Why it Matters
Dream Exchange is expanding its lobbying footprint by adding a third firm to its advocacy team. The minority-focused exchange platform has spent $610,000 on lobbying since 2022. This new registration signals a broader strategic shift toward general financial regulatory policy discussions.
By the Numbers
Historical spending:
- Total lobbying expenditures: $610,000 since 2022
- Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP: $510,000 (Sept 2023-July 2025)
- Thorn Run Partners: $100,000 (July 2022-April 2024)
New lobbying team:
- Firm: MO Strategies Inc.
- Lobbyists: Martin Obst and Robert T. Goad
- Obst represents 19 clients in 2025 across tribal affairs, gaming, healthcare, energy, and technology
Broader Context
Congress is actively addressing capital access disparities for minority-owned businesses. The Senate Banking Committee has highlighted funding gaps for Black founders. Multiple hearings have examined reducing regulatory barriers and expanding investment opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The Agenda
Dream Exchange is lobbying to “facilitate discussions regarding a venture exchange and financial regulatory policy.” This marks a shift from their previous focus on the “Main Street Growth Act.” The company aims to create an inclusive stock exchange bridging “Main Street and Wall Street” for minority-owned businesses.
Competitive Landscape
Other market participants are lobbying on related issues. Nasdaq Inc. seeks regulatory clarity on alternative trading systems. The Equity Markets Association advocates for market transparency policies. Carta Inc. pushes for expanded private market access.
Between The Lines
Several bills align with Dream Exchange’s mission. H.R.3422 would expand SEC resources for underrepresented small businesses. H.R.4586 supports African diaspora investment development. Recent hearings like “Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Access to Capital Across America” examined geographic funding concentration. Rep. Byron Donalds and Rep. Dave Joyce have criticized SEC enforcement approaches.
The Bottom Line
Dream Exchange’s third lobbying firm reflects growing Congressional momentum around capital access reform. The timing aligns with multiple relevant bills and hearings. However, translating advocacy into concrete policy changes remains challenging in today’s legislative environment.
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All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
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