The Independent Sponsor Awards

Recognizing excellence & outstanding achievement across the independent sponsor market.

On March 15, 2026, the independent sponsor community gathered in Miami to recognize the individuals, firms and transactions that defined the year.

Nine awards. Each one judged independently by a panel of sponsors, capital providers and advisors.

The Independent Sponsor Awards recognize the deals and dealmakers moving the lower middle market forward, from sourcing and structuring to value creation and long-term contribution to the market.

Inquire About The 2027 Awards

Our 2026 Winners

Deal of the Year

Winner

Blackford Capital
Emerging Independent Sponsor

Winner

Jeff Taylor, Mansfield Investment Partners
Independent Sponsor of the Year

Winner

Martin Stein, Blackford Capital
Capital Provider of the Year

Winner

Matt Harnett, Tecum Capital
Innovation in Deal Structuring Award

Winner

Douglas Lancey, Tamarix Capital Partners
Excellence in Sourcing Award

Winner

Matt Harnett, Tecum Capital
Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner

Sylvie Gadant, Citrin Cooperman
Social Impact Award

Winner

Azhar Quader, Queens Court Capital
Value Creation Award

Winner

Rafael De Paoli, FCP Capital Partners

Watch the 2026 Highlights

2027 Categories

The Awards showcase achievement across the independent sponsor ecosystem, from standout transactions to the sponsors and capital providers behind them. Winners are announced at The Independent Sponsor Summit Miami 2027.