Ithaca firm among the finalists in 43North startup competition in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — 8B Education Investments of Ithaca is among the eight finalists in this year’s 43North startup competition in Buffalo. 8B Education Investments is a fintech platform enabling campuses to meet their revenue and enrollment goals “by tackling the $50 billion gap in education financing facing African students going to study in the U.S.,” as described in the announcement from the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul. The seven additional finalists include companies from Buffalo; Brooklyn; Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline in Massachusetts; Tampa, Florida; and San Francisco, California “We’re excited to welcome over 3,000 attendees for our tenth 43North Finals competition, where a new group of startups will compete to join our portfolio and the opportunity to become part of Buffalo’s growing innovation community,” Colleen Heidinger, president of the 43North competition, said in the state’s announcement. “With support from New York State and Empire State Development, 43North continues to foster innovation and growth across the Buffalo entrepreneurial ecosystem.” The competition’s final pitch event is set for Thursday night at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.  About 43North 43North is an accelerator program that hosts an annual startup competition, investing $5 million per year to “attract and cultivate high-growth companies” in Buffalo, Hochul’s office said. 43North portfolio companies also receive free incubator space in Buffalo for one year, guidance from mentors in related fields, and access to other business-incentive programs such as START-UP NY. 43North operates through the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, the M&T Foundation and several other sponsors.