Meet Sam Guren

We are pleased to announce a new addition to the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center’s consulting team.

Sam Guren has joined us as Executive-in-Residence, after an extensive career in venture capital and private equity. His experience with investments in early stage companies, growth firms, and buyout opportunities will be a valuable addition to the Coleman Center’s consulting capabilities.

Sam started in private equity in 1975, with Continental Illinois Venture Corporation (CIVC). During his tenure with CIVC, where he was second in command, the firm’s investments ranged from Apple Computer to Yoplait to Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts. Sam was an early investor in the retail industry, which has been a focus that has continued throughout his career. In 1981, he was recruited by William Blair to co-found and manage William Blair Venture Partners (WBVP), and made investments ranging from the founding of The Sports Authority to the buyout of Sanford Corporation to various technology, healthcare and cable television companies. Sam managed the Baird Capital Funds I and II from 1996 to 1999, when he joined Allied Capital, managing its Chicago office until 2002.

He earned his BA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. In 2007, Sam was honored by the Illinois Venture Capital Association with the Stanley C. Golder Medal, which recognizes “profound and lasting contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois”.