Livingbridge’s Wol Kolade, named on Real Deals Future 40 Diversity and Inclusion Leaders list
We are delighted to announce that Wol Kolade made this year’s list for continuing to be at the forefront of the diversity agenda in the industry.
He has recently helped to establish the #100blackinterns campaign, which aims to see finance internships offered to Black students. Since the campaign started earlier this year, 200 investment and asset management firms in the City of London have already signed up and almost 1,000 students have applied to be part of the scheme. The initiative hopes to see on an annual basis 100 candidates benefit from the opportunities offered.
Commenting on the campaign Kolade said:
“It’s about breaking the chain, ensuring that people can start seeing role models that look like them and start gaining access.”
The Real Deals Future 40 Diversity and Inclusion Leaders list, in association with Private Equity Recruitment (PER), showcases key individuals in the asset class who have made or are making a notable impact on improving diversity and inclusion practices across their firm and the wider industry.
In light of recent events across the globe and continued efforts to make the industry a more diverse and socially conscious industry, it’s certainly a very apt time to shine a light on this extremely important topic. This years’ list not only highlights key dealmakers, but also those working behind the scenes at private equity and venture capital firms to make a true difference to how we engage with gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and disabilities and wider D&I policies.
Real Deals editor Talya Misiri said: “Private equity invests in all types of businesses across many different countries and societies, and yet, the people who invest, mainly share a similar race, sex or socio-economic background. Luckily, there is an increasing minority that are actively trying to change this.
“In this years’ list, we celebrate those who are breaking down these pre-existing barriers. Those who are opening the doors of the asset class to all, to make it an industry where people from all walks of life are accepted, welcomed and have the opportunity to succeed.”