Women hold 13% of senior investment roles in European private markets, Level 20 finds
Women account for 23% of investment professionals across European private equity and venture capital, but hold just 13% of senior investment roles, according to Level 20’s 2026 European Gender Diversity Report.
Women make up 23% of all investment professionals in European private equity and venture capital, yet only 13% hold senior investment roles, according to Level 20's 2026 European Gender Diversity Report. The study examined 13,872 investment professionals at 989 firms across 19 countries. There was a noticeable difference between offices with and without women in senior investment positions.
At firms with at least one senior woman in an investment role, women comprised 32% of the investment professionals, compared to just 16% at firms where the senior investment team was all male. This disparity extends beyond senior positions. Women occupy 32% of mid-level and 39% of junior investment roles at firms with at least one senior woman, compared to 21% and 31%, respectively, at firms with all-male senior investment teams.
On average, women hold 26% of mid-level roles and 35% of junior roles. Overall representation remained relatively stable since Level 20's 2024 research. The report surveyed six markets for the first time. Gurpreet Manku, Level 20's chief executive, emphasized that seeing women progress to senior levels can inspire others and provide a path to leadership.
She added that firms should offer sponsorship and opportunities to help more women reach senior roles. The report also recommended that firms review leadership expectations, family leave policies, and use representation data to identify areas needing improvement.
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