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Chantal Cantle
Head of People at Balderton
Chantal Cantle, Head of People at Balderton, says her role at the leading venture capital (VC) firm has two core priorities: Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing culture, and attracting, developing, and retaining top talent...
Chantal Cantle
Head of People at Balderton
Chantal Cantle, Head of People at Balderton, says her role at the leading venture capital (VC) firm has two core priorities: Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing culture, and attracting, developing, and retaining top talent...
As Head of People at Balderton, a leading venture capital (VC) firm focused on technology, Chantal Cantle’s role has two core priorities: Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing culture, and attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
These are aims shared by people leaders across the UK and Europe and the two go hand in hand. But Cantle recognises achieving these goals in the fiercely competitive pressure cooker that is the world of VCs is no mean feat. It requires heavy investment in employee flexibility and wellbeing to keep staff fresh and ready for the fight.
In an exclusive HR Grapevine interview, Cantle offers an inside look at the people strategies – from equalised parental leave to comprehensive wellness programmes – she has implemented to cement Balderton as a self-proclaimed “VC employer of choice.”
You aim to nurture talent with an inclusive, high-performing culture is a big one. Where do you focus?
My focus is on making sure we have the right people strategies in place to do that. Whether it's through leadership development, a compelling employee value proposition, or shaping progressive policies like gender-blind parental leave.
I’m also passionate about embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do. It's about empowering our teams to do their best work and ensuring Balderton is the kind of place where people want to stay and grow, making us a ‘VC employer of choice.’
What unique talent challenges and opportunities do the VC and PE sectors bring?
In the VC and PE sectors, talent acquisition and retention present unique challenges and opportunities. The fast-paced, high-growth nature of the industry demands individuals who can thrive in uncertainty and adapt quickly to changing environments. The competition for top-tier talent is fierce, especially for those with niche skills in areas like technology, sustainability, and leadership in early-stage companies.
Candidates are increasingly looking for employers who prioritise not only their career development but also their wellbeing and values alignment
Chantal Cantle | Head of People at Balderton
On the other hand, this also presents an opportunity for firms to differentiate themselves by offering not just competitive compensation, but also forward-thinking workplace cultures. We’ve implemented policies like gender-blind parental leave, wellness support with Heka and reproductive health care with Fertifa. It shows our commitment to inclusivity and work-life balance, which directly impacts talent retention.
Candidates are increasingly looking for employers who prioritise not only their career development but also their wellbeing and values alignment, and in such a competitive market, firms that can deliver on those expectations have a clear advantage in attracting and retaining the best talent.
How can flexible benefits help attract and retain top-tier staff and create a rewarding work experience?
Flexible benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top-tier talent, especially in a highly competitive industry like venture capital. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to employee needs and aspirations.
By offering a wide range of flexible benefits we empower our employees to choose what works best for their unique situations. This approach enhances work-life balance and fosters a culture where individuals feel valued and supported.
It creates a more rewarding work experience, as employees are more likely to stay with a firm that aligns with their personal and professional priorities. In turn, it strengthens our ability to retain top-tier talent.
