TLDR:
Key Points:
- Venture capital is a critical form of funding in Ireland, with €1.35 billion invested in 2023.
- Only 9% of assets were controlled by female managers in 2023, according to European Women in VC.
In the article ‘Venture Capital is missing a trick’ published on May 30, 2024, Kathleen Gallagher discusses the gender problem at the crux of the start-up scene. Venture capital, a form of private equity that finances start-up, early-stage, and emerging companies, plays a significant role in funding in Ireland. However, in 2023, only 9% of assets were under the control of female managers, highlighting a gender disparity in the industry.
According to European Women in VC, this lack of female representation in venture capital is a missed opportunity. Research shows that VC funds with a majority of women in senior management teams outperform those with only men. Despite this, there is still a significant imbalance in the control of assets within the industry.
The article raises important questions about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in venture capital and the potential benefits that could come from addressing the gender imbalance. By overlooking female managers and entrepreneurs, the industry may be missing out on valuable perspectives and opportunities for growth.
