Racial and gender diversity continues to be limited at venture-capital firms, with only minimal progress in the younger ranks. New research from the National Venture Capital Association and Dow Jones VentureSource finds the industry has had little change over the last three years from its predominantly white, male demographics.
The 2011 Venture Census survey shows that of the executives in investment roles, 89 percent are men and 11 percent are women (down 3 percent since 2008). Eighty-seven percent are white (down 1 percent). Nine percent are Asian (up 1 percent), 2 percent are Black or Latinoand 2 percent are of mixed race. In 2008, 2 percent were Latino and 1 percent were Black; mixed race was not reported. For more on this issue and existing wealth gaps, read aboutGoldman Sachs and the sub-prime lending crisisin Fair360, formerly DiversityInc magazine’s May 2010 issue.
The 2011 Venture Census polled approximately 600 professionals (79 percent male, 21 percent female) in both investment roles and administrative functions, such as chief financial officers and marketing and communications professionals. The first survey was conducted three years ago in 2008.
