Debate: Is the venture capital model fundamentally flawed or can it be fixed with a commitment to equity and inclusion

The venture capital model has fueled massive growth in innovative economic activity for decades. The lack of diversity of both those making the funding decisions and those receiving funding is undeniable. Many emerging and seasoned fund managers are working to remedy this. Examples include Gratitude Railroad, Impact America Fund, and many more. These managers are working to diversify the decision makers and recipients and add features that distribute some of the wealth created to stakeholders other than founders and investors. Can venture capital be fixed with these kinds of incremental changes, or is the model itself fundamentally flawed and better scrapped altogether in favor of a completely new paradigm that centers justice, sustainability, equity, inclusion, and wealth building for all? Jenny Kassan, a securities lawyer, investor, fund manager, and advocate, who believes that the VC model is inherently flawed and must be replaced will debate an impact-driven VC such as Kesha Cash of Impact America Fund. The audience will be invited to pose questions and contribute to the conversation. If possible, we will work together to design a going forward plan to bring more social justice to impact investing.