Why did SVB collapse and what does it mean for investors?

California-based Silicon Valley Bank collapsed seemingly overnight, casting doubts over the future of thousands of tech and science startups in the US and the UK.

SVB logo on a rainy window
(Image credit: © Getty Images)

Nearly half of US startups had accounts with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). So it’s no surprise SVB’s collapse late last week has shaken the industry and prompted wider concerns about the state of the banking sector.

SVB was declared insolvent by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the US banking regulator, on Friday after depositors withdrew more than $40 billion of the bank’s approximately $170bn in assets.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Explore More

Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She has previously worked for MoneyWeek.