Maternity in Venture Capital: 7 in 10 Women Concerned About the Return to Work
A report by WVC:E shines a light on a long-overlooked challenge in the venture capital world: what it’s really like to navigate maternity in VC. Based on data from 120 women across 20 countries, this report highlights the silent struggles and structural gaps that continue to make it tough for mothers to thrive in the industry.
The stats are telling — and troubling
The report, “Investing in Women: The Untold Stories of Mothers in VC,” reveals that:
- 71% of women planning to have children (or more children) worry about returning to work
- 84% are concerned about the length and pay of parental leave
- 38% believe there’s major room for improvement in the return-to-work process
Top concerns include:
- Career progression and promotions (32%)
- Long-term sustainability of parenting in VC (25%)
- Setting boundaries like avoiding late-night work events (23%)
These findings come from women at firms ranging from under €50M to €500M+, showing the issue isn’t limited to any one corner of the industry.
The industry is still playing catch-up
Despite some progress in recent years, venture capital remains a male-dominated field. Only 16% of General Partners in Europe are women, and one-third of investing teams include no women at all. In the UK, female representation on investment teams has stalled at 30% since 2019.
Sophie Winwood says the report’s aim is clear:
“It’s not about blame—it’s about awareness and action. We need to foster a culture where women don’t have to choose between a successful VC career and motherhood.”
Why it matters — and what needs to change
The current system, from rigid work expectations to unequal leave policies, is a missed opportunity. Check Warner of Ada Ventures echoes this, noting that failing to support mothers could cost the industry its best talent—and ultimately, its best returns.
The report dives into the differences between male and female parental leave, explores the emotional and logistical challenges of returning to work, and ends with clear recommendations for partners, fund leaders, and team members to start making meaningful changes.
Source: https://www.eu.vc/p/maternity-in-venture-capital-7-in?utm_source=publication-search
