A role as an investor in private equity can be highly rewarding. It offers significant intellectual challenge, deep insight into what make a business successful, the opportunity to work with top-class management teams and to drive rapid business transformation through value creation. As a result, it attracts ambitious, talented and smart people and every year, and more of them are female. At Cinven, we are proud to see the increase in gender diversity; today, 35% of mid-level roles in the investment team are held by women, compared with 26% industry-wide, according to the UK Private Equity & Venture Capital Association.  

For Principals Begoña Araujo Perez, Giulia Tieppo, and Caroline Abrahamian, this isn’t a diversity statistic, it’s a reflection of a firm built on merit, opportunity, empowerment and inclusion.  “It’s a great career and women should embrace it. It is challenging, but you never get bored,” says Abrahamian. 

Clarity and Support 

Dealmaking at Cinven is a team sport. Private equity is often described as sink or swim. This was not the experience for Giulia Tieppo. “From day one, I was given both accountability and support. The firm operates as one integrated team, with clear processes that let you perform at pace – while investing in your long-term growth. That combination of collective alignment and individual empowerment is a real strength.” 

In an industry often shrouded in opaque promotion cycles, Cinven operates with transparency: There is a clear skills matrix, setting out expectations at each stage in the career path, and a defined eight-year path from Associate to Senior Principal. 

“The rules of the game are clear,” says Araujo Perez. “You know exactly which levers you need to pull to reach the next level.” Tieppo adds, “Feedback is objective, it’s about data, facts, and performance. If you deliver, you will succeed. It’s that simple.” 

 Sustainable high performance 

Cinven recognises that elite performance requires a sustainable model, prioritising output and flexibility. 

“We’re given real autonomy and flexibility in how we manage our time, but it comes with high expectations. There’s a strong culture of ownership — you’re trusted to operate independently, and performance is measured by impact, not optics. Ultimately, what defines you here is the quality and consistency of your results…” says Araujo Perez. 

Continuous Upskilling 

To stay ahead in a competitive market, Cinven believes in a learning mindset and invests in its talent, this includes: 

  • Structured Onboarding: For immediate impact on deal teams. 
  • Tailored Training: Modules designed to support career development, alongside on-the-job learning. 
  • Mentorship: Senior Principals and Partners on hand to share their experience and provide guidance. 

“Cinven gives us the tools because they want us, and the firm collectively, to succeed,” says Abrahamian. “You are constantly challenged, and the firm ensures you have the exposure needed to gain experience quickly.” 

For many women starting their careers, the challenge of integrating family life with work is often a priority. Cinven has developed a program to support all parents on parental leave. “They acknowledge that it’s an important milestone in your personal life.” Says Araujo Perez. “I saw Principals go on maternity leave, have babies and come back to work, so I was confident about this when it was my turn.  And the maternity policy is very good.” 

Great advice 

“I would strongly encourage more women to pursue a career in private equity. It is a very exciting career path which provides the opportunity to work on a day-to-day basis with inspiring people and companies and to always face new challenges. Choosing the right firm is critical and I genuinely believe Cinven is the best place to grow and build a career in private equity.” says Abrahamian.  

Tieppo’s advice is practical: “Many firms offer internships, which are a great way to understand what private equity really looks like. Take part in industry events, start conversations, build your network. Be proactive, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.” 

Araujo Perez says: “It’s more about choosing the right place, speak to people working in private equity to understand their experience and firm’s culture. Reach out to women in the field, many will be happy to share insights. Prioritise a firm with a strong culture, like Cinven, where you have real opportunities to learn and grow. The industry is evolving, and we will continue to see more women building long-term careers in it.” 

Begoña Araujo Perez joined Cinven as an Associate in October 2019 from a global consultancy and was promoted to Principal in January 2024;

Giulia Tieppo joined in February 2021 as an Associate and in January 2025 was promoted to Principal;

Caroline Abrahamian joined in January 2025 as a Principal after stints at Morgan Stanley, Pernod Ricard and a mid-sized French investment firm.