> VC friends use that credit as investment in startups who are told they must use SVP.

Maybe, but I was talking specifically about startups themselves being given loans by SVB then requiring the startup to bank there. But I am sure investors also pushed startups to SVB... if your investor (who maybe is highly invested in SVB ... ) says "you should use this bank" are you going to say no? The pressure is immense.

> Is there a social graph of SVP and VCs involved? Are these people pals, friends, "effective" ideologues, etc.?

I'd be more surprised if they weren't.