Winpe, a not-for-profit platform dedicated to promoting gender diversity, has unveiled a pioneering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework designed to transform the Indian private equity and venture capital industry. This comprehensive framework, developed in consultation with Winpe’s member firms, provides a structured approach for integrating DEI principles into the core operations of PE-VC firms, addressing both global and industry-specific needs. It reflects a collective effort to tackle the DEI challenges currently faced by the sector.
“For us, DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one that fuels innovation and growth. It is not merely a checkbox for compliance, but a necessity for long-term growth and an inclusive world. Our framework empowers firms to weave equity and inclusivity into their core strategy, creating workplaces and portfolios that reflect the diversity of the world we live in,” said Nupur Garg, Founder of Winpe.
The DEI framework comes at a critical time when many organisations are scaling back on their DEI efforts due to economic pressures. In 2023, only 42% of companies tracked or reported DEI metrics, a significant decline compared to previous years. However, organisations that integrate DEI into their core values see tangible benefits, including a 6.8% higher stock price and 84% employee engagement, as opposed to just 20% in non-inclusive workplaces. Additionally, employees in inclusive environments are over three times less likely to leave. The gender disparity in private equity is stark, with men being promoted at 2.8 times the rate of women. Gender parity at senior levels in the sector is expected to take at least 60 more years, further highlighting the need for change.
The DEI Framework is specifically designed to help PE-VC firms embed inclusivity into governance, talent management, workplace culture, and investment practices. Key features include diverse hiring pipelines, objective screening processes, and proactive engagement with portfolio companies. The framework also emphasizes knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the industry, encouraging firms to lead by example and inspire wider adoption of inclusive practices.
To assist with implementation, Winpe has developed tools such as self-assessment questionnaires and best practices guides to help firms evaluate their current DEI standing, develop action plans, and track their progress. This data-driven, structured approach ensures that DEI efforts are not only measurable but also impactful.
The framework aims to reshape the PE-VC sector, positioning diversity and inclusion as key drivers of financial and organisational success. As investors increasingly recognize DEI as essential for innovation and resilience, Winpe’s framework will help firms leverage diversity as a strategic advantage.
About Winpe: Winpe is a leading not-for-profit platform focused on advancing gender diversity in the investing world. It serves as an industry forum where stakeholders collaborate to set the diversity agenda and drive collective action towards gender balance in the investing ecosystem. Winpe is committed to increasing the participation of women as investors, capital allocators, and recipients of investment capital. With 70% of its member firms reporting progress on their DEI KPIs, Winpe has organized over 40 knowledge sessions with more than 9,000 registrants, earning a 96% satisfaction score.
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