Shocker: Study finds venture capital is not very diverse

The Mass Ave.-based National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Deloitte released a study on diversity in venture capital on Thursday which says, no surprise here, that the VC world is not terribly diverse.
“Although women comprise nearly one-half (45 percent) of the total venture capital workforce, few are in investment decision-making positions,” a release detailing the report begins. And when it comes to non-white individuals, well, they only comprise 22 percent of the total VC workforce.

We're proud to present the first NVCA-@DeloitteUS Human Capital Survey on the demographics of the #VC industry https://t.co/ID4P81LI6W

— NVCA (@nvca) December 15, 2016

“The survey results reinforce what we already know, which is that the venture industry is not representative of the overall population of the U.S. Transparency is a powerful force for change, and we now have a clear benchmark by which we can measure progress to create a more inclusive venture capital industry,” Bobby Franklin, president and CEO of NVCA, said in a statement.
So why do the study at all? Well, one element seems to be that transparency Franklin alludes to. But another is that the study was also able to suggest some practices that do encourage diversity in venture capital. According to the report, there is a strong correlation between level of diversity and VC firms that have a “human capital strategy.” Mentorship programs, for example, are helpful.
You can download a full PDF copy of the report here.
We’re being a little flippant because, well, the results of the study are so incredibly expected. That said, it is good to see an leading-industry organization take an interest. The study is a nice reminder that when it comes to innovation and investment and opportunity, there’s a strong need for more diversity at all sides of the table.