Diversität - Gender Balance

    Diversity in the VC Ecosystem

    At KfW Capital, diversity is a key component of the investment process and is firmly integrated into ESG assessment. In addition to recording diversity metrics in VC funds, we specifically support teams with diverse compositions through programmes such as the Emerging Manager Facility. With awards, scholarships and training initiatives, we raise awareness of diversity in the VC ecosystem and contribute to greater equality of opportunity.

    Investment Process

    Diversity plays a role in the standard appraisal and decision-making process within the scope of the due diligence review of our target funds and is addressed in the ESG appraisal, among other things. Diversity is also part of the annual ESG reporting. For example, in 2023 KfW Capital began to record the gender distribution of employees of all VC funds and its portfolio companies (at founder, management, and employee level for the portfolio companies and within the board) and further measures are taken to promote diversity.

    Market Development

    KfW Capital is also raising awareness within the VC ecosystem about the thematic area of diversity with measures that include:

    • Presentation of the KfW Capital Award Emerging Manager in 2024
    • The KfW Capital Award Best Female Investor has been presented since 2022
    • The KfW Capital VC Academy
      • "A Breath of Fresh Air: Emerging Managers for the VC Market" in 2024
      • "Female Investing - More Diversity for Better Investments" in 2023
      • "Diversity in the VC Ecosystem - More Opportunities Through Diversity" in 2022
    • Two partial scholarships for women ("KfW Capital Fellowships Women in VC") worth EUR 5,000 each, awarded for the first time in 2023 for the "Certified Private Equity Analyst" (CPEA) training programme at the Munich Technical University
    • Regular office hours for fund and investment managers; e.g. as part of the Unlock VC Summit

    Inside KfW Capital

    Charta der Vielfalt - unterzeichnet

    KfW Capital is committed to diversity and equal career development opportunities for all employees. No employee should be discriminated because of their gender, origin, ethnicity, religious beliefs, world view, disability, age or sexuality. Relevant principles are defined in the company’s Diversity Policy. KfW Capital is also a signatory to the German Diversity Charter and collaborates with external experts in order to promote an inclusive and diverse working environment.