Not everyone has equal access to opportunities and funding in the innovation economy.

As the financial partner of the innovation economy, SVB has nearly 7,000 employees around the world and we are committed to giving more people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives the opportunity to thrive, both at SVB and in the larger innovation sector.

Our signature Access to Innovation program is designed to deliver on our commitment to advance inclusion and opportunity in the innovation economy, particularly for women, Black and Latinx individuals. We focus on breaking down systemic barriers to entry and success by investing in opportunities that ensure more entrepreneurs, founders and investors with a range of experiences and ideas are represented and funded in our ecosystem.

Through our own powerful business connections and strategic partnerships — such as with Venture Forward, the nonprofit arm of the National Venture Capital Association focused on increasing diverse representation in the industry — we leverage this collective expertise to develop tools, programming, funding opportunities and career experiences across all career stages.

“Access to Innovation is changing the face of the innovation economy. This work is imperative for the continued success of the sector and our program is an enormous value-add for SVB clients looking to grow,” said Tosh Ernest, Head of Access to Innovation.

Our actions center around three pillars:

• Talent: Increase the pipeline of diverse talent for SVB and our clients with powerful partnerships
• Founders: Connect underrepresented groups to our vast US and global innovation economy network
• Funders: Expand access to capital, professional relationships and career opportunities

Examples of Access to Innovation programs include:

Introducing SVB Fellows Program

Our SVB Fellows Program is designed for Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx and women professionals seeking careers in venture capital. Created to address low diversity in the venture capital ecosystem, we connect talented, emerging professionals with entry-level positions at top venture capital firms. Fellowships last one-to-two years and are salaried with benefits. SVB is supporting 17 fellows in 2022, identified in partnership with the Black Venture Capital Consortium (BVCC). As the program expands, SVB will leverage additional recruitment channels to identify Latinx and women fellows.

Expanding Opportunities for Women

SVB is a founding partner and investor in theBoardlist, which primarily connects women with board opportunities at companies around the globe. SVB is also a founding partner of All Raise, which aims to double the percentage of women in venture capital partner roles and increase funding for women founders to 25% of total venture capital investment in five years.

Opening Doors for Emerging Talent

SVB partners with several organizations such as Career Ready in the UK and US-based Year Up that help young people learn career skills to prepare them to enter the workforce. For example, Year Up focuses on providing young adults with intensive one-year work experiences that include coursework eligible for college credit, a corporate internship and support for transitioning to a job in technology and other sectors. Since 2017, SVB has hosted nearly 99 young professionals for Year Up internships, often followed by longer-term opportunities at SVB or with our clients.

Advancing Careers of Black Professionals

SVB is a founding partner and early investor in Valence, which connects and empowers Black professionals. SVB sponsors educational and networking opportunities and is offering 2,000 SVB clients complimentary use of the Valence talent platform to support hiring, retention and promotion of Black leaders within their companies.

Greater access to capital, careers and professional development for women, Black and Latinx individuals in the innovation sector.