PE firms better for women?
I am a woman in IB and really want to do PE, particularly UMM/MF. I have been going to a lot of the recruiting events and notice that most places that aren't MFs are almost entirely men. I am fine with being in an male dominated environment, that's what IB is and what I expect for the rest of my career, but I'm wondering if any woman/people in PE have thoughts about what firms be a little more enjoyable as a woman? are MFs better because they obviously have bigger recruiting classes and therefore more women? I have guy friends at smaller shops and they love it because they have basically a huge group of friends they work with and while I'm not saying I can't fit in, it isn't the same being the only/one of the only women. would appreciate any/all thoughts on this.
Some firms like KKR, Apax, TA, Advent, and hg are a few firms that come to mind when it comes to male/female ratio at the VP+ level. On the other hand avoid CD&R, Thoma, and HIG. MFs are slightly better because some of their LPs "care more" about having more women in leadership.
PE is fundamentally not that collegial so I don’t really think male female ratio really matters all that much. It’s all quite bland and corporate you clock in and out
Can't emphasize this enough. Your gender doesn't matter in PE. It's just about doing the work well for long hours and getting your colleagues to like you. That is the entire job of an ASO looking to promote. I know 2 women who worked at MFs that had women hiring initiatives, went to BSchool, then went to MM/UMM funds that didn't have those programs. Those programs do not guarantee a good experience for you "as a woman." Sure it's a pipeline into the job, but it can be just as miserable (if not more so at the MF level) than any other seat. And maybe this is just anecdotal, but I don't know any women in PE who became close friends with other women colleagues in PE during their early years (have seen it in VC though). Maybe it's selection bias for type A personalities that end up clashing, but the competitive pressure between ASOs is real.
If this is something that really matters to you, maybe try and target women-owned/led firms? That'll limit your target pool somewhat but probably have a more conducive environment given the women at the top will be more likely to have some empathy with the challenges faced by young female professionals.
Larger MF and UMM firms tend to be better just because there are more women and structured mentorship. Smaller shops can feel isolating if you’re the only one. Culture varies, but MFs usually have more formal support systems and awareness around inclusion.
Del
Following as a male ASO - my time in IB felt much less like a guys’ club, and it was one of the female associates there who taught me how to push back against unreasonable requests and actually unplug during PTO.
Consumer focused PE shops, particularly those that focus on wellness / cosmetics / whatever else girls are into
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