This year has reminded us that progress doesn’t always move in straight lines—but it does move when people choose to keep showing up. Across our community, we’ve seen a quiet steadiness, a kind of resolve rooted not in trends but in conviction. In an environment where it can feel easier to retreat or rebrand, many of you have continued to do the real work: building, investing, creating, and refusing to let noise dictate what’s possible. That persistence gives us real optimism for the year ahead. Thankfully, the momentum is there, because 2026 feels like a year that will require reinvention, clarity, and bolder steps.
In the sections that follow, we’re sharing highlights from what this community made possible—from the repayment of the Blended Catalyst Fund (BCF) to new platform launches, live conversations, and curated opportunities that grew quietly but meaningfully. We’re also looking ahead: to the next chapter of the BCF franchise, to new services becoming formalized, and to a forthcoming perspective from our CEO that speaks to this moment and the responsibility we share in shaping what comes next.
Sincerely,
The Known Team
Celebrating Blended Catalyst Fund
This year marked the repayment of the Blended Catalyst Fund (BCF)—ten years of work built by people who showed up through moments of volatility, uncertainty, and profound change. Launched in 2015, BCF backed entrepreneurs, fund managers, and financial innovations that expanded economic opportunity in cities across the country. Its final impact report captures not just outcomes, but a decade of partnership, discipline, and shared conviction that capital aligned with values can move markets in meaningful ways. Living Cities and Known each reflect on the lessons from this journey: that real progress is made by those who stay committed when it’s hardest, that partnership goes far beyond the wire transfer, and that inclusive investment and fiduciary rigor not only coexist—they strengthen one another. The report offers insights for the next generation of investors committed to building an economy where more people can thrive.
If you’d like to understand what’s coming or explore partnership opportunities, reach out.
Live Signals from Known – Year in Review
This year we launched Live Signals from Known, a candid LinkedIn Live series exploring what’s really happening across capital, innovation, and impact. We were joined by leaders including Kat Cole, Andrew Perry, Morgan Simon, Cindy Gallop, Aunnie Patton Power, and others who are pushing the field forward. We’re excited to continue these conversations in 2026 with new voices and new topics.
ICYMI, here are the episodes:
Scaling Impact Staying Human with David Lynn and Lauren Grattan of Mission Driven Finance
Profit + Power: The Future of Community Real Estate with Lyneir Richardson
Ownership as Justice: Redefining Equity Through Capital with Katie and Brian Boland
Buying & Building Forward: Government Contracting Reimagined with Natasha Cox
Story is the Strategy. Culture is the Market with Talitha Watkins
From Rhetoric to ROI: The Real Work of Inclusive Investing with Carmen Ortiz-McGhee
Narrative, Numbers, and the New Rules of Influence with Andre M. Perry
Deal Signals
If you’ve been receiving our Deal Signals, you know they’re not typical deal flow. These Signals are ad-hoc, highly curated, and rooted in trusted relationships. We only share what we believe you should know—timely, discreet opportunities not circulating in fund newsletters or LinkedIn threads. You receive them because you’re part of the Known community.
Events & Moments from the Year
Throughout the year, we shared key milestones, thought pieces, and community moments across LinkedIn and Instagram—from announcements to live conversations, panel appearances, and industry convenings. These touchpoints captured the breadth of what the Known community continues to build together.
In January, our president spoke at Aspen Institute’s “How Financial Activism Can Help Build a Gender-Equitable Economy“ panel for the Women in the Economy Dialogue Series. In June, we were honored to speak at ACHIEVE Summit in Chicago and the Known Team participated in the Nexus Global Summit in NYC. In September, the Known Team participated in Clinton Global Initiative’s Innovative Finance Working Group. Jim joined Living Cities podcast to talk about Impact Investing and joined a standout panel in the recent Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education webinar, “Investing in What Matters: Rethinking Risk, Value, and Accountability.” This month, Surdna Foundation co-hosted a celebration of the successful close of the Blended Catalyst Fund (BCF) in New York, along with our partner Living Cities.
Press Features
We look forward to hearing from you.