Help us Recognize the Best of Illinois Venture Capital & Private Equity
Six categories. One evening of celebration. Nominate an Illinois PE/VC leader, firm, or portfolio company today. Illinois Venture Capital Association
2026 IVCA Awards Dinner | Nominations Now Open
Help Us Recognize the Best of Illinois Private Equity & Venture Capital
The 2026 IVCA Awards honor outstanding individuals, firms, and portfolio companies across six categories and will be celebrated at the IVCA Awards Dinner.
Each year, IVCA honors the leaders, firms, and portfolio companies driving innovation, investment, and economic impact across Illinois. Help us identify this year's most deserving honorees across all six award categories below.
2026 Award Categories
Stanley C. Golder Award
Recognizes individuals who have made profound, lasting contributions to Illinois' private equity industry — exceptional leadership, investment excellence, integrity, and enduring impact.
Richard J. Daley Award
Honors an individual who has provided extraordinary support to Illinois' private equity and venture capital industry through advocacy or public policy leadership.
Stephen S. Beitler Award
Honors individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced both the PE/VC profession and the Illinois Venture Capital Association itself.
Rising Star Award
Recognizes an emerging PE/VC firm on its first, second, or third fund demonstrating exceptional promise, performance, and leadership in Illinois.
VC Portfolio Company of the Year
Recognizes an exceptional venture-backed company achieving significant growth, innovation, and business success — market leadership, job creation, and standout outcomes.
PE Portfolio Company of the Year
Honors a private equity-backed company demonstrating outstanding performance, operational excellence, and value creation for employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Know someone — or some company — that belongs in the spotlight?
Nomination Interest Deadline - Friday, August 28, 2026
Award recipients will be selected by IVCA leadership and industry representatives and announced prior to the Awards Dinner.
Help us celebrate the leaders, firms, and companies shaping Illinois' private equity and venture capital community this year.
Questions? Contact Kathy Pyne at kpyne@illinoisvc.org or 312-241-1620.
ILLINOIS VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION