PRESS
April 23 - Singapore / San Franciso
Silicon Valley Bank sponsors Broken Chains
Broken Chains, an upcoming documentary about the hard history and uncertain future of race and wealth, has just announced the addition of Silicon Valley Bank as a sponsor.
As protests all over the globe have given rise to a global conversation on race and inclusion, Broken Chains seeks to offer perspective on where the problem started -- and what we can do to solve it. Through interviews with leading academics, industry executives, founders, and venture capitalists, Broken Chains tells the story of those who “made it”, why they are rare exceptions inside of a broken system, and how a collective push to end systemic injustices will create a better world for all of us.
Systemic racism is prevalent in every part of our lives. We can't solve all these problems in one go but there is a clear need to shed light on one of the larger issues facing people of color: access to opportunity and the generation of wealth. Broken Chains gives perspectives on how we can level the playing field.
The average black family in America has 1/10th the wealth of a white family. Less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs are black. There is a racial disconnect in the economy at all levels, that infects every other aspect of society from education, to healthcare, to political representation.
Broken Chains features candid interviews with some of today’s leading economists, educators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and technologists. As we explore their hopes, fears, and frank assessments of what needs to be done to fix the broken economy for so many.
Broken Chains’ narrative focuses on the critical inflection points where institutional racism and economic reality meet - which if we get them right - hold the keys to closing the racial wealth gap in America.
"We are extremely proud to have a Silicon Valley Bank on board as a sponsor. A documentary like this is a complex endeavour. Receiving support for addressing this important topic shows us that corporations like Silicon Valley Bank are taking this seriously", said the Broken Chains producers.
“SVB is proud to help introduce new audiences to Broken Chains. This powerful, thought-provoking film will help open eyes and increase understanding of how racism and discrimination have hindered wealth creation in communities of color," said Courtney Karnes, Director of Access to Innovation at Silicon Valley Bank, which strives to create a more diverse, equitable and accessible innovation economy. "Shining a light on racism is important, and the next vital step is taking action to help build a more fair and just society."
About Silicon Valley Bank
For more than 35 years, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has helped innovative companies and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast. SVB provides targeted financial services and expertise through its offices in innovation centers around the world. With commercial, international, and private banking services, SVB helps address the unique needs of innovators. Learn more at svb.com.
About Broken Chains
The Broken Chains documentary was founded by Michael Lints, Aaron Stewart, Jamaur Bronner, and Karim Raffa. After writing "I am exhausted and I want you to know why", Singapore-based venture capitalist Michael Lints was looking for a way to help bring systemic racism to the attention of corporates. Oftentimes people would see racism but have difficulty understanding how these issues have reverberating and persistent effects on the individuals targeted as well as society-at-large. After the article, many people asked: "what can I do besides listen?" The answer is not only complex but requires input and insight from different layers of society, different generations, and different backgrounds. In 2021 renowned filmmaker Autumn Bailey-Ford joined as an executive producer. Her extensive filmography includes more than 30 projects; she joins a global cast of notable academics, economists, entrepreneurs & policy experts.