The VC community has met the rising challenges and opportunities presented by a global pandemic, playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic recovery, and galvanizing an internal industry-facing focus on DEI.

Why it matters: Venture Forward has been there on the frontline of these efforts to create a stronger, more diverse, equitable, and ultimately, a more just VC ecosystem. Check out highlights from Venture Forward’s first year.

As part of our ‘Spotlight On’ series featuring Indianapolis, Chris LaMothe, Chief Executive Officer at Indiana-based VC firm Elevate Ventures.

Why it matters: Indiana’s startup scene is poised for growth.

Acquisitions are an important element of the startup ecosystem, restrictions would stifle the industry and the American economy.

The main idea:Acquisitions contribute to the health of the startup ecosystem. The sale of young companies creates capital that is often reinvested into new innovative startups resulting in new jobs, products, and services.

It only took four years, eight months, and ten days, but the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) is now set to unleash new entrepreneurial energy in the United States.

A deeper look: Support from NVCA and others across the startup ecosystem helped establish the IER.

One of the central strategies of the American Jobs Plan is to use increased innovation activity to make progress on three critical societal challenges: climate change, access to economic opportunity, and competition with China.

Driving the news: Startups and VC are critical to the American Jobs Plan and President Biden’s vision.

NVCA conducted a survey to identify what happens with venture capital investment once companies receive capital.

Why it matters: The results show that four out of five respondents spent at least 70 percent of their budgets on two activities, wages and compensation and research and development.

We spoke to Yiannis Yiakoumis, Founder of Selfie Networks, to discuss the International Entrepreneur Rule and his immigration journey.

Impact on VC: The rule could play a critical role for other founders who want to fund new companies in the United States.

We spoke to Carmen Palafox, Managing Partner at MiLA Capital, about her career journey, biggest achievement, efforts to build a more diverse industry with LatinxVC and All Raise, and more.

Why it matters: Representation allows the VC ecosystem to thrive.

We spoke to Justin Klein and Kirk Nielsen, co-founders & Managing Partners of Vensana Capital, about the effects of federal policy on medical device innovation in the U.S.

Why it matters: Reformed coverage policy for innovative technologies could help advance new medical devices and accelerate access to these products for Americans.

We spoke to Bethany George, Managing Director at Rev1 Ventures, about her career journey, challenges and barriers to recruiting and retaining female investors, and what advice she would give herself when she first entered the VC industry.

The main idea: Meet the women making a positive impact on the venture ecosystem.