We Build Communities, Networks, and Legacies: Darryl Settles, President of Catalyst Ventures Development

Catalyst Ventures Development, or CVD, is a Boston-based firm focused on delivering high-quality, scalable projects that expand economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Founded with a mission to tackle systemic inequality, the company partners with black and brown business owners, providing both investment avenues and practical support to foster sustainable growth. Darryl Settles, President of Catalyst Ventures Development, believes that economic development must reflect both innovation and inclusivity to reshape Boston’s future.

Boston is a city of firsts, a place where history and innovation converge. From the first public library to the first subway, the city has consistently set benchmarks for civic planning, cultural achievement, and community health. Yet amid these accolades lies a stark contrast. Boston also ranks first in a far less commendable category: income inequality overlap, particularly affecting minority communities. Darryl Settles observes that this divide is both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Boston has always been a city that prides itself on leadership and innovation,” Darryl says. “We should be equally proud of our achievements and equally concerned about the disparities that still exist. My goal is to tip that balance and ensure minority communities are fully part of the city’s growth.”

Inclusive Development as a Business Strategy

Catalyst Ventures Development operates on a principle that goes beyond conventional real estate development. The company designs projects that are not only high-quality and scalable but are intentionally structured to incorporate minority-owned businesses into every phase of development. Restaurants, contractors, designers, and suppliers all have the opportunity to participate, creating an ecosystem where economic participation and urban revitalization coexist.

Darryl explains that the vision for Catalyst Ventures emerged from both professional experience and personal commitment. “I have always been passionate about equitable development,” he says. “Seeing talent and entrepreneurship in our minority communities go underutilized is frustrating. Catalyst Ventures is about creating real opportunities, real investment, and real impact.”

One of the core strategies of the company is to identify projects where black and brown entrepreneurs can lead, manage, and benefit from development work. Darryl emphasizes that this approach is not charity; it’s smart business. “When you involve minority-owned businesses in projects that scale, the entire city benefits. We create jobs, stimulate local economies, and strengthen communities. It’s a model that combines economic sense with social responsibility.”

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship

Catalyst Ventures offers guidance on financing, project management, and strategic growth, ensuring that minority business owners have the tools they need to thrive. “We’re creating a pipeline for sustainable entrepreneurship,” Darryl notes. “It’s about building wealth that lasts beyond a single project or contract.”

Boston’s history of firsts provides a backdrop for the firm’s work. Darryl points out that while the city has been a pioneer in education, public spaces, and civic infrastructure, it has lagged in providing equitable economic opportunities. “It’s almost ironic,” he says. “Boston can claim the first public school and the first subway, yet we’re still grappling with a first-place ranking in income inequality. That contrast fuels my drive.”

Building Communities Through Vision and Engagement

Catalyst Ventures Development has already made tangible impacts in multiple neighborhoods, completing projects that integrate minority vendors, create affordable spaces, and invite local participation. Each project is conceived as a platform for inclusion, emphasizing that development and equity are inseparable. Darryl believes that real change requires persistence and vision. “We don’t just build buildings,” he says. “We build communities, networks, and legacies.”

Beyond development, Catalyst Ventures engages with investors who share the mission of reshaping Boston’s economic landscape. Darryl encourages those who are interested in innovative, high-impact enterprises to consider not only financial returns but societal impact. “Our investors are partners in change,” he explains. “They are not simply funding a project but supporting a movement that opens doors once closed.”

The philosophy of Catalyst Ventures also extends to urban design. Darryl emphasizes the importance of projects that integrate community needs, aesthetic appeal, and functional spaces. “When we design, we’re thinking about how these spaces will serve people for generations,” he says. “Every element, from commercial tenants to public access, reflects a commitment to the community’s long-term success.”

What’s Next for Catalyst Ventures Development

Darryl’s approach is both visionary and pragmatic. He recognizes the challenges inherent in minority-focused development, including financing barriers, systemic inequities, and skepticism from traditional investors. Yet he frames these obstacles as invitations to innovate. “Each challenge is a call to action,” Darryl explains. “If we can navigate these hurdles successfully, the model becomes replicable and scalable across Boston and beyond.”

Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. Darryl insists that developers must listen to the neighborhoods they serve. Catalyst Ventures hosts forums, collaborates with local organizations, and integrates feedback into every project. “Economic development without community input is hollow,” Darryl says. “We make sure that the people affected by our work are part of the process from day one.”

Darryl envisions a Boston where minority-owned businesses are no longer marginalized but central to the city’s economic engine. He sees Catalyst Ventures as a catalyst in the truest sense, igniting opportunities that create sustainable impact. “Boston has the talent, the resources, and the history to lead,” he reflects. “We just need to align our efforts so that growth is inclusive, equitable, and enduring.”

The firm’s mission resonates beyond real estate. Darryl believes that by demonstrating what is possible in development, investment, and business inclusion, Catalyst Ventures can influence policy, inspire other enterprises, and set new standards for civic responsibility. “Our work is a proof of concept,” he says. “We show that equity and innovation go hand in hand and are essential.”

For Darryl Settles, Catalyst Ventures Development is more than a company; it is a movement, a statement, and a blueprint for change. By combining professional excellence with a steadfast commitment to minority empowerment, the firm positions Boston to reclaim its reputation as a city of firsts, not only in innovation and infrastructure but in opportunity and inclusion.

Darryl Settles, President, Catalyst Ventures Development

Our purpose is to create high-quality, scalable projects that include significant Black- and Brown-owned businesses and generate investment opportunities for their communities.