Ellen Carnahan

Operates as a holding company with interests in online payroll and human resource solutions

Operates as an online platform for job seekers

William Blair Capital Partners (WBCP) focuses on private placements, PIPES and the investment of funds provided by partners of the firm. They invest in the following sectors: business services, financial services, consumer, healthcare services, healthcare products and technology. Within the business and financial services sectors, WBCP focuses on accounts receivable management, asset management services, data analytics, distribution services, education/educational services, interactive media, niche consulting, payment processing, payroll processing, research products/services, specialty insurance products and specialized marketing services. WBCP seeks investments in outstanding growth companies in the consumer sector. The firm looks for companies that need capital to expand through organic growth, regional expansion or through acquisition of other market players. They focus primarily on two niches within the consumer segment: (1) companies involved in the sale of new and novel products and services to the consumer and companies involved in the sale of well-established products in new and novel ways. WBCP seeks to invest in growing, well-managed companies with strong management teams that are, or have the potential to become, leaders in their market niche. Within the healthcare sector, WBCP invests primarily in the medical devices, biopharmaceuticals and healthcare services industries. The firm looks for innovative companies with products that address unmet medical needs. They are particularly interested in therapeutic areas in which relatively little capital has been historically deployed, including gastroenterology, neurology/neurosurgery and cosmetic surgery and aesthetics. They may also consider investment opportunities in the orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular segments. In the biopharmaceutical industry, WBCP invests primarily in companies that have late-stage (phase II clinical trials or later) compounds or that have approved products. The firm also pursues opportunities to start and nurture pharmaceutical companies in the dermatology, neurology, rheumatology and gastroenterology specialties. WBCP also invests in small market companies with annual revenues of $50 million to $300 million that have not generated strong commercial or development interest from large pharmaceutical companies. WBCP considers investments in healthcare companies that provide services to patients in the outpatient or short-stay settings and in companies that provide outsourced business services to larger healthcare providers such as hospitals or surgery centers. The firm is particularly interested in service companies that pursue segments of the healthcare economy in which the patient pays directly for the service or that provide business-to-business services to healthcare providers. They also invest in companies that provide medical services to governmental healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. WBCP invests technology companies primarily in the following areas: wireless semiconductors, consumer electronic semiconductors/software, wireless Internet and software as service (SaaS). They firm seeks to invest in companies with (1) platform technology including core technology can be applied to multiple markets across multiple product lines (2) scaleable and capital efficient business models (3) market opportunities that have been validated by customers (4) disruptive technology that is non-disruptive to implement (5) a defensible and sustainable technology lead (6) multiple exit opportunities including acquisition and IPO and (7) compelling growth rates appropriate for their business model. WMCP invests in companies that require funds for product development, sales, marketing and operations. They do not invest in technology development.

Develops software

Develops software solutions for the casualty insurance industry

Provides accounting services

Supplies model-based software

Provides railcars and related freight car management services

Functions as a regional level government authority

Operates as a professional organization for women's

The Metropolitan Planning Council is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering equitable, sustainable, and prosperous communities throughout the metropolitan region. The private company is based in Chicago, IL. Since 1934, it has collaborated with governments, businesses, community leaders, and advocacy groups to address regional challenges in housing, transportation, environment, and public systems through research, policy development, and inclusive planning. The organization emphasizes racial and economic equity, environmental sustainability, and community livability, focusing on transit-oriented development, comprehensive transportation reform, affordable and equitable housing solutions, and green infrastructure and water management initiatives. It provides data-driven analysis, policy recommendations, and educational resources to influence public policy and government programs at local, regional, and state levels, and actively engages stakeholders through events, webinars, and collaborative planning efforts.

Operates as a holding company for energy-related subsidiaries

Seyen Capital invests in companies located in the United States. The firm targets companies operating in the fields of information technology, software and health technology. It provides equity financing for early and growth stage capital requirements.

Operates as a association for venture capital & private equity industries

WMG Capital makes a variety of investments including growth equity, buyouts, public to private and corporate spinouts. They target companies that are at the intersection of business services and technology including professional and business services, business intelligence and analytics, professional staffing and value-added resellers. WMG Capital invests in well-respected companies that are leaders within their markets. They look for companies with strong brands, excellent client relationships, expertise in vertical niches, experienced management teams and solid employee bases. They partner with management to transform companies by implementing higher value services models, creating integrated product/service solutions and streamlining operations. WMG also assists in introducing new customers or alliance partners, establishing new sales channels and penetrating new industry verticals. This approach of partnering with management enables the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders. WMG's focus is on companies with $25-150 million of revenue, though they opportunistically consider larger and smaller transactions.

Ceres Venture Fund invests in companies located in the midwestern region of the United States. The firm focuses on healthcare, information technology and business services sectors. It participates in early stage capital requirements.

HPA invests in companies located in the United States, primarily in Midwest. The firm focuses on technology, healthcare, business, financial services, consumer and industrial products. It participates in seed and early stage capital requirements.

Talent Drive LLC is a private company based in Chicago, IL.

Operates as an art conservation laboratory

Provides an intelligent referral marketing platform solutions

Functions as a College/University

Communities In Schools of Chicago is a nonprofit organization that empowers over 80,000 students annually across 250 public schools by surrounding them with a supportive community to help them stay in school and succeed in life. The non-profit company is based in Chicago, IL. The organization also offers initiatives such as student recognition awards, internships for graduate students, and corporate engagement opportunities. It emphasizes social justice, integrity, and collaboration with school leaders, community partners, and a dedicated leadership team, and provides training, research, and advocacy opportunities. Founded in 1988, the organization operates two primary programs: the partnership program, which connects students and families to a network of over 2,000 community resources addressing mental health, academic support, enrichment, wellness, and essential needs; and the intensive program, which embeds staff in 40 schools to provide individualized, case-managed support focused on improving attendance, behavior, grades, and social-emotional skills.