Stephen Vivian

Steve Vivian serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Strategy Department at the Kellogg School of Management. He has been an active investor and advisor to growth-oriented businesses for over 25 years.

He is also Principal & Founder of Kestrel Capital Group, an independent sponsor private investment firm focused on buying and holding businesses with established or emerging leadership positions in their end markets. In most instances, the companies he invests in or consults with, are transitioning from family or founder ownership. Steve occasionally serves an active role in the businesses he invests in, including present roles in General Assembly & Manufacturing Corp. as well as KW Custom Controls. He also advises companies on many aspects of growth and selectively consults founders and owners in the sale of their businesses.

Mr. Vivian has been an active industry leader, having served as a past Chairman of the Small Business Investors Alliance, or SBIA (formerly the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies, or, NASBIC) and various leadership roles at the Illinois Venture Capital Association.

Steve received both an MBA and a BS in General Engineering (now Systems Engineering & Design) from the University of Illinois, Urbana / Champaign.

Education

M.B.A., 1997, Entrepreneurship & Finance Concentrations, University of Illinois
B.S., 1991, General Engineering (now Systems Engineering & Design), University of Illinois

Professional Experience

Kestrel Capital Group, Principal & Founder, 2011 - Present
Board Member, Managing Director & Secretary, General Assembly & Manufacturing Corp., 2023 - Present
Board Member, KW Custom Controls, 2018 - Present
Board Member, OttLite Technologies, 2015 - 2023
Board Member, First Stop Health, 2013 - 2022
Board Member, Banner Service Corp., 2001 - 2012
Board Member / Observer, Fieldglass, 2000 - 2010
Board Member, HighBeam Research, 2002 - 2008
Prism Capital, Partner, 1999 - 2024
Associate, Leveraged Finance, Banc of America Securities, 1997 - 1999
Territory Manager, Parker Hannifin Corp., 1991 - 1995