Deadline Extended: IVCA Rising Star Award

The 2025 IVCA Rising Star Award recognizes a rising private equity or venture capital firm that is demonstrating exceptional promise and leadership in Illinois’s investment ecosystem.

Eligibility:

• Open to any PE or VC firm based in Illinois or with an office in Illinois
• Firm must be currently managing their first, second, or third fund

Selection Criteria:
Nominees should demonstrate strength in multiple of the following areas. It is not expected that nominees meet every criterion. The award recognizes emerging firms showing exceptional promise, innovation, and impact.

• Investment Performance & Strategy
  Early investment success or strategic innovation
  Creative fund structure or sourcing approach

• Capital & Community Engagement
  Involvement in local civic, philanthropic, or nonprofit organizations that contribute to community development or economic vitality

• Impact in Illinois
  Demonstrated impact through job creation, investment in Illinois-based companies, partnerships with local institutions, or initiatives that strengthen the state’s economic infrastructure

• Startup Ecosystem Participation
  Active engagement in the Illinois or regional startup ecosystem (e.g., accelerators, incubators, university partnerships, founder support)

Note:
The Rising Star Award will only be bestowed in years when the Executive Committee determines that there is a nominee who clearly meets the award’s criteria and embodies its spirit.

Nomination Process

• Who can nominate: IVCA members, self-nomination, peers, or broader community members
• Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Required Materials:
  • Firm Overview
  • Portfolio highlights
  • Impact statement (max 500 words)

Nominations reviewed and Awardee selected by the Executive Committee. The award will be presented at the IVCA Awards Dinner on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Submission Instructions:

• Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Submit Completed Form to: Kathy Pyne at kpyne@illinoisvc.org