Working to Catalyse Black and Ethnically Minoritised Communities
For decades, Black and Ethnically Minoritised (BEM) communities have been underserved by the UK’s social and mainstream investment markets. BEM‑led social enterprises are significantly less likely to apply for investment and, when they do, they secure far less funding. In major government funds, the vast majority of BEM‑led applicants do not meet eligibility criteria, and only a small fraction receive approval.
In mainstream finance, representation remains critically low. Black professionals make up only a small proportion of asset managers, despite far higher population representation. Venture capital funding also reflects deep inequity, with only a small share reaching BEM‑led teams and an even smaller proportion reaching Black women founders. Even where investment models have been designed to support underrepresented groups, they have often lacked the accountability, reach, and community engagement needed to deliver meaningful change.
These disparities sit within a wider racial wealth gap. Some BEM households hold, on average, ten times less wealth than White British households, face far higher rates of poverty, and experience significantly lower levels of home ownership and intergenerational asset transfer. Full representation of BEM communities in the labour market could unlock billions in GDP each year—yet structural barriers continue to block opportunity and potential.
To build an inclusive, mission‑driven economy and support national renewal, these communities must be meaningfully invested in and empowered.
Our History
Our History
The Current Approach to Investment is Imbalanced
Aware of this urgent need and spurred-on by the Adebowale Commission’s report on improving the social investment sector - which recommended that an entity like Pathway, be created - our founding partners Black Global Trust, The Social Investment Consultancy and Voice4Change England – led by Kunle Olulode MBE, Bonnie Chiu, and Stephen Bediako OBE – created Pathway Fund.
Pathway Fund was incubated by our close ally, Voice4Change England (V4CE) which provided Pathway with the organisational structure and resources needed to begin our work. Many of the V4C staff members supported Pathway in its early days and we are incredibly grateful for the role they played in delivering us to the position we are in today.
With an initial goal of securing £50+million, Pathway aims to become an established BEM-led social impact investment wholesaler investing into BEM-led enterprises and communities via BEM-led intermediaries. Furthermore, together with the intermediaries, we will leverage new sources of capital, build trust with underserved communities, and pioneer innovative funding models. Ultimately, our work will support the realisation of a more inclusive economic future, while building lasting community wealth.
Our Roles
Our Roles
We Have A Number of Roles, As Leaders in Our Space
