Newsletter Articles

The new year is underway … Happy 2026. As we begin another journey, what will be ahead in the new year, and how will it affect the Venture Capital and Private Equity world? The predictors and prognosticators in the financial media have had their say, and the IVCA offers the following articles and media that…

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates BEARS LOSE IN PLAYOFFS BUT MIGHT WIN IN THE CAPITOL Winning helps. The playoff run the Bears just recorded attracted attention and social media posts from almost all the high-profile (and not so high-profile) elected officials and policy makers in Illinois. Stiff arming a…

Veteran Google Executive to Provide Technology and Commercial Expertise Across PPC’s Family of Companies CHICAGO – (January 14, 2026) – PPC, a leading family investment firm focused on partnering with family-, founder-, and management-owned businesses, today announced that Ted Buell has joined the firm as Senior Director, Chief Digital Officer. Mr. Buell brings more than…

Happy New Year 2026 to the membership of the IVCA. As we keep moving through the years, the VC and PE industries continue their unprecedented investment and success. Simultaneously, the IVCA will continue in their mission to represent the VC/PE community and their support organizations and update the membership throughout the year on the website…

Help us spread the word to undergraduate students across Illinois and Midwest. This is an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on exposure and build industry connections. Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 More information can be found HERE.

This summer, we are inviting firms to join us in hosting a 2026 IVCA Scholar – help play a direct role in developing Illinois’ emerging leaders in private equity and venture capital. The IVCA Scholar Program connects high-potential Illinois-based undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with meaningful, hands-on experience at Private Equity and Venture Capital firms.…

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates LEGISLATURE READIES FOR RETURN TO SESSION The Illinois General Assembly begins its work in 2026 with the Senate in session next week and the House the week following. Much of the activity in January will be organizational and preparatory when Governor Pritzker delivers his…

SIGMA acquires manufacturer and supplier of waterworks castings and polymer enclosures Cream Ridge, N.J., January 7, 2026 – Sigma Companies International Corp. (“SIGMA”), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners (“Wind Point”) and leading manufacturer and supplier of critical waterworks infrastructure products, has acquired Masonry Supply, Inc. (“MSI”) and its associated Tricast-branded product line.  Based…

New Partnership Leverages PPC’s Experience in the Food Manufacturing and Private Label Sector CHICAGO – (January 6, 2026) – PPC, a leading family investment firm focused on partnering with family, founder and management-owned businesses, today announced the acquisition of NaturPak. NaturPak manufactures and packages a broad portfolio of bone broths, soups, sauces, and wet pet food,…

Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA) is pleased to announce its Board and Executive Committee leadership for the year ahead. Ira Weiss, Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, has assumed the role of Board Chair, and Shoshana Vernick, Managing Partner at Avathon Capital,…