Investing in Women: The Untold Stories of Mothers in VC

Learn about women’s challenges related to parental leave, returning to work and setting boundaries, both in terms of policies and practices.

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As CEO of unlock VC, I am proud to present this important report, shedding light on the experiences of women in venture capital as they navigate the challenges of having children, taking parental leave and returning to work. My motivation for embarking on this report came from the many women in the unlock VC community who approached me to share their struggles, frustrations and, in extreme cases, despair. The first step is always to listen to people. After accumulating this community knowledge base, we felt like we had more insight into the challenges women face having children in venture capital. More importantly, we could see a set of recommendations beginning to take shape, which might help investors and firms respond to these challenges.

Please be aware: this is not an easy read. When I first looked at the research, I was upset and surprised. I console myself in the knowledge that every big shift starts with exposure of large and hidden issues. With this report, we hope to create greater understanding, open a dialogue and ultimately inspire meaningful changes that will create a more equitable environment for all.

Sophie Winwood

CEO, unlock VC

The purpose of this report is three-fold:

1.

To raise awareness of an overlooked and underreported topic, and shine a light on the very real challenges that women in the industry face

2.

To enable women in the industry to feel seen and heard, and know that if they have experienced any of the challenges mentioned in this report, they are not alone

3.

To offer guidance and support, and practical tips to women, households, colleagues, funds, General Partners and Limited Partners about how they can act to improve this issue, if they wish

Q. What is your main concern?

Return to work process

~80% of respondents felt there was room for improvement in their return-to-work process following maternity leave. Just one in three (38%) said there was considerable room for improvement.

The first step is to listen

The motivation for this report came from the many women in the unlock VC community who approached me to share their struggles, frustrations and, in extreme cases, despair.

“I took calls from either the maternity ward or from the car in the parking lot”.

“I’m still spending at least two nights out a week. On the face of it, it is a privilege to be able to attend these events. But it’s also a constant pull or feeling of compromise, I feel like I am doing badly at everything — I am doing poorly at being a mother and I can’t attend all the events I used to”

“It’s really great that men are taking more paternity leave. It is a huge step, but it is still not part of their career decision-making. Taking time out, like two months in July and August, is like putting a plaster on the problem.” 

UNLOCK VC REPORT 2024

Please share this report widely and use it as a conversation starter. Bring these crucial topics into your daily discussions—with other women, fathers & co-parents, colleagues, and general partners. Every conversation sparks awareness and drives us closer to a better future.

Change begins with us. Let’s make it happen.