New Delhi, 23rd December 2024: Winpe, a gender diversity focused not-for-profit platform has developed a pioneering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework. Designed to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in the Indian private equity and venture capital industry, this framework caters to both global and industry-specific needs and offers a structured way to integrate DEI into how firms function. This DEI Framework has been developed in consultation with Winpe member firms, reflecting a collective set of DEI priorities that face the private equity and venture capital industry today.

“For us, DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one that fuels innovation and growth. It is not merely a checkbox for compliance, but a necessity for long-term growth and an inclusive world. Our framework empowers firms to weave equity and inclusivity into their core strategy, creating workplaces and portfolios that reflect the diversity of the world we live in,” says Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe.

Why DEI matters: The number story
In 2023, only 42% of organisations tracked or reported DEI metrics, a steep decline in commitment compared to prior years, with many cutting DEI budgets and roles due to economic pressures.

Organisations that prioritise DEI and inculcate it as a core value system in their functioning are rewarded with a 6.8% higher stock price, 84% employee engagement compared to just 20% in non-inclusive workplaces. In addition, employees are over three times less likely to leave. In private equity, men are promoted at 2.8 times the rate of women and it is estimated that gender parity at senior levels will take at least 60 more years. Increasing adoption of AI though provides opportunities to advance DEI, unchecked biases risk deepening inequities, making transparent, inclusive practices extremely essential.

Why does the DEI Framework matter?

The framework provides PEVC firms with actionable guidance to integrate inclusivity into governance, talent management, workplace culture, and investment practices. Key features include robust governance mechanisms, diverse hiring pipelines, objective screening and diligence processes, and constructive engagement with portfolio companies.

The framework champions knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the industry, encouraging firms to lead by example and inspire broader adoption of inclusive practices. By addressing critical areas like unconscious bias, gender-neutral policies, and the diversification of deal sourcing, the framework creates a holistic roadmap for embedding DEI across operations.

To support its implementation, Winpe has developed tools such as self-assessment questionnaires and best practices guides to help firms evaluate their current DEI standing, design action plans in a structured manner based on their business imperatives and track progress. This structured, data-driven approach ensures that DEI efforts are both measurable and impactful.

The DEI Framework seeks to reshape the PE-VC landscape, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are not just values but also key drivers of financial and organisational success. With the increasing recognition by investors of DEI as essential for resilience and innovation, Winpe’s framework will support firms in building diversity as a strategic advantage.