Association News IVCA Feature: EY Shares Insights Ahead of the 2026 IVCA CFO Summit on October 22 IVCA Launches New AI Education Series for PE & VC Professionals  Applications are now being accepted: 2027 IVCA Scholar Program Introducing the IVCA Academy: Expanding Access to Careers in Finance and Investing NEW MEMBER RESOURCE: IVCA Scholar & Alumni Directory Legislative News IVCA Provides Updates for State Legislative Issues 10/14/2026 IVCA Events October 22, 2026 - IVCA CFO Summit November 11, 2026 - IVCA AI Education Series - Intro to AI for PE & VC Investors Presented by Vokal December 7, 2026 - IVCA Awards Dinner - SAVE THE DATE! January 13, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - AI in Due Diligence: What Actually Matters vs. What's Hype - Andersen February 10, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - AI in Portfolio Support & Operations Presented by Thrive March 10, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - Pending confirmation April 14, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - AI's Impact on Software Economics & What It Means for Investors - Andersen May 12, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - AI Risk, Governance & Compliance - Andersen Consulting June 9, 2027 - IVCA AI Education Series - AI in Healthcare - Vokal Other Events of Interest October 28 - 18th Annual Invest For Kids Conference November 12 - Midwest BioBuilders Summit December 8, 2026 - BDO’s Annual Private Equity Fund CFO Roundtable Industry News Monroe Capital Supports Battery Ventures’ Investment in Phigenics RiverGlade Capital Partners with Veteran Franchising Executive Brian Petranick to Form Sentinel Care Group Octane Closes $1.4 Billion Forward-Flow Deal with New York Life, MetLife Investment Management, Equitable, Pacific Life, and Victory Park Capital Thoma Bravo Completes Sale of Command Alkon Wynnchurch Capital Port Co ORS Nasco Acquires Techniweld & PowerWeld and Three Essendant Brands Thoma Bravo-backed BlueMatrix to Acquire Aiera, Advancing Governed AI Distribution for Investment Research Core Industrial Partners Port Co Fathom Digital Manufacturing Expands Aerospace and Defense Platform with Three Strategic Acquisitions Pearson Acquires Jump Capital Port Co Workera, a Pioneer in AI-Native Enterprise Assessment and Skills Verification Monroe Capital Prices $398.9 Million Private Credit CLO RCP Advisors 25th Anniversary Video Kinzie Capital Partners Expand Team, Advancing Client Service and Portfolio Value Creation Professional Advisor News Ropes & Gray Advised Audax Private Debt in Close of $10 Billion Audax Direct Lending Solutions Fund III Troutman Pepper Locke Advises eSecLending in Sale to Capitolis Sidley Represents Diversis Capital in Its Acquisition of Majority Ownership of Tideworks Technology Ropes & Gray Recognised as a Leading Law Firm in Legal 500 UK 2027 Delaware Supreme Court Holds That Diligence Gaps Do Not Defeat Fraud Claims Based on Contractual Representations Sidley Represents Nous Research in US$90 Million Series B Financing Ropes & Gray Advises Bain Capital and Portfolio Company Evident on Acquisition of CrestOptics S.p.A Sidley Represents Galvanize in US$70 Million Financing for AMP Ropes & Gray Advised Kohlberg in Acquisition of Majority Interest in Advanced Industrial Devices Sidley Represents InfraBridge in Sale of 50% Interest in 5.4 GW Power Portfolio to ArcLight Ropes & Gray Advised Gridiron Capital in its Investment in Weed Man Sidley Represents Invenergy in Strategic Equity Partnership With HASI Ropes & Gray Advised Monomoy Capital Partners in Platform Investment in Creedence Energy Services Sidley Represents Electronics for Imaging in Combination With Agfa Digital Printing Solutions Ropes & Gray Advised Stride Consumer Partners in Acquiring Greek Yogurt Brand Clio Snacks Ropes & Gray Advised Audax Private Equity in Sale of Rensa Filtration to AEA Investors and BCI Ropes & Gray Advises Celli Group, an Ardian Portfolio Company, on its Capital Strengthening Ropes & Gray Shortlisted for Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards North America 2026 Job Postings Please view the full details for each Job Posting listed below, on our website HERE . Once at Job Postings please scroll down the pages to view the jobs. They are listed chronologically as received, most current first. NEW! Pritzker Alternative Strategies - Investment Analyst / Associate NEW! 50 South Capital - Analyst, Investments NextGen Growth Partners - Senior Analyst, Investments Decasonic - AI Operations Manager TechNexus Venture Collaborative - Sr. Accountant

ILLINOIS VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE REPORT David Stricklin / Stricklin & Associates Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Governor Sees A Path For Bears An issue which cuts across political and demographic lines and is on the minds of constituents is the fate of the Chicago Bears. Legislators often tell a version of the following as to what they hear from voters — “don’t give them a dime and for heaven’s sake don’t let them leave!” This week Governor Pritzker suggested a resolution was in sight: “I believe that in November we’re going be able to get something done to keep the Bears in the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said when asked about keeping the team during a debate with GOP challenger Darren Bailey tonight on WTTW . The governor, his staff and senior legislative leaders met recently with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pat Ryan Sr. , who owns a minority stake in the team. The Bears are trying to decide whether to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights or Hammond, Ind. Indiana lawmakers approved legislation in the spring.” https://t.co/ZL3ttYHW6p Crain's Chicago Business (@CrainsChicago) 7 likes · 3 replies x.com One And Only Debate Governor Pritzker and challenger Darren Bailey conducted a televised debate Tuesday. Polling and conventional wisdom gives the challenger a very steep hill to climb: In lone debate for Illinois governor, Bailey gets testy as Pritzker links challenger to Trump – Chicago Tribune Bailey repeatedly attacked and interrupted Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who countered by casting his challenger as a conservative extremist and a follower of President Donald Trump. Legislative Races Offer Contrasts Voters soon make their choices and there are a handful of competitive races between Republicans and Democrats in November. Polling and that same conventional wisdom says in the big picture Democrats will keep their large majorities in both legislative chambers. Some Lake County voters for example have a choice between two current Republican office holders and Democratic challengers, while in other areas Republicans are pressing Democrats on the Capitol Culture: — Illinois Dems are on the defensive over scandals in races for state legislature: Republicans are focusing on two House ethics controversies involving Democrats: In one instance, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has been criticized for his handling of sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton, who resigned. And in another, six-term Rep. Carol Ammons has been indicted on federal charges alleging she used taxpayer and campaign funds in a scheme to enrich herself. The Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner has more.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how investment firms source opportunities, conduct diligence, support portfolio companies, and manage operations. To help members navigate this evolving landscape, IVCA is launching the IVCA AI Education Series , a new educational initiative focused on practical, real-world applications of AI within private equity and venture capital. The series will feature monthly virtual educational sessions led by industry experts, technology providers, and practitioners actively deploying AI across the investment ecosystem. Topics will include: AI in investing and deal evaluation Due diligence and value creation Portfolio company operations AI-enhanced sourcing and market intelligence Software economics and investment implications Governance, risk, and compliance Industry-specific applications, including healthcare Confirmed participating organizations include Vokal , Andersen Consulting , and Thrive , with additional speakers and sessions to be announced throughout the year. Upcoming Sessions November 11, 2026 Intro to AI for PE & VC Investors Presented by Vokal January 13, 2027 AI in Due Diligence: What Actually Matters vs. What's Hype Presented by Andersen Consulting February 10, 2027 AI in Portfolio Support & Operations Presented by Thrive The IVCA AI Education Series will be held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month, providing members with a consistent opportunity to stay informed on emerging technologies and their impact on investment performance. Learn More & Register AI Education Series: www.illinoisvc.org/ai-education-series  November 11 Session Registration: Registration Link

The 2026 IVCA CFO Summit takes place next Thursday, October 22, bringing together finance and operations professionals from Illinois' private equity and venture capital community. Designed for CFOs, COOs, controllers, finance teams, and firm operations leaders, the Summit features expert-led discussions on economic trends, tax and regulatory developments, fund operations, valuations, fund formation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies shaping the investment management industry. EY serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 IVCA CFO Summit. Northern Trust is the Hosting Sponsor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is the Content Sponsor, and Alter Domus, NFP (an Aon company), and Valuation Research Corporation are Exhibiting Sponsors. Alter Domus also serves as a Content Sponsor. As a preview of this year's program, IVCA spoke with Stephanie Backman, CPA, Tax Partner at EY, about the trends, challenges, and opportunities finance leaders should be watching as they prepare for 2027. IVCA: The IVCA CFO Summit is coming up on October 22. What are the key themes attendees can expect this year, and who would benefit from attending beyond CFOs? EY: This year's Summit will focus on how organizations can navigate an unprecedented pace of change. Artificial intelligence continues to create significant opportunities for growth, productivity, and operational efficiency, but it also introduces new considerations around cybersecurity, governance, compliance, and risk management. The organizations that will lead in the coming years are those that successfully balance innovation with appropriate oversight. While CFOs remain a core audience, the discussions will be highly relevant for COOs, controllers, technology leaders, and other executives responsible for growth, operations, and risk management. IVCA: What tax, accounting, or regulatory developments should fund managers and finance teams be paying particularly close attention to heading into 2027? EY: The 2026 midterm elections are expected to play a significant role in shaping the policy and regulatory landscape heading into 2027 and beyond. Fund managers and finance leaders should closely monitor potential legislative, tax, and regulatory developments that may emerge following the elections. Summit attendees will hear perspectives directly from EY's Washington Council professionals, providing valuable insights into developments in Washington and the potential implications for the Private Equity and Venture Capital industry. IVCA: AI is rapidly transforming finance functions. Where are you seeing the most practical applications of AI within PE and VC firms today, and where do you think the biggest opportunities still exist? EY: Private Equity and Venture Capital firms are increasingly moving beyond AI experimentation and into scaled adoption. According to recent market observations, many asset management CFOs are accelerating AI investments after realizing measurable benefits from early initiatives, while others are building internal governance frameworks and specialized expertise to support long-term adoption. One of the most important strategic decisions organizations face is determining where to buy proven solutions versus where to develop proprietary capabilities. Looking ahead, the greatest opportunity lies in moving beyond individual productivity gains toward AI-enabled operating models, where intelligent agents and automation are embedded throughout key business processes and decision-making workflows. IVCA: Data, technology, and automation continue to reshape the finance function. What investments are firms making today that you believe will create the greatest long-term value? EY: The most successful digital transformation initiatives begin with a strong data strategy. High-quality, well-governed data is the foundation for automation, advanced analytics, and AI adoption. Many firms are recognizing that achieving long-term value often requires more than incremental improvements. Instead, it involves rethinking processes from the ground up and designing future-state operating models that fully leverage technology, automation, and data-driven insights. IVCA: Many CFOs are increasingly taking on broader strategic and operational responsibilities. How has the role evolved over the past five years, and what skills will be most important for the CFO of the future? EY: The CFO role has expanded significantly in both scope and influence over the past five years. Today's CFOs are expected not only to oversee financial performance but also to help shape strategy, manage enterprise risk, drive technology investments, and support organizational transformation. As the pace of change accelerates, successful CFOs will need a combination of financial expertise, technological fluency, and strategic leadership. In particular, understanding how to harness the power of AI while protecting intellectual property, managing risk, and maintaining strong governance will become a critical differentiator. IVCA: For someone considering attending the CFO Summit, what are the key takeaways and opportunities that they can anticipate? EY: What distinguishes the IVCA CFO Summit is the quality of engagement and collaboration among attendees. The CFO community has consistently fostered open and substantive dialogue, creating opportunities for participants to learn directly from peers who are facing similar challenges and opportunities. Attendees gain practical insights into emerging trends, leading practices, and evolving risks, while the interactive format also gives industry leaders and presenters valuable perspective on the issues most impacting organizations today. It is a unique forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and actionable discussion. Registration remains open for the 2026 IVCA CFO Summit, taking place October 22, 2026. Attendance is complimentary for IVCA members. Join your peers for a day of practical insights, candid discussion, and networking focused on the evolving role of finance leadership in private equity and venture capital. Click here for event details and registration information.

Building on another successful year, applications for the IVCA Scholars Program for Summer 2027 are now being accepted. The program places selected undergraduate students with leading private equity and venture capital firms for a 10-week immersive experience that combines hands-on industry exposure, professional development, technical training, and a $10,000 scholarship upon successful completion. In 2026, the program received a record 116 applications and placed 12 Scholars with host firms across Illinois' private capital ecosystem. Participating firms included Avathon Capital, BPOC, Exposition Ventures, Frontenac, Growth Catalyst Partners, OCA Ventures, Prairie Capital, Pritzker Private Capital, RoundTable Healthcare Partners, The Vistria Group, Victory Park Capital, and Water Street Healthcare Partners. Together, the IVCA Academy and IVCA Scholars Program provide students with multiple pathways to explore careers in private equity, venture capital, and the broader investment industry. Applications for the 2027 IVCA Scholars Program will open in October 2026. Students, university partners, and member firms are encouraged to visit the IVCA website for updates and application information.

We're excited to announce the launch of the IVCA Scholar & Alumni Directory , now available exclusively to IVCA members through the Member Portal. Over the past several years, the IVCA Scholars Program has grown into a robust talent pipeline connecting students to careers in private equity, venture capital, finance, consulting, and related fields. Today, the IVCA network includes more than 130 Scholars and alumni , providing members with access to a growing community of emerging investment professionals. A Valuable Recruiting Resource  Whether your firm is looking for summer interns, analysts, associates, portfolio company talent, or project-based support, the directory offers a convenient way to identify and connect with individuals who have participated in IVCA programming and expressed a strong interest in private equity and venture capital. Members can use the directory to: Identify candidates for internships and full-time roles Build a pipeline of future investment professionals Connect with alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities Engage talent for portfolio company positions Stay connected with participants as they progress throughout their careers Strengthening the IVCA Talent Ecosystem The directory is part of IVCA's broader effort to create a lasting alumni network that supports both students and member firms. By maintaining connections with Scholars beyond the program, IVCA is helping strengthen Illinois' investment ecosystem and create a more efficient pathway between talented students and industry opportunities. Many alumni have already gone on to careers in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, consulting, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship, making the directory an increasingly valuable resource for member firms. Access the Directory The IVCA Scholar & Alumni Directory is available exclusively to IVCA members. Simply log in to your IVCA Member Portal account to access the directory and explore our growing network of more than 130 Scholars and alumni. If your firm has internship, analyst, associate, or portfolio company opportunities available, we encourage you to make the directory one of your first recruiting stops.

We're excited to announce the launch of the IVCA Scholar & Alumni Directory , now available exclusively to IVCA members through the Member Portal. Over the past several years, the IVCA Scholars Program has grown into a robust talent pipeline connecting students to careers in private equity, venture capital, finance, consulting, and related fields. Today, the IVCA network includes more than 130 Scholars and alumni , providing members with access to a growing community of emerging investment professionals. A Valuable Recruiting Resource  Whether your firm is looking for summer interns, analysts, associates, portfolio company talent, or project-based support, the directory offers a convenient way to identify and connect with individuals who have participated in IVCA programming and expressed a strong interest in private equity and venture capital. Members can use the directory to: Identify candidates for internships and full-time roles Build a pipeline of future investment professionals Connect with alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities Engage talent for portfolio company positions Stay connected with participants as they progress throughout their careers Strengthening the IVCA Talent Ecosystem The directory is part of IVCA's broader effort to create a lasting alumni network that supports both students and member firms. By maintaining connections with Scholars beyond the program, IVCA is helping strengthen Illinois' investment ecosystem and create a more efficient pathway between talented students and industry opportunities. Many alumni have already gone on to careers in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, consulting, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship, making the directory an increasingly valuable resource for member firms. Access the Directory The IVCA Scholar & Alumni Directory is available exclusively to IVCA members. Simply log in to your IVCA Member Portal account to access the directory and explore our growing network of more than 130 Scholars and alumni. If your firm has internship, analyst, associate, or portfolio company opportunities available, we encourage you to make the directory one of your first recruiting stops.

Association News IVCA Feature: Previewing the IVCA CFO Summit, Key Issues for the CFO in 2026 The CFO's Role Has Never Been More Complex. Join Us October 22. Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available for the 2026 IVCA Annual Awards Dinner Legislative News IVCA Continues Advocacy Following Illinois QSBS Rollback Need more detail about QSBS? Illinois Workers and Businesses Benefit from VC Investment IVCA Events October 22, 2026 - IVCA CFO Summit December 7, 2026 - IVCA Awards Dinner - SAVE THE DATE! Other Events of Interest October 28 - 18th Annual Invest For Kids Conference November 12 - Midwest BioBuilders Summit December 8, 2026 - BDO’s Annual Private Equity Fund CFO Roundtable Industry News VC University: Scholarship Available (Oct. 7-14) RiverGlade Capital Announces New Partnership With Senior Living Residences (SLR) Pfingsten Invests in Next Point Bearing Group 5th Century Partners Completes Strategic Investment in ION PT Network Tactacam Announces Sale to GTCR Monroe Capital Supports Sweetmore Bakeries’ Acquisition of Fantasy Baking Co. Pfingsten Invests in Next Point Bearing Group RWX raises $12M as the engineering bottleneck moves from writing code to validating it; Hyde Park Venture Partners leads round Monroe Capital Leads $60 Million Investment in 36th Street Capital May River Capital Completes Sale of Dickson H.I.G. Capital Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell General Datatech Periscope Equity Announces Promotion of Eric Hinkle to Partner Growth Catalyst Partners Announces Final Closing of GCP III with Capital Commitments at Hard Cap of $360 million Wynnchurch Capital Port Co EMS Broadens Product Offering Across Fencing and Hurricane Protection with Acquisition of AMD Supply High Street Capital Portfolio Company, Tramec, Exits Chicago Extruded Metals Periscope Equity Port Co CyberMaxx Acquires Avertium to Deepen Security Capabilities for the Mid-Market Thoma Bravo Port Co Trading Technologies Acquires TRAFiX, Expanding Multi-Asset OEMS Coverage to Global Equities and Equity Options Professional Advisor News Katten Advises Keypath Education on the Sale of Its North American Operations to Risepoint Powering the Supercycle: Electrification, Talent, and the 2027 Industrial Outlook- Part B (September 28, 2026) | BDO Second Circuit Affirms That Active Fund Managers Cannot Escape Self-Employment Tax as ‘Limited Partners’ in Soroban Capital Partners | Troutman Pepper Locke Ropes & Gray Advised Genstar Capital in Growth Investment in Richey May Sidley Represents Thompson Street Capital Partners and Portfolio Company Allyant in Acquisition of Braille Works Ropes & Gray Advised Audax Private Equity in Acquisition of Integral Consulting Sidley Represents Sheridan Capital Partners in Its Investment in PtEverywhere Ropes & Gray Advised TPG on Financing for the Combination of Waste Eliminator and Liberty Waste Solutions Sidley Represents Noetive in US$41 Million Series Seed Financing Ropes & Gray Advised on Ready Capital Corp.’s $225 Million Senior Secured Notes Offering Sidley Represents Certares on Single-Asset Continuation Fund of Guardian Alarm Ropes & Gray Advised Bain Capital in Royalty Monetization of Parkinson’s Disease Therapy Tavapadon with DRI Healthcare Trust Sidley Represents Cymphony in Its US$30 Million Series A Financing Ropes & Gray Advised PSG Equity in Final Close of Third European Fund at Over €4.4 Billion Sidley Represents Bluevine in Its US$340 Million Acquisition by Valley National Bank Ropes & Gray Advised Bain Capital in its Agreement to Acquire SOLitude Lake Management from Rentokil Initial Ropes & Gray Represented Lone View Capital in its investment in HappyCo Ropes & Gray Advised Marguerite on its Investment in PHOCEA DC to Develop a Network of Sustainable Sovereign Data Centers in Marseille Job Postings Please view the full details for each Job Posting listed below, on our website HERE . Once at Job Postings please scroll down the pages to view the jobs. They are listed chronologically as received, most current first. NEW! NextGen Growth Partners - Senior Analyst, Investments Decasonic – AI Operations Manager TechNexus Venture Collaborative – Sr. Accountant

Illinois is the Midwest leader in venture capital investment creating new jobs, new products and services, and new approaches to living healthy lives. Policy makers in Illinois have historically partnered with the private sector in creating the Illinois VC ecosystem through the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund (ILGIF) and deploying tools such as the Illinois Angel Investment tax credit program and a host of other thoughtful and forward-thinking policies. Since 2000, member firms of the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA) have invested in more than 900 Illinois-headquartered companies, helped create more than 370,000 jobs, and supported business that have raised more than $129B in capital. According to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce : Chicago is one of America’s leading tech hubs with 18% growth in the tech workforce in the last decade. Chicago’s tech ecosystem is essential to the city’s economy , employing over 106,000 people – 8% of the Chicago workforce – and spurring significant economic activity and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues for our state and local governments. The tech ecosystem grew 18% in Chicago over the past decade compared to the overall economy , which saw growth of just 1%. Tech has also demonstrated greater resilience and supported Chicago’s recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth is due in part to new start-ups, but also because tech cuts across every industry in Chicago, from government to health care, Fortune 500 and small and mid-sized businesses. Drawing people to Chicago are the region’s deep bench of talent from local universities, a diverse workforce pipeline, central location, and affordable cost of living. However, Illinois trails nationally, receiving only .8 to 1.0% of venture capital dollars (NVCA data) invested even though Illinois population is ~3.7% of the country and Illinois GNP is ~3.9% of the country, compared to New York which receives ~9.5% and Massachusetts ~5.1% of venture capital funding ILLINOIS PROGRESS PUT AT RISK SB 3019 (PA 104-0468) (calendar 26 / FY27 revenue omnibus) included a provision which decoupled Illinois from the federal tax code Section 1202 Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusion (QSBS) which jeopardizes future VC investment in Illinois. Recognizing and acknowledging the delicate balancing act required to produce a revenue omnibus, the Illinois Venture Capital Association encourages the legislature and the administration to repeal this provision in the Fall veto session until it can it be studied further. The introduced bills including provisions to decouple QSBS were not subject to legislative due diligence or stakeholder comment. SB 3796 was never referred to a standing committee; HB 5125 was sent to the Revenue Committee briefly and then returned to the Rules Committee. Illinois entrepreneurs deserved an opportunity to inform legislators prior to this provision being included in the final hours of the session in a must pass bill. The benefits from QSBS only occur for investments made for at least 5 years (and in many cases much longer). The objective of QSBS is to encourage long-term investments in innovation and entrepreneurship which turns into economic growth and job creation. Investments made 5 or more years ago will now be taxed, even though there was no expectation of that when the investment was made. A retroactive tax on investors who made long-term, good-faith investments sends a negative signal to the business community. And it creates a huge incentive for investors, founders, and companies to invest outside Illinois or relocate out of Illinois. The long-term ramifications for future investments could be even more dire with fewer dollars being invested in Illinois and the best entrepreneurs and investors relocating elsewhere. As noted above, Illinois receives about 25% of the dollars it should based on population and GNP. Keeping this provision is very likely to further reduce this key statistic. Failing to address the 1202 provision in SB3019 makes Illinois vulnerable to losing its leadership position in the Midwest over the long term. WHAT QSBS DOES QSBS traces its origins back to 1993 and the Clinton administration. It subsequently was improved by Democratic majorities in the U.S. Congress in the Small Business Jobs Act in 2010 and signed into law by President Obama (The Obama Jobs Act). Supporters of this provision in SB3019 have argued this was in response to H.R. 1, the recently enacted federal budget legislation. What it really did was reverse years of pro-business policies largely attributed to Democratic legislatures and presidents. QSBS offers incentives for investment in early-stage growth companies. It has been extremely successful in getting startups off the ground and into the economy which has benefitted entrepreneurs, employees, investors, and consumers working with those products and services. SpotHero and Grubhub are just two examples of companies created in Illinois where QSBS played an important role in their creation and growth. ILLINOIS SHOULD RESTORE OPPORTUNITY The IVCA encourages Illinois policy makers to repeal the decoupling provision for QSBS in SB 3019 and continue to offer reasonable and meaningful tax incentives to startup companies. It is noted that California is one of the states which has also “decoupled” – this is a genuine and rare opportunity for Illinois to potentially capture VC and startup activity which might otherwise take place in California -- the state of New Jersey rejected efforts to decouple, opting to offer the incentive for VC investment in the state. The IVCA looks forward to working with you to evaluate the opportunity to restore this important economic development provision in state law and to further work with you to advance an Illinois economy which welcomes the ideas and the jobs of the future.  QSBS HISTORY ILLINOIS DECOUPLES FROM 1202 ILLINOIS IMPACT FROM QSBS Questions? Please contact Dave Stricklin (312) 771-2562 / david@stricklinassociates.com