Darren Snyder has over twenty-four years of private equity experience across six committed funds. He is the Founding Partner of Fremont Growth Partners, responsible for investment origination, due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation of majority and minority private equity investments.Darren formerly had origination and portfolio management responsibility sitting on the investment committee for Prairie Capital, with Board-level responsibilities for 20+ companies across Prairie’s first six funds. Darren is currently a Senior Advisor to Prairie and is a director for two portfolio companies, Tower Engineering Professionals and Stylecraft Home Decor.Prior to joining Prairie, Darren spent six years working closely with privately-held businesses as a Vice President for American National Bank (now JP Morgan Chase). While with ANB, Darren financed leveraged buyouts, venture backed firms, and managed a portfolio of middle market loans. Darren has served on the board of the Small Business Investment Alliance (SBIA). He is also the former Chairman and board member of the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA), serving as Chair of the legislative committee and the PAC.Darren graduated magna cum laude from Drake University with a BA in Economics, received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School, and continues to be active with the university, guest lecturing in private equity classes and acting as a judge in the New Venture Challenge competition. Darren, his wife and three boys live in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. In addition to his responsibilities at Prairie, Darren was President of the founding board of Polaris Charter Academy, a free, public school option for K-8 children in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. He is also an active Board member of the Lookingglass Theatre and serves as a Trustee for the Latin School of Chicago.Specialties: Mergers and Acquisitions, Deal Sourcing, Investment Underwriting, Purchase and Debt Contract Negotiation, Strategic Guidance, Board Governance, Audit and Compensation Board Committee Chair