Sophia Bush Instagram – We had an amazing time at the first #MSNBClive yesterday, speaking to @stephruhle about closing the gender lending gap and our work as advisors to the @firstwomensbank and general partners at @unionheritage. We understand the unique needs of the women’s economy because we are a part of it. Women are leading an economic revolution in this country, but just as there are gender gaps in leadership and pay, there is a gender gap in access to capital and First Women’s Bank intends to solve it. And as investors, we know that on the equity side the need is just as urgent. We spend a lot of time educating people about the disparities for women and people of color — and they are many — but the truth is, more capital is needed in the ecosystem earlier for everyone. The lack of access to it disproportionately affects underrepresented founders. It is also where we see the greatest investment opportunity. We know that when we fund: early stage — matters just as much as who we fund: diverse entrepreneurs — and who gets to do the funding: diverse allocators. Teams of diverse founders (meaning more than one gender and/or more than one race or ethnicity represented) create more innovation and, on average, better financial outcomes at venture-funded startups, including 30% higher MOIC (multiples on invested capital) when companies are acquired or go public, plus better valuations for startups with at least one female founder (63% better than all-male teams) and/or with at least one ethnically-diverse team member reporting to the CEO (65% better than all-white teams). Our diversity of experience truly is our greatest strength. It’s moral. And it’s basic math. And we’re betting on both. Thank you to @lukerussert and @rashidaaj. And to @lisalstone for your incredible research quoted above.