The private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) sector is hugely influential, with $58 billion funds under management and employing half a million people in Australia. It offers smart, curious women a stimulating and rewarding career, however only 12% of senior leaders within the PE industry are women, with VC slightly better at 16%. At Future IM/Pact, we are passionate about changing these stats and inspiring more women to pursue this career path.
To inspire more women to consider this exciting sector of the industry, Future IM/Pact co-hosted a Women in Private Equity and Venture Capital event with private investment group Tattarang. Our founder, Yolanda, led a conversation with four exceptional female investors across the PE and VC industry and asked them for their best advice and tips for women wanting to transition into this field. Here’s a snapshot of what they said:
- Build your networks, reach out to investors, send a “cold email” to introduce yourself and ask for a chat to learn more about the industry
- Research an industry that interests you and pitch it in interviews and informal meetings
- Have a go at your own start-up business and share your learnings
- Read the financial news and stay across current deals in market
- Participate in university investment competitions and industry events
Our panel guests and their best advice
Have the confidence to reach out directly to investors
Jackie Vullinghs, Partner at AirTree, shared her love of the “cold email” and encouraged women to have the confidence and self-belief to reach out to investors, ask questions and build connections. She also emphasised that you don’t need to know everything about the sector to get started as so much of it is learned on the job.
Michelle Hepworth, Investment Manager at Tattarang, also encouraged women to proactively seek advice and insights. “I will have a coffee with anyone who messages me on LinkedIn saying they are interested in working for Tattarang and want to know more about us and the industry. Don’t be shy to do that – men certainly aren’t!”
Steer yourself towards investment banking sponsor coverage teams
Georgina Varley, Managing Director of Adamantem Capital, offered advice for women working in investment banking and wanting to transition to the buy-side. As private equity firms typically hire from banking and consulting, she suggested steering yourself into the sponsor coverage team, which offers more exposure to how private equity works and will enable a smoother transition.
Have a go at your own start up
Dr Michelle Deaker, Managing Partner of OneVentures said they loved to see candidates who have had a go at their start-up ventures, no matter how small. “Creating and managing your start-up gives you empathy for the people we invest in and a better understanding of the business journey."
Read more about this event and Yolanda’s insights about this fascinating industry in Yolanda’s blog - Ruling the Roost: why we need more women in private equity and venture capital.
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