The Diversity VC Standard is an assessment and certification process that sets a benchmark for best practice on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in VC and sends a signal that a fund follows best D&I practices to the rest of the ecosystem.

About The Diversity VC Standard

The Diversity VC Standard was launched on 9th September 2020 pioneered by 15 leading funds across Europe and Canada to provide VCs with the tools and recommended practices they need to open their networks and make funding available to underrepresented founders, as well as the resources needed to cultivate an environment where founders and colleagues from all backgrounds feel they belong in the industry and the ecosystem.

The Diversity VC Standard has 3 stages:
U

Assessment

Guided run through of your fund’s current policies and practices
w

Consultation

Curated advice and recommendations on next steps according to fund targets
Z

Certification

To Level 1 (setting a benchmark above industry average) or Level 2 (leading the way on changes to D&I policy)

Funds that were involved last year

“The UK is the start-up capital of Europe with UK companies attracting more venture capital than any other European country. However, as the Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship concluded less than 1% of UK venture funding goes to all-female teams and just 4% of deals. It’s so important that we do even more to make a step change in how we cultivate an environment where founders and colleagues from all backgrounds feel they belong. That’s why I’m so pleased to publicly support the new Diversity VC Standard.”

– Alison Rose
CEO at Natwest Group and Leader of the Government Backed Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship

To find out more about the Standard and participate please contact julia@diversity.vc
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