The Governance Element

Diversity

Data shows that 38% of the portfolio employees are female, that is 5-percentage-point above the average female representation in global tech firms (see Deloitte report). Horizon are aware that talent management has become the number two strategic priority across PE firms of all sized, second only to asset growth. We encourage portfolio companies to think about their diversity and how it feeds through the top of the organization. We are pleased to observe a 6% increase in senior management female representation at portfolio level (from 19.9% in 2020 to 26% in 2021), but we know we have a long way to go when it comes to board representation (witnessing a 5% increase from 4% in 2020 to 9.4% in 2021). 407 hours of D&I training were provided across the portfolio in an effort to raise awareness on talent management and acquisition.

iCI / UNPRI signatory

We are continuous supporters on the UNPRI. In late 2020, we signed up to become one of the first members of the Initiative Climate International and have been since then actively participating in the Training Materials working group, which in 2021 produced a Climate Impact Training aimed at investment teams across the industry.

Training

We provide our investment team with annual training on ESG topics. In 2020 we ran the BVCA Responsible Investment training across the whole team and everyone obtained the Pass certifications. In 2021 we provided training around ESG pre-deal screening mechanisms and equipped our investment team with an “ESG Checklist” that supports them in the process of assessing ESG risks and opportunities when considering a new investment. In 2022 we will be providing training specific on climate impact, created by a Working Group in the iCI led by Giuliana.

upReach

Horizon Capital are proud supporters of upReach a charity that works to create conditions for undergraduates from less-advantaged backgrounds to access and sustain top graduate jobs. We’ve sponsored the charity since 2020 and, as part of our commitment provided work experience to 2 graduates from their programme in the summer of 2021, and have committed to do the same in the current year.

Thank you for welcoming us into the team and giving us the opportunity to learn so much about the work you do. It has been great to gain such a unique insight into private equity at such an early point in our careers. We really appreciate the way that you fully immersed is into the company during the experience.