Chicago Buyside Tech / Tech Services Investing

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a rundown of Chicago-based buyside firms that invest in tech or tech-enabled services, including generalist roles with tech exposure:

Private Equity (PE) Firms

1. GTCR - Known for its focus on tech and tech-enabled services, among other industries. A top-tier firm in Chicago.
2. Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP) - Another major player with significant investments in tech and software.
3. BDT & Company - While more family office-style, they have a mix of advisory and PE, including tech-related investments.
4. Flexpoint Ford - Focuses on financial services and healthcare but has exposure to tech-enabled services.
5. Shore Capital Partners - Invests in healthcare, food, and tech-enabled services.
6. Vistria Group - Focuses on education, healthcare, and tech-enabled services.
7. Water Street Healthcare Partners - Primarily healthcare-focused but includes tech-enabled healthcare services.

Venture Capital (VC) Firms

1. Pritzker Group Venture Capital - Invests in early to growth-stage tech companies.
2. Jump Capital - Focuses on tech, including software, fintech, and data-driven businesses.
3. Chicago Ventures - Early-stage VC with a focus on tech startups.
4. Hyde Park Venture Partners - Invests in early-stage tech companies, particularly in the Midwest.

Growth Equity (GE) Firms

1. Sterling Partners - Focuses on growth-stage companies, including tech-enabled services.
2. Avathon Capital - Invests in education and tech-enabled services.

Family Offices (FO)

1. Pritzker Private Capital - Invests in middle-market companies, including tech-enabled services.
2. BDT Capital Partners - Combines family office and PE-style investments, including tech.

Limited Partners (LP)

While LPs are less directly involved in operational investing, Chicago has several institutional investors and family offices that allocate capital to tech-focused funds.

Work-Life Balance (WLB) Considerations

For better WLB, consider smaller firms or those with a family office structure (e.g., BDT & Company, Pritzker Private Capital). These firms often have a more balanced culture compared to mega-funds (MFs).

If you’re open to generalist roles, many of the firms listed above have exposure to tech while maintaining a broader investment focus. Let me know if you’d like further details on any specific firm!

Sources: Jefferies SA 2023, Top Industrials Shops in Chicago - Top IB Chicago, Chicago BB and EB Ranking, Chicago PE firms (comprehensive list and tiers)