Invisible Capital: A Zero-Sum Game

Invisible capital is a zero-sum game. We can “zero” out the unearned advantages others have by understanding what advantages we ourselves possess. We can learn to play the cards we have been dealt—whether we are White, Latina, or Chinese American, male or female—to develop our own entrepreneurial opportunities. We can level the playing field as entrepreneurs when we understand that invisible capital exists, when we learn what kinds of invisible capital we already have, and when we discover how to use it.

Assuming that you did not grow up in a bubble, you have a network of connections, a family or community that knows you, a set of experiences and skills you bring to the table. You may have a personal connection who would prove critical to setting up your business—but if you don’t know how to network, if you don’t understand what that person could offer, you can’t take advantage of the connection. Understanding what you have—and what you lack—is the key to entrepreneurial opportunity and entrepreneurial success.