2026 IVCA Awards
Celebrate Excellence in Illinois Private Equity & Venture Capital
The Illinois Venture Capital Association is proud to recognize the individuals, firms, and portfolio companies whose leadership, innovation, and investment success are shaping the future of Illinois' private equity and venture capital ecosystem.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 IVCA Awards Program, which honors outstanding achievements across six award categories. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 IVCA Awards Dinner.
Nomination Deadline: September 11, 2026
Submission Instructions
Please submit completed nomination forms to: Kathy Pyne, kpyne@illinoisvc.org
Award Categories
Stanley C. Golder Award
The Stanley C. Golder Award recognizes individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Named in honor of Stanley C. Golder, a founder of Illinois' private equity community, this award celebrates exceptional leadership, investment excellence, integrity, and enduring industry impact.
Who should be nominated?
- Distinguished private equity or venture capital leaders
- Individuals with a strong investment track record
- Professionals who have significantly advanced the Illinois investment ecosystem
Richard J. Daley Award
Named for the late Mayor Richard J. Daley and his legacy of economic leadership, this award recognizes an individual who has provided extraordinary support to the State of Illinois through advocacy or participation in the venture capital and private equity industry.
Who should be nominated?
- Industry advocates
- Policymakers, academics, service providers, or investors
- Leaders whose work has strengthened Illinois' business and investment environment
Stephen S. Beitler Award
The Stephen S. Beitler Award honors individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced both the venture capital and private equity profession and the Illinois Venture Capital Association.
Who should be nominated?
- Longtime IVCA volunteers and supporters
- Industry leaders who have championed IVCA's mission
- Professionals whose service has strengthened the association and the industry
Rising Star Award
The IVCA Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging private equity or venture capital firm demonstrating exceptional promise and leadership within Illinois' investment ecosystem. Eligible firms must currently manage their first, second, or third fund and maintain a presence in Illinois.
Selection considerations include:
- Investment performance and strategy
- Innovation and market leadership
- Community engagement
- Startup ecosystem participation
- Economic impact in Illinois
Venture Capital Portfolio Company of the Year
This award recognizes an exceptional venture-backed company that has achieved significant growth, innovation, and business success.
The award celebrates companies that demonstrate the transformative power of venture capital investment through market leadership, job creation, growth, and successful outcomes.
Who should be nominated?
- Venture-backed companies headquartered in or substantially connected to Illinois
- Companies demonstrating exceptional growth and market impact
- Businesses with notable financing, acquisition, or IPO achievements
Private Equity Portfolio Company of the Year
The Private Equity Portfolio Company of the Year Award honors a private equity-backed company that has demonstrated outstanding performance, operational excellence, and value creation. Nominees should showcase meaningful business growth, successful execution of strategic initiatives, and positive impact on employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Who should be nominated?
- Private equity-backed companies
- Businesses with exceptional growth and value creation
- Companies that exemplify successful partnership with their investment sponsors
Why Nominate? The IVCA Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the leaders and organizations driving innovation, growth, and investment throughout Illinois. By submitting a nomination, you help celebrate the achievements that strengthen our industry and contribute to the state's economic success.
We encourage IVCA members, portfolio company executives, investors, service providers, and industry partners to participate in the nomination process.
Submit your nominations by September 11, 2026.
We look forward to celebrating Illinois' investment community at the 2026 IVCA Awards Dinner.
Save the Date
Join us on Monday, December 7, 2026 at the Four Seasons Chicago for the IVCA Awards Dinner.
As IVCA’s premier event, the Awards Dinner brings together leaders from across the private equity and venture capital community to celebrate excellence and recognize those shaping the future of the industry.
We invite you to support IVCA through sponsorship and join us for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.
Sponsorship and Table information coming soon.