Expanding Venture Capital Access program

Creating a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem

What is the IBank Expanding Venture Capital Access program?

IBank’s Expanding Venture Capital Access program is designed to create a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem, by:

Supporting underrepresented venture capital managers.
Investing in underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs and business owners.
Investing in geographic areas that are socio-economically disadvantaged or that receive very limited venture capital funding.
Promoting climate equity and climate justice.

The Expanding Venture Capital Access program is funded in part through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) program, which was created through the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will invest $250 million in venture capital (VC) funds and businesses in the state. Of these funds, $200 million of the funds will be invested in VC funds, and the balance directly to businesses.

What is California’s SSBCI program?

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a $10 billion small business program managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Funding can be used for a range of financing activities that aid small business, such as small business loans and venture capital. California has been allocated $1.2 billion to fund programs administered by IBank and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (housed in the California State Treasurer’s Office). Learn more on IBank’s SSBCI webpage.

Get Started

Our program intends to increase inclusivity in the venture capital ecosystem and invest in the most compelling investments. Cambridge Associates and Recast Capital screen all investment opportunities for the Expanding Venture Capital Access program.

Please Note: We acknowledge there will be many opportunities with strong qualifications that we pass on as we seek investment opportunities in a highly competitive sector with our limited amount of capital.

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Venture capital fund managers

The program focuses on venture capital fund managers targeting fund sizes of at least $50 million.

To be considered for investment, please fill out the form below:

IBank Fund Application Form

Important: Please fill out all required questions on the form to be considered for investment.

For more detailed information on program goals and eligibility, please refer to Criteria, Priorities, and Guidelines for Financing under the Expanding Venture Capital Access Program.

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Venture-backed startup businesses

The program can also co-invest directly in startups that have secured a lead investor in the current financing round (debt does not qualify).

To be considered for investment, please complete this submission form:

IBank Direct Investment Application Form

Important: Please fill out all required questions on the form to be considered for investment.

For more detailed information on program goals and eligibility, please refer to Criteria, Priorities, and Guidelines for Financing under the Expanding Venture Capital Access Program.

Fact Sheet

IBank’s Expanding Venture Capital Access program is designed to create a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem. Click on the fact sheet to learn more about the program.