Tech Funding Equity is a project developed within the Aspen Tech Policy Hub from January 2 - March 13, 2020. Fellows of this program are technologists who embark on a 10-week journey to learn and apply the policy making process. By the end of the program, fellows produce policy and advocacy outputs that can help solve a well-scoped policy problem.
The policy problem we set out to solve is: How might we close the early stage funding gap for under-represented tech startup founders? Our solution is twofold:
1) Address the systemic racism put in place during the Great Depression; namely, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) definition of "accredited investor." This can help put an end discriminatory barriers to capital formation and wealth creation based on unfair and unproven assumptions.
2) Increase funding to underrepresented founders and fund managers with the Opportunity Pledge to Accelerate Equity in Startup Opportunities. This pledge offers a framework for sustained effort and lasting change.
The Tech Funding Equity project was launched by Aspen Tech Policy Hub Fellow (Winter 2020), Mariah Lichtenstern. Attorney and American Leadership Forum Fellow, Chris Russell, Partner at Stoel Rives,is the Project Mentor.
Founding Partner, DiverseCity Ventures
Corporate Attorney / Project Mentor
Securities & Crowdfunding Attorney
Executive Director, CSUS Carleson Center | Venture Partner, DiverseCity Ventures
Founder & CEO, K'ept Health | Government Relations & Political Affairs Consultant
Co-Founder, FourthWave Accelerator | Venture Partner, DiverseCity Ventures (formerly at Intel Capital and American River Ventures)
CEO, Mi Dinero Mi Futuro (My Money My Future) | Securities Attorney
CleanStart, Todos Mariah Lichtenstern - Tech Funding Equity
Law 360, SEC Rule Tweak A Partial Fix For Underrepresented Founders
News Break, Closing the Tech Funding Gap: Creating Opportunity for Founders & Funders
Contact Us
Press inquiry? Want to get more involved with Tech Funding Equity? Do you have thoughts, questions, or suggestions? Send us a message and let us know; we'd love to hear from you!
