It’s more critical than ever for entrepreneurship to address the most pressing challenges of our time, from the climate crisis to inequality. Venture capital (VC) is an enduring, desirable source of capital, but is it the right tool for scalable impact ventures? While VC has supported the growth of incredible companies across the globe, we know that it isn’t working for many founders. Women led founders receive less than 3% of VC funds and founders of color receive less than 2% funds while the U.S., China, India, and Europe receive the overwhelming bulk of VC funding. And it’s that much more complicated for impact ventures. In this panel debate, we’ll present both sides of the argument to attendees: that the type of capital VC provides is critical for scalable, market-based impact solutions on the one hand, and on the other, that ventures left out by VC – those that have potentially profitable and impactful models that may take a longer time to see a return will generate the impact and change the world needs. This session will be an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of the current VC business model and identify what needs to change in order for us to equitably finance the most promising innovations.
Is VC Working for Impact?
Track
Capital Flows for Impact: Dialogues Around the State of Impact Investment
Format
Panel (3 speakers)
Speakers
- NameDahna Goldstein
- TitleManaging Parker
- OrganizationHalcyon Venture Partners
- NameAllie Burns
- TitleCEO
- OrganizationVillage Capital
- NameBridgit Helms
- TitleExecutive Director
- OrganizationMiller Center
Description
It’s more critical than ever for entrepreneurship to address the most pressing challenges of our time, from the climate crisis to inequality. Venture capital (VC) is an enduring, desirable source of capital, but is it the right tool for scalable impact ventures? While VC has supported the growth of incredible companies across the globe, we know that it isn’t working for many founders. Women led founders receive less than 3% of VC funds and founders of color receive less than 2% funds while the U.S., China, India, and Europe receive the overwhelming bulk of VC funding. And it’s that much more complicated for impact ventures. In this panel debate, we’ll present both sides of the argument to attendees: that the type of capital VC provides is critical for scalable, market-based impact solutions on the one hand, and on the other, that ventures left out by VC – those that have potentially profitable and impactful models that may take a longer time to see a return will generate the impact and change the world needs. This session will be an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of the current VC business model and identify what needs to change in order for us to equitably finance the most promising innovations.
