Chris Cochrane

EcoMap delivers transformative ecosystem intelligence fostering stronger, more dynamic communities. Its AI-powered platform is uniquely designed for the complex demands of leading regional innovation hubs, state economic developers, ecosystem builders and industry leaders. Unlike traditional approaches, EcoMap offers integrated cutting-edge solutions, including AI Ecosystem Mapping, the Ecosystem Relationship Manager (ERM), Ecosystem Chatbot, and the advanced Ecosystem Intelligence™ suite with products like the Nonprofit Intelligence Dashboard. These tools empower comprehensive development efforts across entrepreneurship, small business, advanced industries, and workforce and community development. Known for its forward-thinking approach and solutions, EcoMap provides a future-forward platform that’s easier to use, faster to implement, and built for the nuanced, evolving needs of todays economic development landscape. Learn more at www.ecomap.tech. Ecosystem Intelligence™ is a trademark of EcoMap Technologies.

Since 2004, Cliffwater has been a leader in alternatives. Through our proprietary research, continued innovation, and valued reputation, we continue to lead and evolve how institutions and individual investors alike understand and access opportunities in private markets. We believe a repeatable process and consistent team collaboration lead to better investment outcomes across market conditions.

Alice in Ivory is a Chicago bridal boutique housing the sweetest selection of gowns from the most beautiful sought-after designers in the industry.

EcoMap delivers transformative ecosystem intelligence fostering stronger, more dynamic communities. Its AI-powered platform is uniquely designed for the complex demands of leading regional innovation hubs, state economic developers, ecosystem builders and industry leaders. Unlike traditional approaches, EcoMap offers integrated cutting-edge solutions, including AI Ecosystem Mapping, the Ecosystem Relationship Manager (ERM), Ecosystem Chatbot, and the advanced Ecosystem Intelligence™ suite with products like the Nonprofit Intelligence Dashboard. These tools empower comprehensive development efforts across entrepreneurship, small business, advanced industries, and workforce and community development. Known for its forward-thinking approach and solutions, EcoMap provides a future-forward platform that’s easier to use, faster to implement, and built for the nuanced, evolving needs of todays economic development landscape. Learn more at www.ecomap.tech. Ecosystem Intelligence™ is a trademark of EcoMap Technologies.

Benford Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of lower middle market companies. The BCP team has over 80 years of combined experience buying and scaling businesses. The BCP Team is a group of committed investment and operating professionals with significant experience acquiring, building, and operating lower middle market companies. The team utilizes its collective experience, background, knowledge base, and networks to help each portfolio company achieve long-term success. BCP partners with founders, family owners and managers to grow smaller companies over time. As engaged stewards and partners, we seek to build businesses and invest in people while preserving each company’s legacy and culture. We pride ourselves in being straightforward, consistent, forthright and partnership oriented. We strongly believe in a collaborative approach to building long-term value, with day-to-day decisions left to management. Toward that end, we take an active role at the Board of Directors level, focusing on growth opportunities, acquisitions, recruiting, strategy and financing. In situations involving Owner/Operator transitions, we often will draw upon our relationships with experienced outside managers seeking to take an active full-time role in a company. Our investment time horizon is flexible and aligned with management’s goals over shorter or longer time-frames. We believe in long-term value creation and have longer average investment periods.

Founded in 1996, Antares has been a leader in private credit for nearly three decades. Today with approximately $80 billion* of capital under management and administration as of December 31, 2024, Antares is an experienced and cycle-tested alternative credit manager. With one of the most seasoned teams in the industry, Antares is focused on delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors and creating long-term value for all of its partners. The firm maintains offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and London. Visit Antares at www.antares.com. Antares Capital is a subsidiary of Antares Holdings LP, (collectively, “Antares”). Any comments on posts or threads on Antares’ LinkedIn page, whether acknowledging our achievements, business initiatives, or other enterprise news, may be from our existing clients and provider relationships and should not be deemed as an endorsement or testimonial. *Antares Capital London Limited is an appointed representative of Langham Hall Fund Management LLP, an entity which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the UK