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Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme is seeking greater gender diversity as it welcomes its 1000th participant   

Published

A popular online programme at Oxford Saïd, featuring the fast-growing private markets sector, welcomes its 1,000th participant and calls on more women to join.

The Private Markets Investments Programme, launched in September 2020, draws on more than twenty years of experience in private equity research and education at Oxford Saïd and is led by world-leading academic and bestselling author Professor Ludovic Phalippou. The programme has seen increased female participation, at 33% for the current cohort, an increase year-on-year since its launch. Guest speakers for the course are 41% female, also representing an increase in diversity. 

The sharpest business minds are drawn to fields like private equity and private credit - challenging and exciting areas in the financial world. I am proud that our programme has developed quickly and of the engaged and commitment we are building.

Ludovic Phaiippou

Professor of Financial Economics

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Ludovic Phalippou

Ludovic, described as one of the most influential people in private equity across Europe, is using the landmark moment for his programme to raise awareness among prospective female students. He commented, 'The sharpest business minds are drawn to fields like private equity and private credit, and it is one of the most challenging and exciting areas in the financial world. I am proud that our programme has developed quickly and of the engaged and committed community we are building. There is still some way to go in encouraging female participants onto the programme – so I urge anyone working in this space to persuade their female colleagues to join us!'  

The six-week programme provides an intensive curriculum that equips participants with up-to-date knowledge of the private markets landscape through diverse teaching methods, including interactive videos, role play, and Oxford Union-style debates. The course's design aims to develop an understanding of private equity and debt fund structures, including fees, limited partnership agreements and fund performance. Participants also have access to a diverse group of 40-plus prominent industry thought-leaders who share their experience and in-depth subject knowledge.   

Karolina Lewandowska, who completed the programme in 2021, commented on how the experience has been valuable for her: 'It was the programme's community that impacted my next steps the most. Realising my dream of starting the fund wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable community created by the programme, and I'm grateful for the opportunities it has opened.'  

The programme, offered in collaboration with GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc., an executive education courses platform, also features data and insights from Preqin, a London-based investment data company. The added feature provides real-life examples and demonstrations of the concepts, giving participants a tactile and enhanced learning experience.   

As the primary data provider for the programme, Preqin joined Oxford Saïd in celebrating the 1000th participant. Preqin's CEO, Christoph Knaack, commented: 'We are delighted to have partnered with Oxford Saïd to bring this in-demand area of education to life, supported by Preqin's data and insights. The programme has been very well received, proven by the large number of graduates that already participated. As private capital markets continue to grow in size and complexity, so does the importance of education around it. Oxford Saïd has created a truly engaging programme - we look forward to seeing many more participants enrol to learn all about the private capital markets.'   

 

 

Click here to find out more about the programme.