Launched in 2021, the Venture Equity Project is a multi-year initiative and coalition of nonprofit and academic institutions, supported by JPMorganChase and Nasdaq.

The Venture Equity Project explores models to expand venture capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs through cutting-edge research and actionable policy recommendations. Our work identifies opportunities for ecosystem builders, policymakers, investors, and educators, by offering insights for those committed to advancing equity in entrepreneurship.

Now in its third year, the Venture Equity Project is focused on the role of the U.S. states in fostering equity within the venture ecosystem. This research is a collaboration among the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Heartland Forward, and Penn State University’s Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative.

Innovative Research

New research methods incorporating the lived experiences of entrepreneurs of color to prioritize equitable distribution of venture capital.

Data-Driven Practices

Data insights will inform just-in-time decision making across programs and practices to deepen capital support for entrepreneurs of color.

Policy Change

Radical partner collaborations convert research and program learnings into robust policy recommendations to address key barriers.