The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding access to capital for American companies, particularly focusing on the implications for innovation and job creation. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, who highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the current financial landscape.

The session began with a statement emphasizing the widening racial and gender wealth gap in America, which was attributed to existing barriers in accessing capital. A venture capital advocate expressed enthusiasm for Congress's efforts to address these issues, underscoring the importance of reducing barriers to capital that drive innovation.

Following this, Rebecca Kasaba, CEO and co-founder of DealMaker, provided her insights. She noted that DealMaker has facilitated over $2 billion in capital raises for more than 900 American companies, resulting in the creation of approximately 40,000 new jobs. Kasaba shared personal anecdotes about the struggles entrepreneurs face, including the sacrifices made to secure funding and grow their businesses. She emphasized that these challenges are central to the American dream and vital for job creation.

Kasaba proposed three key initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth. The first proposal called for the removal of offering caps that currently limit growth potential. Specifically, she pointed out that the Regulation A offering cap of $75 million restricts companies that could raise more substantial amounts. She argued that in today's digital age, such caps are outdated and hinder the ability of businesses to thrive.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the committee to consider these proposals as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance access to capital for American companies. The discussions underscored the critical role that improved capital access plays in driving innovation and economic growth in the United States.