Corvin presents himself as a self-made tech founder, but eighty percent of the firm’s operating capital comes from a mezzanine loan Meridian issued six months ago.”

A cold, slow smile found its way onto my face.

Six months ago, over dinner, Corvin had complained about his company’s “expansion struggles.” I had quietly asked my investment committee to underwrite his debt through Meridian’s anonymous venture arm.

I had meant it as a wedding present — a secret bit of ground laid under his feet so he would never fall.

And now that same generosity had put a leash in my hand.

There was a lesson in that somewhere, about the difference between what a gift is and what it can become.