Published On: March 4, 2026

In the Bay Area, we often talk about “equity” in terms of stock options and early-stage exits that create life-changing wealth for a few. But at our recent Innovative Finance Spotlight event, we sat down to ask a different question: How can that same spirit of ownership and equity translate to the employees of a local small business or the founders of social enterprises that aren’t built for the venture capital track? We often see a “missing middle”: impactful businesses that are too large for microfinance but considered too risky for traditional banks. These are the ventures that provide essential services and community jobs, yet they often find themselves “hamstrung” by a lack of access to the capital they need to grow.

A group of 60+ SV2 Donor Partners and ecosystem experts gathered to explore how we can bridge this gap with compassion and creative thinking.

Suhani Mohan, Director of Impact Investing at SV2, opened the afternoon by grounding us in our mission of equity-centered impact, followed by a series of “Spotlight” talks that felt both practical and hopeful. Alison Lingane from Ownership Capital Labs spoke about the quiet power of employee ownership to build community wealth, while Kathleen Paylor from RSF shared how catalytic social lending can support businesses that prioritize mission. We looked at the mechanics of “de-risking” with Meera Siva of Inkludo Impact, who shared the story of how a small first-loss guarantee helped a drone startup secure its first loan and eventually reach over 50,000 farmers. Deb Parsons from Impact Assets rounded out the talks by showing how we can mobilize Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) to be a launchpad for this kind of work.

The heart of the evening was in the roundtable discussions. Partners huddled together at tables, leaning in to understand the nuances of community wealth, small business lending, and how to use our philanthropic tools more effectively. We talked about how philanthropy can be the “catalytic” spark that proves a business model works, eventually unlocking more traditional funding. Partners left the room feeling deeply engaged, having moved from abstract financial concepts to concrete ways they can help non-VC fundable businesses thrive. It was a reminder that when we lead with equity and a willingness to learn, we can find new ways to ensure that the wealth and opportunity of our region reach the people and places that need it most.