Opportunity Zones

In the spirit of “doing good, while doing well” the Opportunity Zone (OZ) incentive is a community investment tool recently established by Congress to encourage long term investments in designated low-income communities nationwide from an estimated $7 trillion in available capital gains. Western New York-based Launch NY will share the background on OZ and how it works to fund eligible businesses and property, as it makes the first Qualified Opportunity Fund investment in a local startup located in a UB building in the heart of downtown Buffalo’s redevelopment area.

About Dr. Marnie Lavigne
& Matt Budzinski
Dr. Marnie LaVigne has spent more than 25 years in both the private & public sectors creating new products & start-up businesses, driving innovation & economic growth in high-tech industries. Her passion for working with start-ups took root from her experience launching health informatics businesses which resulted in growing two different firms with more than 100 employees & two initial public offerings (IPOs).

Matt Budzinski, MS '15, BS '13, is an Investment Associate with Launch NY. He has over 5 years of investment experience, including private debt and equity opportunities. He has evaluated and advised on transactions involving companies at various stages, including convertible debt in early stage businesses and venture debt. Previously, he worked as a research analyst at a private investment manager, Lakewater Capital.