Chicago, IL, October 27, 2026 – Prospect Partners has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Founder-Friendly Investors list, which recognizes private equity firms, venture capital firms, and lenders with demonstrated track records of supporting founder-led companies.
The prestigious Founder-Friendly Investors list celebrates the investors and firms that work closely with entrepreneurs and remain engaged with the businesses they back. Honorees are recognized for their approach to partnering with founders and supporting their companies through growth and beyond.
"With the current funding environment and rapid changes facing growing companies, founders are looking for more than just capital from their investors. They want true partners who believe in their business, but who are also able to provide the critical advisement and strategic support they need to reach their potential," says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. "The 2026 Founder-Friendly Investor awards celebrate those firms –– the ones committed to partnership, excellence, and helping founder-led companies grow."
"It is an honor to be recognized by Inc. as a Founder-Friendly Investor. For more than 28 years, Prospect has partnered with passionate entrepreneurs and management teams in the pre-lower middle market on recapitalizations, build-ups, and generational transitions, and this recognition belongs as much to them as it does to us," said Erik Maurer, Partner at Prospect Partners.
"We hold ourselves to a high standard because the founders we work with do the same," said Brad O’Dell, Partner at Prospect Partners. "We try to approach every situation the way they do: looking for solutions, embracing change, and staying committed to long-term success. We’re grateful to the founders who have trusted us with their partnership, and we're proud to be part of the legacy they continue to build."
Two founders who have partnered with Prospect shared their own experiences: the leaders of former portfolio companies All Glass & Windows and Bland Landscaping Co.
"Prospect Partners has a passion for founder-led businesses," said Chris Harris, CEO and co-founder of All Glass & Windows. "They provide the resources and support entrepreneurs need to grow, and just as important, they are a partner we can trust and collaborate with. They respected our vision and helped our business thrive. This recognition from Inc. is well deserved."
"As a second-generation family business, we needed a partner who respected what we'd built," said Kurt Bland, President of Bland Landscaping Co. "Prospect Partners backed our leadership, kept us at the table as owners, and helped us grow across the Carolinas and beyond. Founders couldn't ask for a better partner, and this recognition proves it."
For more information on our team, please visit our team page here.
For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors.
About the Award
To compile the Founder-Friendly Investors list, Inc. went straight to the source: entrepreneurs who have sold to private equity and venture capital firms. Founders completed questionnaires about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and shared data on how their companies have performed during these partnerships. The resulting list highlights investors that founders identified as strong partners throughout the investment process.
About Prospect Partners
Founded in 1998, Prospect Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on partnering with passionate entrepreneurs to build exceptional companies in the pre-lower middle market. With a long track record of partnering on recapitalizations, build-ups, and generational transitions, Prospect brings deep operational and financial expertise to every investment.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.