Diversity Drives Artemis Real Estate to $10B in Assets

Artemis Real Estate Partners, led by founders Deborah Harmon and Alex Gilbert, has shown that diversity and partnerships can drive success in real estate private equity. Despite initial challenges, Artemis has reached a significant milestone of $10 billion in assets under management, showcasing its commitment to diversity and collaboration.

Artemis has been a trailblazer in promoting diversity, with a workforce that is over 60% women and minorities. This commitment to diversity has not only benefited the firm’s portfolio but has also played a crucial role in advancing opportunities for historically underserved individuals.

The real estate industry has historically lacked diversity, with women and people of color underrepresented in leadership roles and asset management. Artemis is one of the few majority women-owned real estate private equity firms in the U.S., challenging the status quo and leading by example.

Deborah Harmon’s determination and vision have been instrumental in Artemis’ success. Despite facing skepticism as an emerging manager, she persevered, eventually raising $436 million for the firm’s first fund and delivering a top decile gross return of 30%.

Artemis believes that diversity drives better performance. By embracing diverse perspectives and partnerships, the firm has been able to achieve top-tier performance and outperform industry benchmarks. Artemis’ focus on the middle market and strategic partnerships has been key to its success, with 95% of institutional investors re-upping.

Artemis’ commitment to diversity extends beyond its own operations. The firm has partnered with industry leaders to advance opportunities for underrepresented groups, including through its Summer Enrichment Program, which has provided access to the real estate industry for over 200 interns.

Despite progress, the industry still has work to do to fully embrace diversity and inclusion. Some institutions remain cautious about investing in emerging managers, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and education on the benefits of diversity in driving performance.

Overall, Artemis Real Estate Partners’ success story is a testament to the power of diversity and partnerships in driving innovation and success in the real estate industry.