Pathway Fund

The first in a series of blogs articulating our current thinking around Pathway Fund's endowment development – and an invitation for collaboration. As Pathway Fund works to catalyse Black and Ethnically Minoritised communities, through innovative investment approaches, we believe that transparency and collective learning are crucial. This post outlines our emerging principles and the opportunities we've been working to take, following early discussions with our advisors, Tara Sabre Collier and Sarah Santhosham. We’re still developing our strategic approach, so we're committed to learning openly, whilst building thoughtfully. We would like to thank those who have guided and shared their knowledge with us (Kataly Foundation, McConnell Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), and Intentional Endowments Network). Whether you're an investor, foundation, or organisation working on similar challenges, please reach out. We'd love to hear your perspectives and explore potential collaboration opportunities. https://lnkd.in/d48vMbxN #RacialEquity #ImpactInvesting #SystemsChange #Endowment #SocialFinance

You may have seen the buzz on social Media recently, the BlaST Network Reverse Pitch at Liverpool's Spine was packed with energy, insights, and a twist on tradition — 11 investors pitched to 70+ ethnic minority businesses. We weren’t sure how it would go, but it blew expectations out of the water. What followed was a rapid-fire masterclass on funding opportunities — from venture capital to social investment. And it didn’t stop there. Over wine and canapés, businesses connected directly with investors. Massive thanks to our sponsors @Livvinvestment.com and the LCRCA Race Equality Hub Equality Hub, and to our incredible host Izzy Obeng MBE, who kept it real, inspiring and jargon-free. When Izzy asked who had experience raising VC, hardly any hands went up. A third of attendees were interested in venture, and a third again in social investment; many more were curious about local angel networks. My personal reflection is that this was just the start, and so many more honest, open conversations about money are coming. A big thanks to all the investors for attending and being good sports in switching up the dynamic and to the BlaST and Kindred teams for making it all happen. The follow on to this event BlaST “Lets’ talk about Money Event” Takes place on Thursday 1st May, book you place here. https://lnkd.in/etuTQeQT Innervision, in Partnership with Gateway Angels, are running an Angel Investor Awareness Session, Thursday, 12th June, and you can book your ticket here. https://lnkd.in/enUYqAak These events are for traditional businesses and socially trading organisations; however, it is specifically tailored for companies and founders from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds in the Liverpool City Region. Erika Rushton, Paula Brown, Ben Davies, Ranvir Singh MBA, LLM, MA(Oxon), Mo Aldalou, Maleka Egeonu-Roby, #SueTrish #ChrisColwell #MichelleWalters #ChristianStannard, #TracyThomson, #DanielWalker

Only one more day! We can't wait to kick-off Pathway Fund's Roadshow, tomorrow, with the team at Himmah! If you're in Nottingham and want to have your voice heard, then there's still time to register. Do so, here: https://lnkd.in/e-Wu3uNM We can't wait to see those who are attending - see you then! #racialequity #regionalgrowth #roadshow

We can't wait to begin the Pathway Fund Roadshow with a visit to Himmah, in Nottingham, on Friday the 25th of April 2025. Have your say! Sign up, here: https://lnkd.in/e-Wu3uNM

🌟BME organisations across East & West Sussex, Brighton & Hove - You're Invited! Join Black Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP) for their Infrastructure Training & Support Programme Launch Event this weekend. 🗓 Saturday 26 April 2025 📍 BMECP Centre ⏰ 10am – 2pm This exciting project - funded by our Race Equality and Infrastructure Flexible Fund - will boost digital infrastructure and deliver culturally tailored services for BME communities. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eE32wib6

[Partner post] Good Finance UK are hosting Good Finance Live to provide you with a space to ask questions, take part in discussions and ultimately come away with a deeper understanding of key things you need to consider before taking #socialinvestment. They selected panels of inspirational leaders from across the social sector and social investment space to answer all your pressing questions. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend in-person on 29 April by signing up here >  https://lnkd.in/ehvGuSjQ #socialenterprise #socialimpact 

Social enterprises: your voice matters. We thank everyone who’s taken the State of Social Enterprise so far – but with only a third of responses received, we still need your help in gathering this important evidence. Let’s use the full power of our purpose-led community to influence this vital work. It only takes less than 20 minutes but it will have a great impact on our research. “Filling in the State of Social Enterprise survey will take up less than 1% of your working week - but your answers will have 100% impact with those in power.” - Rebecca Smith, Social Enterprise Kent. Take the survey today - link in the comments. https://lnkd.in/eju9RFHV

🔷 Sign up to Pathway Fund's Regional Roadshow! 🔷 You can do so on our website, here: https://lnkd.in/e-Wu3uNM Head to the site and fine one that suits you, from the below! ➡️ Himmah & Pathway Fund – Nottingham – 10:00 - 14:00 – 25 April 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Key Fund Investments & Pathway Fund – Sheffield – 10:30 - 13:30 – 1 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Black South West Network & Pathway Fund – Bristol – 13:30 - 15:30 – 6 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Impact Hub Bradford & Pathway Fund – Bradford – 16:30 - 18:30 – 12 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Inclusive North & Pathway Fund – Lancashire – 10:30 - 14:30 – 14 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's Black Business Collective & Pathway Fund – Birmingham – 08:30 - 13:00 – 4 June 2025 ⬅️ If you have any questions, do email impact@pathwayfund.org.uk ! 🔷 We can’t wait to hear from you. 🔷 #racialequity #socialinvestment #devorevolution

Why in-person events still matter – and why Foundervine's Founderfest is different. 💡 71% of SMEs have secured business through face-to-face networking. 💡 77.7% of business professionals say in-person B2B conferences offer the best networking opportunities. Why? Because it’s in those unplanned, in-between moments, grabbing a coffee, chatting after a panel, diving into a breakout session, that magic happens. The kind of magic that connects you with investors, collaborators, even co-founders. The kind of magic that changes the trajectory of your business. Case in point: a couple of years ago, our Founderfest pitch competition winner met an investor at the event. That single conversation led to a $1 million investment. That’s not luck. That’s what happens when you create intentional spaces for connection. Founderfest isn’t your average, buttoned-up conference. Its more of a buzzing living room — filled with brilliant, curious people who just get it. No matter your background, industry, or stage, you’ll feel welcome. You’ll feel at home. Tickets are limited. We’ll be announcing more exciting news soon, but if this already sounds like your kind of crowd… you might want to move quick. 👀 Stay tuned. Sign up early. You’ll want to be in the room. #Founderfest #Startups #Networking #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveInnovation #UKStartups #Foundervine #Founderfest2025

🔷 There's still time to sign up to Pathway Fund's Regional Roadshow! 🔷 You can do so on our website, here: https://lnkd.in/e-Wu3uNM Head to the site and fine one that suits you, from the below! ➡️ Himmah & Pathway Fund – Nottingham – 10:00 - 14:00 – 25 April 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Key Fund Investments & Pathway Fund – Sheffield – 10:30 - 13:30 – 1 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Black South West Network & Pathway Fund – Bristol – 13:30 - 15:30 – 6 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Impact Hub Bradford & Pathway Fund – Bradford – 16:30 - 18:30 – 12 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️  Inclusive North & Pathway Fund – Lancashire – 10:30 - 14:30 – 14 May 2025 ⬅️ ➡️ Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's Black Business Collective & Pathway Fund – Birmingham – 08:30 - 13:00 – 4 June 2025 ⬅️ If you have any questions, do email impact@pathwayfund.org.uk ! 🔷 We can’t wait to hear from you. 🔷 #racialequity #socialinvestment #devorevolution