Broadening access and strengthening returns.
Since 2009, Avante has built its track record by looking where others don’t — sourcing talent, networks, and deal flow from the full breadth of the market. The result is a broader lens and stronger outcomes for our investors.
Our mission to expand opportunity
The Sourcing Edge of Diverse Managers
About 30% of transactions completed by diverse-owned firms are invisible to the rest of the market. Combined with emerging manager outperformance data from StepStone, the case for diverse manager allocation has shifted from values-driven to returns-driven.
Employee Ownership Program
Every employee, regardless of position or tenure, is an equity owner in the Firm. This initiative directly aligns individual interests with company performance — and it reflects our belief that the people closest to the work should share in the value they create. Impact starts at home.
- Shared Success — Aligns employee interests with company performance and long-term growth
- Inclusivity — Every team member participates regardless of position or tenure
- Industry Standard — Setting a new benchmark for equity participation across private equity
- Career Growth — As Avante grows, so do opportunities and potential career paths for all
Women hold only 15% of Managing Director level investing roles in Private Equity. Firms that broaden their leadership pipeline access a wider talent pool — and the differentiated perspectives that drive better investment decisions.
Driving lasting impact
From building networks to developing the next generation of investment professionals, these initiatives expand the talent pipeline and strengthen the broader private equity ecosystem.
Women in Private Equity Network
WPEN is Avante’s flagship professional network connecting senior women across private equity, private credit, and adjacent industries. The network serves as both a talent development platform and a proprietary deal-sourcing channel — creating business relationships that translate directly into investment opportunities.
"The network provides a unique opportunity for junior-level women — who many times are the only women at their own firms — to connect with mentors and others in similar career stages."
Women's Operating Network
WON connects a curated group of experienced operating executives with Avante’s portfolio companies. These leaders bring deep functional expertise in areas like finance, HR, sales, and technology — creating a bench of talent that portfolio companies can draw from to accelerate value creation during the hold period.
"Avante created a platform that allowed us to showcase our talents and our skills. Even more importantly, they were contributing to a broader cause of fostering gender diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of decision-making in the corporate world."
94% of private equity AUM is managed by a narrow set of firms. Expanding the pool of fund managers introduces fresh networks, differentiated deal flow, and investment theses that the broader market overlooks.
Small Business Investing Scholars
SBIS is Avante’s scholarship and mentorship program that identifies high-potential students from non-traditional backgrounds and introduces them to careers in private credit and private equity. By investing early in the talent pipeline, Avante helps ensure the next generation of investment professionals reflects the breadth of the markets they serve.
"Working at an SBIC firm exposed me to a different side of finance and opened my eyes to a different way of using finance for impact — supporting and empowering small business owners, so they can uplift their communities and this country's economy."
SBIC Diversity Mentorship
In partnership with the SRIC, this mentorship program pairs experienced private equity and credit professionals with emerging talent entering the industry. The program builds real relationships and practical knowledge transfer that help mentees navigate the industry and advance into leadership roles.
"Diverse people will have a hard time accessing capital to grow their businesses until there are people who look like them allocating it."
Together, we can create
lasting impact
We’re always looking for partners, mentors, and professionals who want to help build the next generation of the private equity industry.