Equity All Raise CEO says VC’s smartest firms are betting on diverse leadership
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Aug 13, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Paige Hendrix Buckner, CEO of All Raise and advocate for female and non-binary success in venture capital, dives into the evolving landscape of the industry. She highlights that the representation of women and non-binary partners at top firms has doubled recently. Buckner addresses ongoing challenges like pay gaps and the need for equitable leadership roles. She explores the impact of women launching their own firms and the role of male allies in fostering diversity, emphasizing the positive shift towards inclusivity in venture capital.
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Significant Representation Gains
- All Raise reports the share of women and non-binary partner-plus roles doubled from 9% to 18.6% in the U.S. VC industry.
- The increase arrived three years ahead of All Raise's internal schedule, showing measurable momentum despite market headwinds.
Momentum Persisted Through Backlash
- Promotions continued in 2024 despite industry contraction, with one in four All Raise survey respondents promoted in the last year.
- Some firms talk less publicly about DEI but those that track performance are doubling down because diversity yields business benefits.
Promote Performance, Then Show The Data
- Hire and promote based on demonstrated performance and expand recruiting nets to find diverse talent.
- Use those hires' results and data to build a business case that diversity improves firm and portfolio outcomes.