Private Equity Firms in Illinois

119th Street Capital is a private investment firm that exclusively focuses on investing in companies within the financial services sector. The firm partners with growth-oriented leaders to build exceptional businesses, leveraging its specialized sector knowledge and an extensive network of industry contacts. Their investment approach is characterized by purposeful timelines for capital return, anchored by multi-generational family capital, which allows for longer holding periods to support meaningful growth. They emphasize a partnership model with management teams, offering flexibility in ownership (majority or minority), investment timelines, use of leverage, and the stage of their partners.The firm's roots in financial services trace back over 125 years and five generations to the Schrage family's founding of Centier Bank in 1895. Centier Bank remains closely held by the family, now boasting approximately $9 billion in assets and employing over 1,000 associates. This deep family legacy and entrepreneurial background inform 119th Street Capital's patient yet urgent approach to fostering growth in its partner companies. The firm was established in 2024, continuing this long-standing tradition of financial services expertise.A notable investment by 119th Street Capital includes a strategic investment in Maridea Wealth Management, made alongside Pelican Capital, announced on April 30, 2025. Maridea Wealth Management, founded in 2023, is an independent wealth management firm offering financial planning, investment management, insurance, risk management, and retirement planning services, with approximately $470 million in assets under management. This investment aims to support Maridea's growth, expansion, and commitment to advisory services across the United States.The investment team at 119th Street Capital includes key individuals such as Anthony Contrucci, who serves as Managing Partner and Chair of the Investment Committee. Other members of the investment committee and team bring diverse expertise to the firm's focused investment strategy within financial services. The firm's address is 600 East 84th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana.

Accel-KKR was established in 2000 as a joint venture between Accel Partners and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), combining the expertise of a leading venture firm with a private equity giant. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the firm specializes in mid-market software and technology-enabled services. It has raised more than $19 billion across multiple funds, including buyout, growth capital, and credit vehicles. Accel-KKR differentiates itself with a flexible investment strategy, capable of taking majority, minority, or structured equity positions. The firm emphasizes active collaboration with management, leveraging its operational expertise and strong industry connections to accelerate growth and expand market reach.Over its two-decade history, Accel-KKR has invested in more than 300 companies worldwide, producing a long list of successful exits through IPOs and strategic sales. The firm’s portfolio spans enterprise software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure, reflecting its deep focus on software-driven business models. With around 240 employees, Accel-KKR operates from offices in Menlo Park, Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Mexico City. Its hybrid DNA, born from venture and private equity, gives it a unique position in the mid-market, enabling it to provide flexible, growth-oriented capital. Today, Accel-KKR remains a highly active investor in the software space, committed to helping innovative companies scale into global leaders.

Arena Private Wealth is an investment firm that operates a modern, integrated platform encompassing private wealth management, alternatives, and capital markets. The firm, which delivers advisory services through OCM Private Wealth, LLC, focuses on balancing long-term wealth stewardship with access to exciting and differentiated investment opportunities. They aim to connect investors with institutional-quality capital and innovative founders, providing a comprehensive approach to financial strategy.The firm's journey began as OCM Private Wealth, LLC, evolving into Arena Private Wealth to navigate financial complexities with intention. Founded in 2024 by Mitchell Stein, Jason Tosh, and Ryan Watt, Arena Private Wealth emphasizes a fiduciary commitment, ensuring client interests are prioritized. Their integrated approach coordinates decisions across various disciplines, reinforcing outcomes across client portfolios.Arena Private Wealth provides access to private investments typically reserved for venture capital and large family offices. A notable investment includes co-leading a $230 million Series B funding round for Positron AI, a growth-stage technology company specializing in energy-efficient AI inference hardware. This investment highlights the firm's engagement in high-growth technology sectors and its role as an alternative capital partner.The leadership team at Arena Private Wealth comprises experienced investment professionals, including founders Mitchell Stein, Jason A. Tosh, CFP®, and Ryan S. Watt, CFP®. Other key members include Ari Schottenstein as Head of Alternatives and Erik Kratz as CIO & Co-Head of Wealth. The team works collaboratively across planning, investments, and client experience to provide clarity in complex financial decisions and ensure continuity in client service.

Artesian Partners is a permanent capital investment group dedicated to the long-term ownership of small businesses across the United States. Unlike traditional private equity firms, Artesian operates as a family equity firm, leveraging capital from a single family with over 150 years of business ownership experience. This unique structure allows the firm to invest with a multi-decade horizon, prioritizing stability, employee retention, and consistent growth without the typical pressures of a fund-based model. They focus on acquiring established micro-cap businesses with EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $7 million, aiming to be the preferred buyer for sellers seeking a trustworthy and enduring partner for their life's work.The firm was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area, with additional offices in Minneapolis and Chicago. Artesian Partners emphasizes a values-driven approach, centered on doing the right thing, putting people first, and continuously striving for improvement. Their investment model is characterized by acquiring businesses with equity only, avoiding third-party debt in transactions, which de-risks companies from short-term uncertainties and allows for free reinvestment of cash flow.Artesian Partners is industry-agnostic, seeking great companies across various sectors. Their portfolio includes businesses in areas such as monitoring equipment, consumer non-durables, and business/productivity software. The firm is prepared to either step in and operate acquired businesses, work through a transition period with existing ownership, or back the current management team in a recapitalization, depending on the specific needs of each company.The leadership team at Artesian Partners includes Matt Newill as CEO and Derria Banta as COO, supported by a diverse group of professionals in finance, operations, business development, and technology. The team also features individuals leading portfolio companies, such as Chad Danz (CEO of PMG), Doug Pederson (CEO of Hexagon Machine & MFG), Kyle Brengel (CEO of Trace Fiber Services & CC & E), and Nick Wheeler (CEO of Tra-Cal Calibration Lab), reflecting their hands-on approach to business stewardship.

BDT & MSD Partners is a merchant bank built to serve the distinct needs of family- and founder-led businesses. Formed through the 2023 merger of BDT Capital Partners and MSD Partners, the firm combines decades of experience in long-term investing and strategic advisory services. With a focus on partnering with business owners who take a generational view, BDT & MSD offers a unique blend of relationship-based advisory and patient capital. The firm provides a range of services including direct private investments, merchant banking, and alternative asset management, with an emphasis on sectors like consumer, business services, healthcare, and industrials. Its clients include some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and multigenerational family enterprises. By aligning capital with strategic counsel, BDT & MSD helps businesses navigate succession planning, capital structure optimization, and long-term value creation. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in New York, Dallas, San Francisco, and Frankfurt, BDT & MSD Partners maintains a global presence. The firm manages and advises on capital across strategies including private equity, credit, and real estate. With a long-term, partnership-driven approach, BDT & MSD Partners is dedicated to building enduring businesses and preserving legacies across generations.

Brand Asset Management Group, Inc., operating as Brand AMG, is a wealth management firm and family office dedicated to providing personalized financial advisory solutions. The firm focuses on helping legacy-minded families and business owners secure and grow their wealth for future generations. Their comprehensive approach addresses the intricate dynamics of family wealth, aiming to foster continuity rather than disruption across generations.Established in 2013, Brand Asset Management Group offers a suite of services tailored to the unique needs of various client segments, including business owners, affluent families, corporate executives, and physicians. Their core offerings encompass investment management, financial planning, philanthropic planning, estate planning, advanced tax planning, family cash flow planning, guidance on private investments, risk management, and consolidated reporting. The firm also specializes in succession planning for family-owned businesses, assisting with business valuation and strategies to strengthen financial foundations for generational transitions.The firm is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is notice filed in various states across the U.S. Brand AMG emphasizes a fiduciary standard, engaging in fee-based relationships with clients and receiving no compensation from investment providers. This commitment ensures that the firm acts in the best interests of its clients, providing transparent and objective financial guidance.The Brand AMG team comprises experienced professionals with diverse expertise, including Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA®), Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA®), and Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professionals (FPQP®). Led by President, CEO & Partner Todd Brand, the team is committed to guiding clients toward lasting financial success through disciplined planning and exceptional execution, fostering peace of mind regarding their financial futures.

Broadhaven Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that strategically invests in financial technology (FinTech) companies across the globe. The firm operates with a core belief that advancements in underlying financial infrastructure are the driving force behind revolutions in financial services. Broadhaven Ventures is closely affiliated with Broadhaven Capital Partners, an independent merchant bank that specializes in the financial services sector, offering both strategic advisory services and investment capital. The firm is known for investing its own capital, demonstrating a strong commitment to its portfolio companies from their inception through later growth stages, with a particular focus on Seed and Series A rounds, while also reserving capital for follow-on investments.Michael Sidgmore is a Partner and Co-Founder of Broadhaven Ventures. Broadhaven Capital Partners, the broader entity with which Broadhaven Ventures is affiliated, was established in 2010 by Greg Phillips, Gerard von Dohlen, and Michael Sidgmore. The team at Broadhaven Ventures comprises seasoned professionals who bring extensive experience from working within banks, with FinTech innovators, and as advisors to leaders in the financial services industry. This diverse background enables them to offer a unique perspective and hands-on support to entrepreneurs.The firm boasts a portfolio that includes notable companies such as Nowports, Liveoak (acquired by DocuSign), Covalto, Harvest (acquired by Envestnet), Republic, Kovi, Allocate, Pennylane, HungryPanda, and ScaleFactor. Broadhaven Ventures highlights its track record of investing in 23 unicorns and 3 decacorns, underscoring its success in identifying and nurturing high-growth companies within the FinTech ecosystem. Beyond direct investments, the firm also engages in incubating asset management businesses and supports the Alt Goes Mainstream platform, which fosters content and community around private markets.Broadhaven Ventures positions itself as a highly supportive investor, leveraging its deep domain expertise and extensive network to assist portfolio companies in navigating complex market dynamics, forging strategic partnerships with larger institutions, evaluating acquisition opportunities, securing additional capital, and orchestrating optimal exit strategies. Their approach is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and emerging financial services landscapes, aiming to build market leaders from consumer to enterprise.

Capital Group is one of the world's oldest and largest investment management organizations, established in 1931. The firm is privately held and focuses on active management, offering a diverse range of investment products and services to millions of individual and institutional investors globally. Their offerings include mutual funds, variable annuities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), interval funds, separately managed accounts, and private equity solutions. Capital Group is known for its long-term investment horizon, rigorous fundamental research, and a distinctive multi-manager approach known as The Capital System, which aims to diversify investment talent and reduce reliance on single managers.The firm was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1931 by Jonathan Bell Lovelace. Lovelace's vision was to create an investment firm built on integrity and a focus on long-term capital appreciation through meticulous fundamental research, a philosophy that stood in contrast to the speculative trading prevalent during the Great Depression. A key innovation in the firm's history was the introduction of The Capital System in 1958 by Jon Lovelace Jr., which divided each portfolio among several managers, allowing each discretion over a portion while sharing ideas. Capital Group also pioneered international investing, establishing its first overseas research office in Geneva in 1962 and playing a role in creating the Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index.Capital Group's investment portfolio is broad and diversified, reflecting its multisector approach. Notable public equity holdings include major technology companies like NVIDIA Corp., Broadcom, Inc., Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com, Inc., Apple, Inc., Meta Platforms, Inc., and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.. They also invest in biotechnology and life sciences firms such as Eli Lilly and Co., AstraZeneca PLC, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. In the consumer sector, their portfolio includes companies like Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., British American Tobacco PLC, Philip Morris International, Inc., and Netflix, Inc..Beyond public equities, Capital Group has invested in various private and infrastructure assets. Examples from their portfolio include Seven Energy International Limited (Nigerian oil and gas infrastructure), Slavneft (Russian oil production), Southern Mining Corporation (SMC) in Southern Africa, and Teorema Holdings (Russian property developer). The firm's leadership team, including President and CEO Mike Gitlin and Chair and CIO Martin Romo, brings extensive experience, with many leaders having spent a significant portion of their careers at Capital Group, reinforcing its culture of discipline and long-term perspective.

Certares is a global investment firm established in 2012, primarily focusing on the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The firm also extends its investment activities to business and consumer services. Certares employs a flexible capital approach, engaging in private equity, structured equity, and credit investments, with a strong emphasis on long-term value creation through strategic partnerships and operational improvements within its portfolio companies.Founded by Michael Gregory (Greg) O’Hara, Certares was formed to bring together experienced private equity and operating professionals with deep industry, investment, transaction, and management expertise. Prior to establishing Certares, O'Hara served as Chief Investment Officer of JPMorgan Chase’s Special Investments Group and as a Managing Director of One Equity Partners. The firm's core principles revolve around effective partnership with management teams, driving strategic and operational enhancements, and direct alignment with its investors.Certares boasts a diverse portfolio of investments across its target sectors. Notable portfolio companies include American Express Global Business Travel, Hertz Global Holdings, Internova Travel Group, Avia Solutions Group, Azul S.A., and Mystic Invest Holding. The firm has also made investments in companies like G Adventures, FTI GROUP, Wheels Up, Global Blue, and has been involved in real estate transactions such as the sale of EAST Miami.The Certares team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in private equity, travel, and hospitality operations. Key team members like Greg O’Hara, Colin Farmer, Tom Klein, Henry Briance, and Nolan Hecht bring decades of experience from leading roles at firms such as JPMorgan, One Equity Partners, Sabre, and American Express Global Business Travel. Their collective expertise spans investment management, corporate leadership, and strategic development, enabling Certares to provide hands-on support and proprietary insights to its portfolio companies.

Crestline Investors is a prominent alternative investment management firm that specializes in providing creative capital solutions across various market and economic cycles. The firm employs a multi-strategy approach, offering expertise in specialty sectors and business lines to identify opportunities throughout the capital structure. Their core offerings include Capital Solutions, Direct Lending, and Fund Liquidity Solutions, catering to a diverse range of clients from underserved middle-market companies to mature private equity funds.Founded in 1997 by Doug Bratton, Crestline Investors has grown into an institutional alternative investment manager with a global presence. The firm was established with a focus on credit and opportunistic investments, initially managing an absolute return asset allocation for members of the Bass family. Over the years, Crestline has expanded its capabilities to include a broad suite of investment solutions, aiming to deliver consistent risk-adjusted returns through its credit expertise and innovative products.Crestline's investment focus spans a wide array of industries, including business services, consumer, digital infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrials, real estate, and technology. They provide flexible financing solutions such as senior debt, structured equity, unitranche, and second-lien opportunities. Notable activities include providing NAV loans to real estate funds and credit facilities to various businesses, demonstrating their commitment to supporting growth and facilitating strategic transactions for their portfolio companies.The firm's team comprises seasoned investment professionals with extensive experience in investment banking and alternative investments. They leverage a specialized industry approach and an experienced advisor network to identify value and act as a valued-added resource for companies. Crestline's global reach extends to sophisticated institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals across North America, Europe, and Asia, with offices strategically located to serve these markets.

Cyprium Partners is a private investment firm specializing in non-control capital solutions for middle-market companies, including subordinated debt, preferred equity, and minority common equity investments ranging from $5 million to $60 million. The firm targets profitable businesses with EBITDA between $4 million and $40 million, headquartered in the United States or Canada, across sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, business services, healthcare, and technology-enabled services. Investment structures are flexible to support growth capital, acquisitions, ESOP transactions, debt refinancing, shareholder liquidity, management buyouts, family ownership transfers, and independent sponsor-led deals, emphasizing partnership without requiring owners to relinquish control. Established in 1998, Cyprium Partners launched its first investment vehicle that year, building on over 25 years of experience in providing strategic guidance to middle-market owners and management teams. The firm's partners have deployed more than $2 billion across over 100 investments, attracting a diverse investor base including pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, and prior portfolio entrepreneurs. This long-term track record underscores their commitment to value creation through operational support in areas like strategic planning, growth initiatives, data analytics, HR development, and succession planning. The current portfolio features companies in diverse industries, such as Event Lighting for cables and related products, veterinary management services, outdoor structures like sheds and playsets, nut roasting, electrical connectors, shoring equipment rental, apparel decorating, disaster remediation, plastic injection molding, retail pharmacy, railyard services, healthcare blow molding, contract metal fabrication, and hardwood lumber products. Recent transactions include investments in Willamette Valley Meat (March 2025), Washington Metal Fabricators (August 2024), and others like Apollo, Kustom, MGS, Remprex, OneRoRx, Act, Lion, Hirsch Solutions, and DP Nicoli, demonstrating ongoing activity in add-on acquisitions and refinancings. Cyprium's team comprises seasoned investment professionals across Partners, Managing Directors, Principals, Vice Presidents, Senior Associates, and Analysts, led by figures like Cindy Babitt, Mike Conaton, Beth Haas, and others based in Cleveland, New York, and Chicago. Supported by fund administration experts and a council of executive advisors with deep industry knowledge in manufacturing, healthcare, food & beverage, and technology, the firm fosters collaborative relationships to drive portfolio value.

Eden, a division of UNICOM Global, operates as a multifaceted investment and service provider, primarily focusing on strategic real estate development, comprehensive business and financial services, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm plays a crucial role in underpinning UNICOM Global's organizational growth by acquiring and managing real estate assets used for regional operations, corporate retreats, and special events. Their expertise extends to optimizing investment strategies through capital markets knowledge across various geographies and property types, aiming to unlock long-term success and value for their clients in a dynamic market landscape.UNICOM Global, the parent company, was founded in 1981 by Corry S. Hong. Starting with a single software product, UNICOM Global has expanded aggressively over four decades through internal development, strategic acquisitions, and diversification. Today, it stands as one of the largest and fastest-growing private IT companies globally, comprising over 50 corporate entities. The Eden division leverages this extensive corporate experience, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, privatization of public companies, and organizational integration, to offer a stable of services to partners, mid-market companies, and private equity ventures.Eden's real estate portfolio is valued in excess of $100 million, featuring strategic assets such as UNICOM Science & Technology Park in Whitehouse Station, NJ; UNICOM Technology Park in Chantilly, VA; UNICOM Innovation Park in Schaumburg, IL; PickFair Estate in Beverly Hills, CA; The Orangery and Crabbet Park House in Crawley, UK; and Wingsweep and Roripaugh Ranch in Temecula, CA. Beyond real estate, their business and financial services include debt restructuring, M&A consulting (due diligence and valuation), alignment of IT assets, integration consulting, financial analysis, and investment funding from Angel through Mezzanine levels. The firm's M&A activities carefully select companies for overall synergy and their ability to complement UNICOM Global's broad array of offerings.The leadership of UNICOM Global, under founder and CEO Corry S. Hong, guides Eden's strategic direction. Hong is responsible for establishing strategy and directing the day-to-day activities across all divisions. The firm's team brings expertise in capital markets and a deep understanding of various industries, enabling them to provide tailored solutions that drive sustainable transformation and growth for their clients.

GCM Grosvenor is a global alternative asset management firm that provides customized investment solutions across a broad spectrum of alternative investments. The firm manages approximately $91 billion in assets under management as of 2025, serving a diverse client base that includes institutions, family offices, and individuals worldwide. They specialize in developing tailored portfolios for clients seeking allocations to alternative investments such as private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge fund strategies.Founded in 1971 by Richard Elden, GCM Grosvenor has a history spanning over 50 years in the alternative investment landscape. The firm pioneered the fund of hedge funds model in the United States and has since expanded its offerings to include multi-manager portfolios, direct investments, and co-investments across various asset classes. In August 2020, GCM Grosvenor became a public company, trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker "GCMG" since November 18, 2020.GCM Grosvenor's investment approach emphasizes responsible investing, with approximately $28 billion in sustainable and impact assets under management. They also focus on supporting small, early-stage, diverse, and women alternative investment managers, with over $30 billion in AUM dedicated to these groups. The firm's team of approximately 550 professionals brings deep expertise across the alternatives landscape, offering tailored access to strategies, sectors, and geographies globally. Key investment areas include private equity, real estate, infrastructure, private debt, and impact investing, with a focus on energy transition strategies.

GreenGage Capital, LLC is a small, closely held, family-run fund specializing in the alternative investments space. The firm focuses on providing capital to companies across various sectors, demonstrating a flexible investment approach. Their portfolio indicates an interest in emerging technologies and industries, including areas such as InsurTech, Artificial Intelligence, logistics, and drone technology.The firm was founded in 2013 by Managing Partner David Johnsen, CFA. Johnsen established GreenGage Capital after a distinguished 35-year career as a buy-side investment analyst. His extensive experience includes significant roles at prominent financial institutions such as Continental Bank, Bank of America, and Chicago Equity Partners, where he was a founding partner.GreenGage Capital's investment strategy typically involves deals in the range of $1 million to $5 million, often targeting startups that are 2-3 years old. Notable portfolio companies include WhiteFox Defense Technologies. The firm's investment activities span across diverse areas such as mobile technology, manufacturing, security, and the Internet of Things, reflecting a broad interest in innovative and disruptive businesses.The team at GreenGage Capital, led by David Johnsen, leverages decades of financial expertise to identify and support promising ventures. As a family-run fund, they offer a personalized and hands-on approach to their portfolio companies, aiming to foster growth within the alternative investment landscape.

Founded in 1980, GTCR LLC is a leading private equity firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in growth companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and business services. GTCR is renowned for its "Leaders Strategy™," which involves partnering with experienced executives to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies. Over the past four decades, GTCR has invested more than $25 billion in over 280 companies, demonstrating a consistent track record of value creation. The firm's investment approach focuses on leveraged buyouts, growth capital, and roll-up transactions, aiming to drive transformative growth in its portfolio companies. GTCR's team of professionals operates primarily from its Chicago headquarters, with additional offices in New York and West Palm Beach. The firm's collaborative culture and deep sector expertise enable it to identify attractive investment opportunities and support management teams in executing strategic initiatives.

H.I.G. Growth Partners is the dedicated growth capital platform of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm. The firm specializes in making both majority and minority investments in growing, technology-oriented businesses across North America, Europe, and Latin America. They focus on providing substantial resources to middle-market growth companies, acting as value-add partners in the development and implementation of transformational digital and technology-centric strategies to drive superior performance.Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Growth Partners operates as a growth equity firm based in Miami, Florida. The firm leverages the extensive resources and experience of the broader H.I.G. Capital platform, which includes over 500 investment professionals across 18 global offices. This integrated approach allows H.I.G. Growth Partners to offer deep operational, digital, and technology expertise to its portfolio companies.H.I.G. Growth Partners has a successful track record of investing in companies capable of causing significant disruption within their markets. Notable investments include companies like AgileBlue, Avi-spl Iberia, Carebox, Mobile Health, and Worksuite, spanning industries such as network management software, IT consulting, medical records systems, and business/productivity software. The firm also has a history of successful exits, with its latest being from Pyramid Analytics.The team at H.I.G. Growth Partners brings substantial operating, strategic, and financial management experience. Key leadership includes Ross Hiatt, Managing Director & Head of H.I.G. Growth, alongside other managing directors such as Mark Fiske, Evan Karp, Hans Sherman, and Eric Tencer. The firm emphasizes a collaborative, partnership-based approach, working closely with founders and management teams to drive impactful operational improvements and establish market-leading positions.

Founded in 2005, Harrison Street is a premier alternative investment management firm focused on real estate, infrastructure and credit strategies across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With deep expertise in demographic‑driven, needs‑based asset sectors—including senior housing, student housing, healthcare delivery, life sciences, build‑to‑rent, self‑storage and digital infrastructure—the firm delivers customized closed‑end and open‑end vehicles for institutional investors. Headquartered in Chicago with approximately 290 professionals across 12 global offices, Harrison Street manages about US $56 billion in assets and has been recognized repeatedly for excellence in client service, ESG focus and global alternatives investing.

HC Private Investments is a Chicago-based private equity firm that specializes in making direct investments into private, lower middle-market niche manufacturing businesses. Operating as a family office, the firm distinguishes itself from traditional private equity models by offering flexible and patient capital, prioritizing long-term growth over rigid timelines. They focus on identifying growth opportunities and actively engaging executive advisors from the outset to develop and implement value creation plans, often aligned with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). HC Private Investments seeks to partner with owner-operators or family businesses, providing resources to unlock value potential through various transaction structures, including recapitalizations and generational ownership transitions.The firm was founded in 2016 by Managing Partners John P. Kelly and Matthew J. Moran. Prior to establishing HC Private Investments, Mr. Kelly held an investment professional role at The Tokarz Group Advisers, while Mr. Moran was a senior investment professional at Wind Point Partners. Their combined experience in lower and middle-market private equity laid the groundwork for HC Private Investments' focused investment strategy and operational engagement. Joseph Niciforo, a founding member, serves as the Chairman of the Investment Committee, bringing extensive experience from the financial sector, including his role as Chairman and CEO of HC Technologies.HC Private Investments has built a diverse portfolio of manufacturing companies across consumer and industrial markets. Notable investments and portfolio companies include Artisan Bakery, created through the acquisitions of Snackwerks and Speciality Bakers, and Prince Industries, which expanded its aerospace and defense capabilities with the acquisition of Keystone Precision & Engineering. Other investments have included QEI and Epicurean Butter. The firm also successfully exited its investment in Springboard Manufacturing through a sale to Currier Plastics.The team at HC Private Investments emphasizes a collaborative approach with portfolio company management. John P. Kelly and Matthew J. Moran, as Managing Partners, are actively involved and serve on the boards of several portfolio companies. Kelsey Lawrie, as Managing Director of Talent, leads the Executive Advisor Partners program, connecting portfolio companies with leading executives. Ryan Sullivan, Managing Director of Operations, works directly with companies to implement value creation initiatives. This operational expertise, combined with the financial acumen of the founding partners and the strategic oversight of the investment committee, underpins the firm's approach to fostering growth and maximizing value.

Horizon Investment Services, LLC is a registered investment adviser dedicated to building and preserving wealth for its clients. The firm focuses on providing honest, objective advice and personalized attention, underpinned by exhaustive research. They manage a variety of portfolios, including equity, mutual fund, income, balanced, and ETF portfolios, primarily for U.S. investors. As a fiduciary, Horizon Investment Services is legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of its clients.Established in 1997, Horizon Investment Services was initially formed to offer subadvisory services for a mutual fund. In 2000, the firm expanded its offerings by launching its Separately Managed Account business, a move partly driven by requests from subscribers of its sister company, Horizon Publishing Company, which publishes the Dow Theory Forecasts investment newsletter since 1946.The firm leverages its proprietary quantitative stock-rating system, Quadrix®, developed by its Chief Investment Officer, Richard Moroney, to identify securities believed to deliver outstanding returns without undue risk. The leadership team includes Charles Carlson, CFA, who serves as Chief Executive Officer. Horizon Investment Services boasts a highly qualified team, including five analysts holding the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, seven MBAs (with degrees from institutions such as the University of Chicago, DePaul, and Indiana), and one MA from the University of Missouri.Horizon Investment Services, LLC manages approximately $224.03 million in assets for over 220 individual clients, as well as small businesses and institutional clients. The firm is headquartered in Hammond, Indiana, and is committed to assisting clients in achieving their financial goals through customized investment advice, retirement planning, and wealth management.

Janus Henderson Investors is a prominent global active asset manager dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their financial objectives through a combination of differentiated insights, disciplined investment strategies, and world-class service. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of investment solutions across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives. Their approach is rooted in extensive research, with investment teams engaging with thousands of companies annually to generate original perspectives that inform their investment positioning.The firm's rich heritage dates back to 1934 with the founding of Henderson Administration in the UK to manage the estate of Alexander Henderson. Separately, Janus Capital was established in 1969 in Denver, Colorado, by Tom Bailey, who aimed to create an independent asset management service in the western United States. Janus Henderson Investors was officially formed in May 2017 through an all-stock merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group, bringing together over 90 years of combined experience in the investment management industry.As a global asset manager, Janus Henderson Investors focuses on delivering long-term risk-adjusted returns across a broad spectrum of investment opportunities. While not a traditional venture capital firm, they engage in strategic partnerships and acquisitions that expand their capabilities, such as their joint venture with Privacore Capital for alternative assets and the acquisition of Victory Park Capital Advisors, a private credit manager. They also manage a diverse range of funds, including those focused on global life sciences and multi-sector income, catering to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors.With over 350 investment professionals and more than 2,000 employees globally, Janus Henderson Investors leverages its extensive network and expertise to innovate in ideas, products, and solutions. Their teams are committed to rigorous analysis, structured processes, and robust risk management, aiming to anticipate and adapt to market changes. The firm emphasizes a client-first philosophy, accountability, and a collaborative culture to deliver on its commitments and invest in a brighter future together.