ISF Boot Camp - Chicago

September 9, 2025 | 8:00am - 6:00pm CT
Hilton Chicago | Chicago, IL

Apply to attend ISF Boot Camp >

The ISF Emerging Independent Sponsor Boot Camp is an immersive executive education style initiative designed and launched by the Independent Sponsor Forum (ISF) and developed BY leading independent sponsors, leveraging their deep expertise, to provide those who are new to the strategy with critical insights, best practices, effective strategies, valued networks and frameworks for success.

Curriculum Advisors

• David Acharya, Managing Partner, Acharya Capital
• Omar Akbar, Partner, Aperion Management
• Richard Baum, Managing Partner, Consumer Growth Partners
• Max DeZara, Founder & Managing Partner, Akoya Capital
• Bruce Lipian, Managing Director, StoneCreek Capital
• Jeffrey Piper, Managing Director, LXP
• Darren Snyder, Partner, Fremont Partners
• Doug Song, Managing Partner, Prodos Capital
• Josh Welk, Founder & Managing Partner, Full Guard

Curriculum

The one-day curriculum will guide you through understanding and planning for the unique challenges and opportunities presented when investing on a deal by deal basis without a committed fund.

1. What It Takes to Become an Independent Sponsor - Investment Frameworks, Commitment & Strategies
2. Models for Sourcing Your Deals & Adding Value
3. Types of Capital in the Market and Building Your Capital Stack on a Deal by Deal Basis
4. IOI & LOI: Nuances of Staging Diligence & Negotiating the Deal
5. Sourcing Capital, Structuring the Deal & Understanding What’s Market in Deal Terms
6. Key Governance Considerations & Alignment of Interests Unique to Independent Sponsor Led Deals
7. Independent Sponsor Strategies for Growing the Business with an Exit in Mind

To foster valued relationship building in the lower middle market, the day will culminate with a networking reception bringing you together with independent sponsor-friendly capital providers and established independent sponsors who are attending the ISF Chicago Deal Series event the next day.

Eligibility

Successful applicants will possess an investment thesis and will have:

• A professional background, at a minimum of a principal level, in private equity, corporate development, operations/industry or investment banking.
• Departed their prior role and be focused exclusively on the independent sponsor role (limited exceptions will be considered)
• Not yet completed an independent deal or only recently completed a first deal.

Pricing

• ISF Member: $695
• Non-Member: $945

Apply to attend ISF Boot Camp >

The Boot Camp occurs one day prior to the ISF Chicago Deal Series event on September 10 which brings together pre-vetted capital providers and independent sponsors for a day of 1:1 meetings.

Please contact Independent Sponsor Forum Executive Director Stephanie McAlaine at stephanie@sbia.org with questions.

Please note: Membership in ISF is included for those who pay the non-member rate.