On June 21, 2017, Handler Thayer, LLP hosted its 3rd Annual Family Office Private Capital Forum at the University Club in Chicago, Illinois. Steven J. Thayer, Partner, at Handler Thayer, welcomed over 200 participants including single family offices, multi-family offices, advisers, and entrepreneurs. The primary purpose of the conference was to educate families offices about how to approach the world of private investments. Mr. Thayer noted that while there are some 4,500 public companies, there are over 6,000,000 private companies. Finding opportunities in the private market requires a good team that is humble, hungry and smart, Thayer commented, after giving due credit to Patrick Lencioni and his new book, The Ultimate Team Player. The event also included a shark tank like Company Competition with 9 companies presenting their business concepts in front of a panel of 6 judges. Cavendish Global, Elmspring Accelerator, and 500 Start-Ups, all participated in the Company Competition portion. The event ended with a cruise aboard the Odyssey Cruise Ship on Lake Michigan.
