Aspen Policy Academy

Closing the Tech Funding Gap

Current technology startup capitalization policies put under-represented tech startup founders at a disadvantage, contributing to discriminatory financing practices that cost the US an estimated 9 million jobs and $300 billion in collective national income due to discrimination. At the same time, regulations prevent most Americans from qualifying as “accredited investors” and supporting these founders equitably. This project recommends that the Securities and Exchange Commission dismantle discriminatory investor criteria and separate and unequal offerings  related to the accredited investor definition. It also recommends that existing institutional investors pledge to create opportunities for diverse and emerging managers to help establish their track records. These solutions can advance equitable tech startup funding.

Click right to view various resources for tech funding equity including a policy brief, a white paper, and infographics to further illustrate the issue.

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