UK Private Capital calls on LPs to advance diversity and inclusion to build resilient and high performing teams
In a new report about diversity within Limited Partners (LPs), UK Private Capital (formerly BVCA) calls on LPs to ensure they are developing the most effective talent within their teams by supporting and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Diversity in Limited Partner Investment Teams finds that women made up 30% of investment teams within LPs - firms which are typically institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, or endowments - that contribute capital to a private equity or venture capital fund. Within those teams, 22% of senior roles are held by women, 37% of mid-level, and 26% of junior positions. This data reflects slower turnover of senior roles and a limited pipeline of diverse talent. The report includes information from a range of LPs of different types and sizes active in the UK, with global AUM ranging from less than £500m to over £25bn.
Promoting diversity within the private capital industry is an integral part of UK Private Capital’s mission. The new report represents the association’s latest efforts to support firms to build inclusive environments in which people from every background can succeed.
The report recommends that LPs:
- Review and enhancing recruitment processes, including widening recruitment channels, to access broader pools of talent
- Encourage a culture that welcomes and promotes diversity of background, experience and thought
- Focus on tailored development of people from all genders and backgrounds including mentoring and management training
“A more diverse industry is a higher performing industry. That is why we are setting out what LPs can do to enhance recruitment processes and encourage a culture where people from any background can build a successful career. Doing so will ensure that firms are able to attract, retain and develop the very best talent, in order to build high performing, resilient teams and therefore generate the best returns.”
“In private markets, networks are both fundamental and influential. At Level 20, we have seen the industry come together to improve the representation of women in senior roles, through mentoring and the open exchange of experiences, particularly on family leave practices. This report on investment teams at LPs provides further analysis for industry leaders and emphasises their role in shaping workplaces that nurture long-term career progression.”
“Transparency is the starting point for progress. A more diverse LP landscape strengthens the entire venture ecosystem, but without robust and consistent data, we cannot see clearly, let alone improve. Better measurement drives accountability, reduces guesswork, and brings visibility to parts of the market that have historically gone unexamined. Datasets like this create the conditions for more informed decision-making and long-term change."
Notes to Editors:
Diversity in UK Private Equity and Venture Capital 2025 found that 15% of senior UK GP investment professionals are women.
For further information, please contact:
UK Private Capital Press Office
Email: [email protected]
About UK Private Capital
UK Private Capital is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity (PE), venture capital (VC) and private credit ecosystem in the UK. With a membership of 600 firms, we represent UK-based private capital firms, as well as their professional advisers and a large base of UK and global investors. The private equity, venture capital and private credit industry has a vital role to play in driving national and regional growth. Currently over 13,000 companies, employing more than 2.5 million people, are backed by private capital investment in the UK.
