IQ-EQ Launchpad will aim to expand inclusivity for the wider asset management industry and foster a self-sustaining network of women in senior leadership roles.
The Launchpad suite of services is designed to help women overcome the specific challenges they face launching their first funds, and was prompted by a recognition of the limited opportunities for women in the industry, says IQ-EQ.
Funds with over 50 per cent women ownership or a woman founder will be eligible to receive preferential service terms, tailored fund administration solutions, capacity building and access to a global network.
The project will be overseen and promoted by Serge Krancenblum, group executive chairman and leader of IQ-EQ’s diversity and inclusion strategy. Justin Partington, group head of funds, will be the project sponsor.
Atlantica Ventures, an African venture capital fund which provides early-stage funding and support to startups in Africa, is the first company to sign up to the programme.
Commenting on the initiative, Krancenblum, says: “Only 15 per cent of all private equity or venture capital firms are gender-balanced, let alone women-led. As a leading member of the fund ecosystem we believe that we can play an important role in addressing the gender imbalance within the asset management industry. We have leveraged our business model and contacts to put together a comprehensive support package that will help first-time women fund managers to succeed.”
Emma Crabtree, group chief commercial officer at IQ-EQ, comments: “This is an exciting and vital step that we are taking. Gender diversity in fund management will achieve not just better outcomes for women, but also for investors and the industry at large. Having recently joined the business it has been so encouraging to see this and other initiatives being organised.”
