When a sudden healthcare crisis nearly ended his life, Alexander Bussenger ’13 didn’t just recover, he redefined his purpose. Today the Canisius University alum is building a career in health-tech and venture capital, focusing on preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.
Bussenger survived a near-fatal aortic dissection in early 2024. The medical emergency shifted his worldview and during his recovery, Bussenger realized that success means little without health and connection.
“That experience gave me a second chance,” he reflects, “and I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others live longer, healthier and more connected lives.” Bussenger shifted his professional focus from private banking to impact-driven healthcare investing. He launched One Eight Capital, a New York–based fund that backs early-stage companies in genomics, digital health and wellness. The firm takes its name from the date of Bussenger’s life-changing event.
His work at One Eight Capital sits at the intersection of venture capital and social impact investing—two areas that can be unfamiliar to many. Venture capital involves providing funding and expertise to early-stage companies with high growth potential, taking on greater risk in exchange for an equity stake. Social impact investing goes a step further by intentionally pursuing positive social or environmental outcomes. These investments aim to improve systems, support underserved communities and create measurable changes.
Bussenger is not alone in his mission. He’s joined by high-profile collaborators, including NFL legend and Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin HON ‘24, who experienced his own highly publicized medical crisis. Both serve on the firm’s advisory board, forming what Bussenger calls a shared commitment to “saving and extending lives” through innovative health technologies. Current New York Giants linebacker and team captain Bobby Okereke has also partnered with Bussenger, focusing on athlete recovery, injury prevention and long-term performance — an effort highlighted in a recent YouTube segment.
Bussenger’s mission is shaped by his own Western New York roots and the Jesuit education he received at Canisius University, which emphasized leadership, ethics, and service to others.
How Jesuit Values Shaped a Purpose-Driven Approach
“Canisius gave me both the academic foundation and moral compass that shaped how I think about purpose in business,” he explains. “It gave me discipline and heart—two things that have guided me ever since.”
The Jesuit value of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” has taken on deeper meaning in his work. Today, his entire mission centers on advancing preventive healthcare and helping people long before a medical crisis occurs.
“Leadership is about more than metrics—it’s about people, empathy and seeing the full human behind every decision,” he says. “That’s at the core of why I now focus on preventive health.”
Canisius Faculty Mentors Who Helped Shape His Path
Bussenger credits Canisius faculty members with key turning points in his early career. His accounting professor Joseph O’Donnell, PhD, played a pivotal role when a managing director from Protiviti visited campus. O’Donnell arranged a lunch meeting that led to an interview in New York City and an internship that turned into a full-time job.
It was an opportunity that helped launch Bussenger’s finance career. “I don’t think I would’ve received that opportunity at a larger school,” he says.
He also credits Barbara Porter, PhD, former associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “She taught me the value of making the right choices in life.” These principles would later guide Bussenger through both his professional and personal health challenges.
Where Venture Capital, Social Investing and Jesuit Ideals Align
For Bussenger, preventive healthcare and impact investing are not just industry trends, they directly reflect the values he learned at Canisius.
“We’re called to care for others,” he says. “In today’s world, that means rethinking how we invest in health, equity and prevention.” Bussenger believes this blended approach mirrors Jesuit ideals. He draws parallels between financial discipline and personal wellbeing. Just as ignoring financial risk can lead to consequences, he notes, neglecting one’s health can have devastating results. His message is simple: be proactive—in your investments, your impact and your health.
Advice for Canisius Students Preparing to Lead in a Changing World
Bussenger encourages current Canisius students to lead with purpose. “Don’t chase titles—chase meaning,” he says. “The world rewards people who lead with purpose. Build something that outlives you.”
Even though his work is mostly in New York City, Bussenger’s Buffalo roots remain strong. He still cherishes the region’s community, authenticity—and of course, its chicken wings. And his sports loyalty hasn’t wavered. “I watch every Bills game,” he says. “And I always remind my Jets and Giants friends that the Bills are still technically the only New York–based team.”
