Level20 - Empowering Diversity in Private Equity and Venture Capital
In the world of finance and investments, Private Equity and Venture Capital is where new innovations, strategic decisions and financial expertise come together to shape the future of businesses. This captivating field offers opportunities to transform companies and drive growth. However, it remains an area where diversity and equal representation have room for growth. That's where Level 20 comes in, lighting the path for aspiring talents, especially women, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
What is Level 20?
Level 20 is a not-for-profit organisation founded in Europe with the aim of improving gender diversity in the private equity industry. We will achieve our mission by empowering those who work within the industry, encourage new female talent to join, and supporting firms to take practical steps towards effecting change. Our mission is to inspire women to join and succeed in private equity and to work with industry leaders to make the changes necessary for diversity and inclusion to flourish.
Our mission and goal are underpinned by five key initiatives:
· Mentoring & development: The Level 20 Mentoring programme is aimed at supporting women currently working in private equity to succeed and progress within their firms.
· Networking & events: The overall aim is to serve our members by organizing and hosting networking, training and discussion-based events that support women working in private equity.
· Outreach: We organise outreach activities to inspire ambition and to promote private equity as
a career option for women.
· Advocacy: Our focus is to elevate the topics of gender diversity to the main strategic agenda of both the industry and individual firms.
· Research: We conduct and collaborate with affiliated organisations to produce data-driven research on gender representation and those issues which influence DE&I in private equity.
Level 20 consists of 13 International committees operating across DACH, France, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Poland, Spain and the UK. Activities are organised locally by committee members, volunteers and supporters. The network consists of companies in private equity and venture capital, and professionals working in the industry. In Finland, the local Level 20 committee is active in organizing events and initiatives for attracting, promoting and retaining women and individuals with diverse background in private equity and venture capital industry. Currently, within the Level 20 Finland Committee, we are actively exploring outreach initiatives in collaboration with universities and student organizations as part of our event planning, with a focus on supporting young talents entering the field.
Picture: Level 20 Finland Committee’s meeting
Even though we still have work to do on diversity and inclusion in Private Equity and Venture Capital the change is underway, and the industry is taking significant strides towards greater inclusivity and diversity. Level 20’s European Gender Diversity Report (2022) illustrates the amount of women in senior investment roles within investment firms across Europe, the average in Europe being 10% and in Finland 12%. At the same time, the data highlights an encouraging and improving trend while also serving as a compelling call to action for Level 20 emphasizing the importance of our mission even more. We are here to support and empower diversity in private equity and venture capital, not only because it's the right thing to do but also because diverse investment teams contribute to more robust decision-making, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Read the full report: Level 20’s European Gender Diversity Report (2022)
If you're a student with an interest in private equity, participating in events organized by Level20 Finland Network may be your gateway to a world of opportunities. This supportive network is designed to provide you with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to embark on a successful career in private equity. Currently, Level 20 Finland Committee and AaltoPEC are planning collaboration opportunities such as events and mentoring targeted for students interested in career in private equity.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and follow us on LinkedIn
Greetings,
Level 20 Finland Committee
