Posts by Kathy Pyne

Now let’s meet the 2025 Venture Capital Portfolio Company of the Year, Simple Mills. IVCA celebrates Simple Mills, along with Sponsors: Kirkland & Ellis LLP, White & Case LLP, Aprio at the annual IVCA Awards Dinner, on Monday, December 8th, 2025, starting at 5:00pm at the Four Seasons in Chicago. That night, we also honor…

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates STATE TREASURER TO RUN UNOPPOSED The office of Illinois State Treasurer is the constitutional office with the most specific connection to the IVCA as the Treasurer is responsible for the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund (which some old-timers may still call the Technology Development…

It’s that time of year for the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA) to reflect back upon the many successes and honor those who have worked toward that success. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, White & Case LLP, Aprio and the association will present the annual IVCA Awards Dinner, taking place on Monday, December 8th, 2025, starting…

This year marks 25 years of the Illinois Venture Capital Association championing a strong business climate for private equity and venture capital in Illinois. From our early advocacy that created the Technology Development Account to helping launch the Illinois Growth & Innovation Fund, IVCA has been at the forefront of shaping policy and building a…

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ILLINOIS VETO SESSION HAS REVENUE ON THE MENU Illinois legislators are meeting this week in the Capitol to address a host of issues including reform and funding mass transit. By the time you have had an opportunity to review this…

October 29, 2025 The IVCA, along with sponsor Ropes & Gray and Baker Tilly, hosted the panel event “Leveraging AI to Transform VC & PE Firms” on October 7th, 2025, moderated by Martin Ruhaak, Partner at Ropes & Gray. The event featured real-world use cases and candid insights from investors who are integrating AI into…

IVCA is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 IVCA Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation in Illinois’s private capital community. 2025 IVCA Award Recipients Venture Capital Portfolio Company of the YearSimple Mills Private Equity Portfolio Company of the YearDoor and Window Guard Systems (DAWGS) Richard J. Daley AwardBruce N. Barron, Origin Ventures…

The IVCA Foundation is proud to announce an expanded grant to Chicago:Blend, deepening the nonprofit’s work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Chicago’s venture capital ecosystem. This multi-year collaboration supports Chicago:Blend’s Venture Fellowship Program, which provides emerging investors from underrepresented backgrounds with access to training, mentorship, and career opportunities in venture capital. “We’re deeply…