Case Study: Diversity VC builds a more diverse internship pipeline with Applied

Seeding diversity in venture capital

Diversity VC, a non-profit partnership working to increase diversity of thought in venture capital, wanted to improve the way it attracted and assessed candidates for its Future VC internship program. In an industry known for “who you know” hiring and limited diversity, they needed a more inclusive process that would reach beyond traditional banking, consulting, and equity backgrounds. Applied helped them manage the internship application process.

Using Applied, Diversity VC replaced CVs and personal referrals with anonymous applications focused on attributes like curiosity, self-awareness, and resilience. The result was a highly diverse inaugural cohort: 47% female, 70% ethnic minorities, 35% socioeconomically disadvantaged, and 11% LGBT. Candidate quality was also strong, with many interns having their placements extended or progressing to analyst and associate interviews; applicants rated the process 9/10 on average.

Diversity VC

Seb Butt

Founder & Programme Director of Future VC