On Monday, Crain's reported that Richard "Dick" Kiphart, a former investment banker and active startup investor in Chicago, has died at the age of 75.
Kiphart, the founder of Chicago venture firms KGC Capital and KDWC Ventures and a former William Blair executive, passed away on Saturday, according to Crain's.
Kiphart was very active in the tech community, having invested in startups like High Ground, Office Luv, City Base, Rippleshot and Pangea through KDWC. Kiphart launched KDWC last year with Terry Diamond, Bill Wolf, and Kiphart's son-in-law Chris Capps. Kiphart founded KGC with Capps and has invested in Chicago startups Whittl, ShiftGig, XOR Data Exchange, and Rithmio, among others. Kiphart was also an angel investor in Trustwave, which sold to Singtel for $810 million.
“Dick enjoyed a fabled 50-year career at William Blair and will be remembered for his enthusiasm and passion for investing. He was perennially young at heart, with the ability to inspire clients, colleagues, and anyone lucky enough to meet him,” John Ettelson, president and CEO of William Blair, said in an emailed statement.
“Dick touched so many people, from the halls of William Blair to the far reaches of Africa; from boardrooms of well-established companies to lofts of young entrepreneurs,” Ettelson added.
William Blair added on Twitter that Kiphart "touched our hearts and our lives."
We mourn the loss of our friend and beloved former colleague, Dick Kiphart, who touched our hearts and our lives. pic.twitter.com/cXebTAzDwz
— William Blair (@WilliamBlairCo) September 12, 2016
Others in the Chicago tech community and elsewhere also expressed their condolences as the news broke.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of IVCA member Dick Kiphart who leaves an amazing legacy of commitment to the Chicago Tech community
— Maura O'Hara (@IVCAillinois) September 12, 2016
There was not a nicer person than Dick Kiphart. An old neighbor of mine. Very sad news for me indeed. — Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) September 12, 2016
So sorry to hear of Dick Kiphart's passing. He was a Chicago & Middle Market I-banking institution. #RIP https://t.co/kW80snqYug — Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) September 12, 2016
We are saddened to share that Dick Kiphart, Board of Directors chairman & former President & CEO has passed away. pic.twitter.com/bXxUXv1ubu
— Lyric Opera Chicago (@LyricOpera) September 12, 2016
#Chicago loses a Lion. Richard Kiphart dies at 75. One of the best human beings I have ever met. https://t.co/TAf82zx7hY
— Paul Sznewajs (@psznewajs) September 12, 2016
A great man that was instrumental in @TurboAppeal Longtime Chicago investment banker Richard Kiphart dies at 75 https://t.co/5RLuuuKR9D
— John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) September 12, 2016
Dick was one of a kind. A true humanitarian. An angel. Condolences to the family. https://t.co/26UzDPXnUO
— Jimmy Chamberlin (@jccomplex) September 12, 2016
Brilliant, Humble & Generous. #Chicago IBK Dick Kiphart dies https://t.co/XV0R4o14RH via @crainschicago So very sorry @WilliamBlairCo
— Jack Keenan (@jackkeenaniv) September 13, 2016
saddened to hear of @ifyc board of directors member dick kiphart's passing: https://t.co/D3PTB42EpO
— Josh Simon Goldman (@HiThereItsJosh) September 12, 2016
We'll continue to update this post.
Image via Twitter
