For International Women’s Day this year, Private Equity Wire spoke to Hilary Gosher, Managing Director at Insight Partners.
Tell us a bit about how you got into private equity.
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of business, technology, and investing. I studied law in South Africa, where I spent my childhood, and business in France, before moving to New York. Early in my career, I was drawn to growth-stage companies – how they scale, operationalise, and create long-term value. That passion led me to Insight Partners, where I’ve spent my career advising and investing in software companies.
Today, I lead the team responsible for due diligence and scaling strategies for our portfolio, and I serve on multiple boards. The ability to work with founders and leadership teams, helping them navigate growth while driving strong returns, is what makes this work so compelling.
Private equity and venture capital have historically been male-dominated. What are the less obvious barriers that still exist for women in finance today – whether in leadership, fundraising, or deal-making? Have you seen change occurring in this space?
In the last 10 years I’ve seen real progress and more opportunities for women, although persistent barriers and structural challenges remain. Some are overt, like the lack of women in decision-making roles. Others are more subtle – things like access to high-value networks and bias in capital allocation.
However, I have seen change. I’m on the board of Venture Forward, the non-profit organisation of the National Venture Capital Association. We run programmes and educate investors from all backgrounds and geographies, providing tools and networks to set them up for long term success. The goal is to create an industry that reaches all communities across the country and unlocks economic impact alongside financial returns.
I also serve on the Investment Committee of Insight’s 20/20 Vision Capital LP. In 2023, we announced a $118m Fund II, dedicated to backing top-tier, early-stage funds led by diverse investors. The capital was raised from Managing Directors at Insight Partners and two large institutional investors who want exposure to new demographics and investing perspectives.
Investors – both institutional and private – must be willing to back new voices, not just the familiar names. This is what 20/20 Vision Capital LP focuses on, and to-date, all of the managers are new to the industry, women, or other under-represented investors.
Are there any challenges you’ve faced on your way up? How did you tackle them?
One thing I live by is that, ‘You don’t need to wait for permission to take up space.’
As women, especially in our industry, we often feel the pressure to prove that we belong. The truth is that we’ve already earned our place, and sometimes the biggest barrier is the one we create in our minds. Don’t let what other people say stop you from taking action. Whether it’s asking for that promotion or voicing your opinion on a deal in a room full of experienced men – if you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll be waiting forever. Success, especially in investing, comes from taking risks, learning as you go, and not being afraid to make a mistake.
One other way I’ve tackled challenges is to make sure I have my tribe or crew – whatever you call the group of businesswomen you turn to for advice and ideas. These women are supportive and creative about problem solving. You will also find you can do business together.
I remind myself that everyone’s making it up as they go along, even the men who act like they know everything. Anytime you do something you’ve never done before you’re making it up. Prepare, then go with the flow.
You’ve been deeply involved in developing and backing underrepresented leaders. What lessons have you learned about what actually works in moving the needle?
I’ve learned that good intentions aren’t enough – change requires structure and accountability. Programmes need to tie to measurable outcomes. At Insight Partners, we focused on tangible career acceleration – sponsorship, skill-building, and direct access to senior leaders.
In venture and private equity, moving the needle means making real capital commitments. That’s why funds like 20/20 Vision Capital are important – we’re not just talking about new voices: we’re investing in them.
The other key lesson is that representation at the top matters.
When people see themself in their leaders, it changes expectations and ambitions. We need more women leading funds, closing deals, and sitting on boards. The more visible examples we create, the faster the flywheel turns: I would highlight some of my talented partners and leaders at Insight (Rachel, Rebecca, Anika, Allyson, Dionne, Philine, Whit). They inspire the next generation.
Hilary Gosher, Managing Director, Insight Partners – Hilary is the founder and leader of Insight Onsite, Insight’s team of 130+ operators and growth experts who accelerate and scale Insight’s portfolio companies. She previously served as co-founder and board member of Declare (now part of Luminary), in which she helped support and develop women leaders. Today, she sits on the Investment Committee of Vision Capital 2020, Insight’s fund of funds investing in emerging underrepresented managers. So far, the team has backed more than ~20 new venture capital firms all of whom have founders with diverse backgrounds.
