The 26th Annual IVCA Awards Dinner

IVCA Awards Dinner 2026

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Illinois Private Capital

Honoring Lee Shapiro Phil Alphonse Next Gen Growth Partners SpotHero Stampede Culinary Partners

Date December 7, 2026
Time 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Venue Four Seasons Chicago
Sponsorship Opportunities Ticket & Table Information I’m Interested
127 Member Firms
900+ Illinois Companies Backed
370K+ Jobs Created
$129B Capital Raised

IVCA member activity since 2000

The 2026 Honorees

Honoring Those Who Build
Illinois Private Capital

This year’s honorees are investors, leaders and companies whose work has created lasting value for Illinois.

2026 Honoree Lee Shapiro
Stanley C. Golder Award

Honors individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois.

Lee Shapiro

Co-Founder & Partner, 7wire Ventures

For nearly three decades, Lee Shapiro has helped build Illinois’ venture and healthcare-technology ecosystem, first as an operator and for the past 15 years as an investor. As President of Allscripts, he helped grow revenue from $120 million to $1.45 billion and closed $4 billion in acquisitions. As CFO of Livongo Health, he led its 2019 IPO and its $18.5 billion merger with Teladoc, a landmark deal that put Chicago-built health technology on the national map.

In 2011, Lee co-founded 7wire Ventures with Glen Tullman. The firm has since backed dozens of digital health companies, including Livongo and Transcarent.

  • Chair, American Heart Association national board (2025)
  • Board member at PayZen, Jasper, FOLX, Override, Parsley and Karoo
  • Advisor, Kellogg Innovation Network and UChicago Innovation Fund
  • University of Illinois (accounting) and University of Chicago (law)

“For more than 25 years, Lee has shown that Illinois can build, fund, and scale companies that change healthcare. He has done it with integrity and generosity, and our industry is stronger for it.”

Alyssa Jaffee, Partner, 7wire Ventures
2026 Honoree Phil Alphonse
Stephen S. Beitler Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions to the private equity profession and to the Illinois Venture Capital Association.

Phil Alphonse

Senior Partner & Co-President, The Vistria Group

Phil Alphonse is Senior Partner and Co-President of The Vistria Group, a Chicago-based private investment firm with more than $10 billion in assets. He co-heads its Knowledge & Learning Solutions strategy, leading investments in education, workforce development and human capital businesses.

As IVCA Chairman, Phil led the association through its 25th anniversary year and oversaw the strategic plan that will guide IVCA into its next 25 years. That plan sets priorities for advocacy, membership growth, talent development and long-term sustainability.

  • IVCA Chairman, 2024–2025
  • IVCA Vice Chairman, 2023–2024
  • IVCA Board Member since 2016
  • Supported the growth of the IVCA Scholars Program and IVCA Foundation

Previously with Willis Stein & Partners and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. BA, Dartmouth College; MBA, Harvard Business School.

2026 Honoree Rising Star Award

Next Gen Growth Partners

Private Equity · IVCA Member Firm

The Rising Star Award recognizes a private equity or venture capital firm that is showing exceptional promise and leadership in Illinois’ investment ecosystem.

Next Gen Growth Partners backed Door & Window Guard Systems (DAWGS), IVCA’s 2025 Private Equity Portfolio Company of the Year.

Award Rising Star
Recent Milestone 2025 PE Portfolio Co. Investor
2026 Honoree Portfolio Company of the Year
Venture Capital

SpotHero

Chicago, IL · Backed by OCA Ventures

Founded in Chicago in 2011, SpotHero grew from a five-person startup into the leading dynamic parking marketplace in the U.S. Co-founder Mark Lawrence led the company from inception through its acquisition by Uber in April 2026, and he continues to lead SpotHero under Uber’s ownership.

Team Growth 5 → ~300
Illinois Jobs 175
2026 Honoree Portfolio Company of the Year
Private Equity

Stampede Culinary Partners

Bridgeview, IL · Backed by Wynnchurch Capital

Stampede processes and distributes portioned, marinated and fully cooked proteins for restaurants, retail and home delivery. After Wynnchurch Capital invested in 2017, Stampede added a New Mexico production facility and acquired Delft Blue and D.L. Lee. It grew from a regional processor into a diversified protein platform and was acquired by Premium Brands Holding Corporation in January 2026.

Employees ~1,560 → ~2,110
Exit Strategic Sale, 2026

Be in the Room When Illinois Honors Its Own

Join more than 400 leaders from across the private markets community on December 7 at the Four Seasons Chicago.

Reserve a Table Become a Sponsor
Guests at the IVCA Awards Dinner
25 Years of IVCA Awards

About the Awards

A Quarter Century of Recognizing Excellence

IVCA was founded in 2000 by 30 firms. Since then, the IVCA Awards have honored the people and companies behind Illinois’ private capital story. Each year the industry gathers to recognize lifetime achievement, service to the profession and portfolio companies that create jobs and value across the state.

I.

Leadership

Honoring individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the industry.

II.

Innovation

Celebrating founders and investors who build category-defining Illinois companies.

III.

Illinois Impact

Illinois has risen to 5th nationally for private equity investment, up from 8th in 2011.

IV.

Investment Excellence

Recognizing successful exits and portfolio company growth that benefit investors and communities.

Stanley C. Golder Award

Created in memory of a founder of the private equity industry. It honors individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to private equity in Illinois.

Stephen S. Beitler Award

Formerly the IVCA Fellows Award. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the private equity profession and to IVCA.

Richard J. Daley Award

Honors an individual who has given extraordinary support to Illinois as a participant in, or advocate for, venture capital and private equity.

Portfolio Company of the Year

Awarded in venture capital and private equity categories to Illinois companies with successful exits for investors.

Rising Star Award

Recognizes a firm showing exceptional promise and leadership in Illinois’ investment ecosystem.

IVCA Foundation Award

Recognizes significant contributions to the IVCA Scholar Program or to diversity in Illinois private capital.

The Evening

The Industry’s Signature Night

Each December, the IVCA Awards Dinner welcomes more than 400 leaders from private equity, venture capital and across the private markets community to the Four Seasons Chicago for an evening of celebration.

Schedule of the Evening December 7, 2026 5:00–9:00 p.m. · Four Seasons Chicago
  1. 5:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
  2. 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Awards Presentation
  3. 8:15 p.m. Dessert Reception

Voices of the Community

25 Years of Impact

IVCA began 25 years ago in an office next to me on the 92nd floor of what was then the Sears Tower with just a handful of founding members… at 25, it’s just getting started!

Lee Mitchell Managing Director, Thoma Bravo

The good works of IVCA have been a tremendous contributor to the Illinois and greater Midwest venture and growth business ecosystem.

Keith Crandell Managing Director & Co-Founder, ARCH Venture Partners

Always balanced and thoughtful, our organization’s voice has earned the trust and respect of all parties who have an interest in growing our State’s economic ecosystem.

Robert Fealy Founding Managing Director, Limerick Investments

Sponsorship

Align Your Firm with Illinois’ Premier Private Capital Event

Sponsorship opportunities are limited

Sponsoring the IVCA Awards Dinner puts your firm in front of the decision-makers who shape Illinois private capital, at the evening the industry looks forward to all year.

400+ Attendees
127 Member Firms
25 Years of Awards
  • Visibility with PE, VC and private credit leaders, institutional investors and portfolio company executives
  • Recognition throughout the evening, in the printed program and in IVCA communications
  • Premier table placement for your clients, partners and team
  • Exclusive sponsorship moments throughout the evening
  • Support for IVCA’s advocacy, education and talent programs
Become a Sponsor Contact Christie

Thank You

Our 2026 Sponsors

We are grateful to the firms whose support makes the IVCA Awards Dinner possible.

Presenting Sponsor
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
White & Case
Dessert Reception Sponsor
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Platinum Sponsor
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Gold Sponsors
50 South Capital Adams Street Partners Andersen Baker Tilly Frontenac Growth Catalyst Partners Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP OCA Ventures Plante Moran Prairie Capital Sheppard Shore Capital Partners Thoma Bravo Vedder Winston Taylor
Coat Check / Valet Sponsor
Ocorian

Limited Availability

Platinum and Gold sponsorships are still available.

Join these firms in supporting Illinois’ premier private capital celebration.

Become a Sponsor Request Prospectus

Join Us

Attend the IVCA Awards Dinner

December 7, 2026 · Four Seasons Chicago. Reserve your seat or host your firm’s clients, partners and portfolio executives at a table.

  • i Connect with 400+ leaders from private equity, venture capital and the private markets community.
  • ii Celebrate the 2026 honorees alongside the firms and founders who build Illinois companies.
  • iii Host your clients and LPs at the Four Seasons Chicago for an evening they’ll remember.
Reserve a Table Request Tickets
Guests at the IVCA Awards Dinner
Individual

Individual Tickets

Join Illinois’ private capital community for the full evening.

  • Cocktail reception, 5:00 p.m.
  • Dinner & awards presentation, 6:00 p.m.
  • Dessert reception, 8:15 p.m.
Request Ticket Information
Most Requested
Host Your Firm

Firm Tables

Host your team, LPs, portfolio CEOs and clients at your own table.

  • Reserved table for your guests
  • Firm recognition at the table
  • Full evening for every guest
Request Table Information
Premier

Sponsor Tables

Premier table placement included with sponsorship packages.

  • Priority seating
  • Sponsor recognition
  • Included with select levels
Explore Sponsorship

Questions about tickets or tables?

Our team will help you plan your firm’s attendance.

Email Christie Email Kathy

Hall of Honorees

A Legacy of Leadership

The leaders, firms and companies IVCA has recognized since 2002.

M25, 2025 Rising Star Award recipient, at the IVCA Awards Dinner
2025 Rising Star Award · M25 Continuing a legacy of recognition that began in 2002

2025

6 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Robert P. Morgan 50 South Capital
Richard J. Daley Award Bruce N. Barron Origin Ventures
IVCA Foundation Award Shoshana M. Vernick Avathon Capital
Rising Star Award M25 Victor Gutwein
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Simple Mills Investor: HPA
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Door & Window Guard Systems Investor: NextGen Growth Partners

2024

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award James F. Dugan OCA Ventures
Richard J. Daley Award Mitchell Petersen Heizer Center, Kellogg School of Management
Stephen S. Beitler Award James Macdonald First Analysis
IVCA Foundation Award Walter Florence Frontenac

2023

3 Honorees
Richard J. Daley Award Jennifer W. Steans Financial Investments Corporation
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Nerdio Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Right At School Private equity-backed

2022

3 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Stephen V. King Prairie Capital
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC AIM Clinics Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE TPC Private equity-backed

2021

4 Honorees
Richard J. Daley Award Linda L. Darragh Kellogg School of Management, Emerita
Fellows Award Rocco J. Martino OceanM19
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Factor Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Option Care Private equity-backed

2020

3 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Glen Tullman 7wire Ventures
Fellows Award Tony Palcheck Zebra Ventures
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Sprout Social Venture-backed

2019

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Keith L. Crandell ARCH Venture Partners
Richard J. Daley Award F. Oliver Nicklin First Analysis
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Livongo Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Evans Food Group Private equity-backed

2018

4 Honorees
Richard J. Daley Award Christopher B. Galvin  
Fellows Award Walter C. Florence Frontenac
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Aptinyx Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE The Stepping Stones Group Private equity-backed

2017

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award John A. Hatherly Wynnchurch Capital
Richard J. Daley Award Howard A. Tullman 1871
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Naurex Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Kronos Foods Corp. Private equity-backed

2016

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Paul J. Carbone Pritzker Group Private Capital
Richard J. Daley Award Ellen A. Rudnick Polsky Center, Chicago Booth
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Cleversafe Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Sage Products Private equity-backed

2015

5 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Peter J. Barris New Enterprise Associates
Richard J. Daley Award Warren E. Holtsberg MVC Capital
Fellows Award Lee M. Mitchell Thoma Bravo
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Paylocity Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Sterigenics International Private equity-backed

2014

4 Honorees
Richard J. Daley Award Steven N. Miller Origin Ventures
Fellows Award Darren M. Snyder Prairie Capital
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC GrubHub Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Fieldglass Private equity-backed

2013

5 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Theodore L. Koenig Monroe Capital
Richard J. Daley Award James J. O’Connor, Jr. MVC Capital
Fellows Award James F. Dugan OCA Ventures
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Gogo Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Actient Pharmaceuticals Private equity-backed

2012

5 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award T. Bondurant French Adams Street Partners
Richard J. Daley Award James A. Johnson Apex Venture Partners
Fellows Award James P. TenBroek Wind Point Partners
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC SurePayroll Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Flexera Software Private equity-backed

2011

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Brian P. Simmons CHS Capital
Richard J. Daley Award Scott F. Meadow University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Accretive Health Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Great Kitchens Private equity-backed

2010

5 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Lester B. Knight RoundTable Healthcare Partners
Richard J. Daley Award Robert L. Fealy Duchossois Technology Partners
Fellows Award Mark Glennon Ninth Street Advisors
Portfolio Co. of the Year · VC Initiate Systems, Inc. Venture-backed
Portfolio Co. of the Year · PE Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Private equity-backed

2009

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Bryan Cressey Cressey & Company
Stanley C. Golder Award John L. Hines Continental Illinois Venture Corporation (Ret.)
Richard J. Daley Award J.B. Pritzker The Pritzker Group / New World Ventures
Fellows Award Danny Rosenberg Sterling Partners

2008

3 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Kevin R. Evanich Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Richard J. Daley Award Richard L. Thomas First Chicago NBD Corporation
Fellows Award Keith L. Crandell ARCH Venture Partners

2007

3 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Samuel B. Guren Guren Capital Management, LLC
Richard J. Daley Award Steven N. Kaplan University of Chicago GSB
Fellows Award John R. Willis Willis Stein & Partners

2006

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Paul J. Finnegan Madison Dearborn Partners
Stanley C. Golder Award Samuel M. Mencoff Madison Dearborn Partners
Richard J. Daley Award Donald W. Phillips WP Global Partners
Fellows Award Keith D. Bank KB Partners

2005

3 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Gary P. Brinson GP Brinson Investments
Richard J. Daley Award Norman R. Bobins LaSalle Bank N.A.
Fellows Award Robert Finkel Prism Capital

2004

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Ned Heizer, Jr.  
Richard J. Daley Award James C. Tyree Mesirow Financial
Fellows Award Stephen S. Beitler Dunrath Capital
Fellows Award Bob Geras LaSalle Investments

2003

4 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Bret R. Maxwell MK Capital
Richard J. Daley Award Bruce V. Rauner GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC
Fellows Award Ellen Carnahan William Blair Capital Partners
Fellows Award Steven Lazarus ARCH Venture Partners

2002

5 Honorees
Stanley C. Golder Award Carl D. Thoma Thoma Cressey Equity Partners
Richard J. Daley Award Martin J. Koldyke Frontenac Company
Fellows Award Jack S. Levin Kirkland & Ellis
Fellows Award T. Bondurant French Adams Street Partners
Fellows Award John A. Canning, Jr. Madison Dearborn Partners

December 7, 2026

Join Illinois Private Capital’s Premier Annual Celebration

December 7, 2026 ◆ 5:00–9:00 p.m. ◆ Four Seasons Chicago

Sponsorship Opportunities Ticket & Table Information Contact IVCA
Tickets & Tables I’m Interested