Just as startups are becoming more diverse, minority representation in the investment space is rising, too. Leading the charge is 500 Startups–the most active early-stage accelerator and venture fund in the world. In our cover story, we speak to 500’s founder Christine Tsai to understand why she pursued a diversity-driven mission before it became a visible topic in the industry, and how this decision played into the firm’s ability to become as international as it is today.
This issue will also examine other ways startup investment has matured over the past couple of years, including the surge of thematic funds, diversification of funding sources, and growing awareness around measuring social and environmental impact. Whether it’s microfinancing a Kenyan teacher’s general store or providing billion-dollar investments to bring about an artificial intelligence-enabled future, forward-thinking investors are acknowledging that capital return is only one element of what they can achieve through the work they do.
