Reimagining Risk: Expanding Capital Access for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

This session brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and philanthropic leaders to co-create solutions to expand access to capital for early-stage founders. Using a format of case studies, fishbowl discussion, and small-group design labs, participants will explore how to redefine creditworthiness beyond traditional underwriting. Based on real-world scenarios, the session examines approaches that incorporate data and insights from stakeholders beyond the borrower, for example, from employees, landlords, and customers. Participants will take on design challenges aiming to expand practical models that redistribute risk beyond borrowers to increase capital flow. The session concludes with pledges to test and advance solutions beyond the room.