Emerging Independent Sponsor Boot Camp | Chicago
September 15, 2026 | 8:00am - 6:00pm CT
Marriott Marquis Chicago | Chicago, IL
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.
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.
Boot Camp Agenda
All times CT
September 15, 2026
Breakfast & Networking
Introductions / Session 1: What It Takes to Be an Independent Sponsor
Max DeZara - Akoya Capital
Session 2: Sourcing the Deal
David Acharya - Acharya Capital Partners
Break
Session 3: Types of Capital / Raising Capital
Erik Ginsberg - Slate Capital Group
Lunch
Session 4: Capital Structures, Diligence & Negotiating
Omar Akbar - Aperion Management
Break
Session 5: Governance and Alignment
Alejandro Capetillo - Agile Growth Equity
Session 6: Faculty Roundtable — Growing the Business with an Exit in Mind
David Acharya - Acharya Capital Partners
Omar Akbar - Aperion Management
Alejandro Capetillo - Agile Growth Equity
Max DeZara - Akoya Capital
Erik Ginsberg - Slate Capital Group
Networking Reception*
*Reception will include 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 (principal level or higher) in private equity, corporate development, operations/industry or investment banking.
- Departed their prior role and is 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: $995 (includes 1-year ISF membership)
LOCATION:
Marriott Marquis Chicago
2121 South Prairie Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616 United States
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Event hotel — Room block sold out
Nearby Hotel Suggestions:
No event room block or negotiated rate is available.
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick — 0.2 mi
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick — 0.2 mi
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place — 0.3 mi
ISF Chicago Deal Series Event- September 16
The Boot Camp occurs one day prior to the ISF Chicago Deal Series event on September 16 which brings together pre-vetted capital providers and independent sponsors for a day of 1:1 meetings. (click here to learn more about ISF Chicago) Â Boot Camp registration includes access to ISF Chicago.
Please contact Independent Sponsor Forum Executive Director Stephanie McAlaine at stephanie@sbia.org with questions.
Thank you to our Chicago Bootcamp Sponsors
529 14th Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20045
Phone: 202-628-5055