Women in PE

They've broken into the rarefied ranks of private equity as fundraisers and dealmakers – now they are taking the next step and starting their own shops.

Considered one of the most influential LP consultants in the business, Auerbach sees it all in her perch as partner and head of global private investments at Cambridge Associates.

Taking the opportunity to 'start from scratch,' Kanji launched Astira Capital last year, with the firm quickly closing a $675m debut fund.

Promoted to senior managing director in January, Jamar is the first and only female senior managing director in Blackstone’s corporate private equity business outside of the US.

Glynn has worked in private equity for 20-plus years. Starting out in Goldman Sachs’ private equity group and at Bain Capital, she was hired by Advent in 2016.

Four female industry veterans talk about what it takes for women to thrive in private equity, and how mentors, company culture and other factors can bolster recruitment and retention.

One common denominator of the dealmakers on our list is determination – killing it is in their DNA. Says Suma Kulkarni of ACON: 'We don’t give up.'

After two decades working in private equity, Geveda is making things coalesce with the launch of her new shop.

Her dealmaking prowess is considerable. Since joining the firm in 2007, she has been a key player in many of the 43 platform investments and 22 exits completed by the Kayne Partners team.

Using her experiences as a catalyst, Held has made it her mission to champion women with clear, decisive action.