Growing up poor, I remember the sting of venture capitalists visiting my school, favorite local spots like the beach and arcade, looking through me like I was invisible. These moments where I felt pride and hope—that America could be a better place—were overshadowed by the cold reality that, to them, I was nobody. Despite my best efforts and achievements, instead of being seen as a fellow American, I felt marked by failure; a failure to protect my community from the pervasive wave of corruption dressed up as investment and progress.

Venture capital, with its guise of economic growth, often leaves turmoil in its wake—driving inequality and fostering cultures of greed and exploitation. The façade of success it presents masks the damage to everyday lives, turning societal merit and potential into mere commodities to be traded at a profit. Economist Thomas Piketty, in his research on wealth inequality, demonstrates that venture capital often exacerbates the divide, redistributing wealth upwards rather than circulating it within communities.

The idea of America—where dreams could become realities—has been haunted by this shadow. Forbes reports that U.S. venture capital-backed firms overspending on technology often leads to economic bubbles, which burst, leaving countless ordinary people jobless and communities dismantled. These cycles of boom and bust disproportionately affect those without a safety net—those like us, like our neighbors, who can't risk losing more.

Banning venture capital isn't about stifling innovation; it’s about reclaiming the narrative where community well-being triumphs over unchecked financial gain. There is power in community-driven solutions and investments that can replace the cloud of venture-backed expectations with sustainable growth grounded in real societal needs.

Help reshape our financial landscapes to prioritize enduring social bonds and equitable futures. It’s time to disarm the financial Goliath that is venture capital before it consumes what is left of our equitable aspirations. Let us demand systemic changes that prevent economic inequalities from future metastasis. Sign now to advocate for a future where communities thrive based on shared values, not exploitive investments. Help us ban venture capital in the United States and protect our tomorrows.

Thank you for your consideration! Every little bit helps. I hope that this petition starter has been relatable, and that you are willing to share it with others. You can find a list of my other petitions on my Linktree.

www.linktr.ee/zayneharbison

If you want to get the conversation going online, you can tag me using my handle @zayneharbison or by using the hashtag #ZaynePetitions