We are democratizing access to capital and accelerating financial inclusion in a sustainable and scalable way.
Addressing the Funding Crisis Facing Small Businesses
Economic Impact of Neglecting Small Business Funding Needs
Although small businesses account for 44% of U.S. economic activity and have contributed to 55% of net job creation in the past decade, they remain underfunded and underbanked. This shortfall has led to billions of dollars in lost economic potential.
Stagnant Funding Landscape Widening the Wealth Gap
Despite the vastness of the financial services industry, it struggles to move beyond outdated, one-size-fits-all solutions, lacking the creativity and willingness to take risks needed to drive the innovation economy forward. Existing financial institutions and funding models contribute to the wealth gap by picking the winners and the losers. This approach stifles genuine innovation, leaving many small businesses—and their communities—underserved, ultimately hindering their economic potential.
Our Community
Centered Solution
Inspired by community finance models in developing nations, we are building a reciprocal financial ecosystem centering founders and small businesses.
The Founders’ Pool is intentionally designed leveraging nearly a decade of firsthand research, data-gathering and co-building alongside thousands of small businesses.
With The Founders’ Pool, we are leveling the playing field, giving every small business the chance to compete in the market.
Meet Our Founders
Chief Executive Officer
Marvin A. François, CFA
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Finance at Boston College, Marvin started his career at a Boston-based real assets advisory startup that provided independent advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Government leveraging proprietary data and models. As one of the earliest hires at the company, Marvin led a number of research and market intelligence efforts and produced IP that contributed to the company’s success and eventual acquisition by one of the largest global investment management companies. He soon turned his eye to new adventures, and relocated to New York where he pursued graduate studies at New York University specializing in Public Policy, Finance, and Economics. Upon graduation he returned to the private sector after gaining employment at a global investment bank and financial institution renowned for both its expertise in the alternative investments space, and its track record of unbroken profitability since inception. His work was both broad and intensive as he gained wide exposure and worked on discrete deals spanning commodities M&A transactions, securitized credit transactions with private equity and hedge fund clients, and structured credit deals with global commodities producers. This fast-paced, challenging environment prepared him for life as a founder – his greatest adventure yet. After nearly a decade, eager to do more for everyday people, Marvin left Wall Street, and co-founded oneKIN motivated by a belief that small businesses are the most important lever that we can pull to catalyze widespread socio-economic change. He is incredibly passionate about leveraging technology to disrupt the invisible market forces that exacerbate the wealth and opportunity gaps. Beyond his at day-to-day work, he dedicates significant time to advising and mentoring a number of startups across reputable programs and accelerators including Techstars.
Jennifer Gomez is a tech founder, marketing leader and public speaker passionate about creating pathways that empower communities and provide equitable access to opportunity through technology. Prior to cofounding oneKIN, Jennifer spent over 15 years driving global marketing strategy and brand growth for Fortune 500 companies, including Major League Baseball, Time Inc., L'Oréal, NARS, and Sephora. Featured as a trailblazing Forbes Woman, Jennifer has helped numerous enterprises and small businesses leverage data-led strategy and creative storytelling to launch products and build authentic relationships with their consumers. Outside her work with oneKIN, Jennifer advises small business owners, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals on sustainable growth strategies through programs like Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, the NY Women's Chamber of Commerce, NY Economic Development Corporation and Business Improvement Districts across New York City. Jennifer holds a Political Science degree from Brown University.
Jennifer Gomez
Chief Marketing Officer