Chicago, Illinois - United States
IndustryInvestment
Bio
A venture capitalist with over 20 years of success as co-manager and lead technology investor at William Blair Capital Partners (WBCP), at Machrie Enterprises, Ellen provides angel capital, expertise and extensive connections to growth businesses and VC funds. She serves as a Sr. Advisor to funds, including Chicago Ventures (and predecessor I2A Fund), a seed/early stage venture capital fund financing the next wave of companies in the region. She has been a director of 25 public & private companies, currently working with three. Prior to joining WBCP, she was Vice President of Marketing at SPSS (analytical software) and held management roles in financial services. Passionate about the community, she serves(d) on numerous boards including the Illinois Venture Capital Association (2010 Chair), Communities in Schools Chicago; and, The Metropolitan Planning Council. She graduated as salutatorian from the University of Notre Dame, and received an MBA from the University of Chicago.