmets through 3D printing and AI manufacturing, has now doubled down on Buffalo.

Founder Whitman Kwok announced at a grand opening event at KAV's Louisiana Street production center Thursday that the maker of custom-fit cycling helmets will call Buffalo its full-time home for all manufacturing; leaving The Valley behind for another Valley; that of the Queen City's Old First Ward.

"It's not just the talent that we find here, it's the people who've been supportive, and a community that has helped us take the next step," Kwok said to a gathering of state, local and regional leaders.

"This is the definition of true success for a community," said Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, the state accelerator program that awarded KAV one million dollar as part of its annual startup competition in 2024. "We invested in KAV, wrapped our services and support around Whitman and his team. But then, the community stood up around him."

Heidinger specifically mentioned the investment by Brown and White Ventures, the year-old venture capital fund built by alumni and supporters of St. Bonaventure University which operates independently of the university.

"When Brown and White invested, that was a sign of this community's commitment to KAV and in 43 North," Heidinger said.

KAV became Brown and White Ventures' first portfolio company in Q1 2025. The fund followed a $200,000 initial investment with a follow-on investment of $100.000 in Q2.

"Innovation in manufacturing, in the region in which our fund seeks to invest, is one of the reasons we continue to support Whitman and the KAV team," said Jim Aroune, co-founder of Brown and White Ventures.

"I was struck by your passion, for pursuing health, safety, and new technology, and in this place, with such an industrial past, that makes such a connection to what makes Buffalo. You are, truly, a perfect fit," Bonnie Lockwood, Regional Director of WNY, said to Kwok and KAV staff.

Lockwood spoke at the factory opening event on behalf of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

KAV's Buffalo plant has operated the last two months with a staff of five. It has produced KAV's two helmet models, including its Rhoan helmet, the company's newest model.

Kwok said Wednesday the company would hire three, and up to ten employees in its new micro-factory, which has dozens of nearly-silent 3D printers spinning the company's helmets.

"We are extremely excited to grow with this community," Kwok said.