The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in the D.C. Capital Region.
In addition, The D.C. Capital Region Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners on September 4 at the D.C. Capital Region Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the D.C. Capital Region business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Haley Bryant, Partner, Hustle Fund. Venture capital leader Haley Bryant, Partner at Hustle Fund, is redefining pre-seed investing in the D.C. ecosystem and beyond. Hustle Fund stands out as one of the most active early-stage firms, backing more companies and inviting a new generation of diverse investors through its Angel Squad program. With Haley at the forefront, Hustle is fueling the next wave of bold founders and building one of the most inclusive venture communities in the country.
Benjamin Carson Jr., Co-Founder & Partner, FVLCRUM Funds. Private equity leader Benjamin Carson Jr., Co-Founder of FVLCRUM Funds, completed the acquisition of Burrell Communications alongside View Park Capital. This milestone deal brings one of the nation’s top multicultural marketing agencies into FVLCRUM’s growing portfolio, aligning impact with financial returns. With Benjamin’s commitment to bridging the racial wealth gap, this acquisition expands opportunity, influence, and market reach while honoring Burrell’s legacy as a leader in connecting with diverse audiences.
Robert Johnston, Co-Founder of Adlumin. Cybersecurity innovator Robert Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO of Adlumin, led the company through its $270 million acquisition by N-able. By combining Adlumin’s cutting-edge security operations platform with N-able’s trusted IT and data protection tools, the deal sets a new benchmark for managed services providers and internal IT teams. This powerful integration strengthens N-able’s cybersecurity portfolio, accelerates recurring revenue growth, and delivers next-level insights and remediation across IT environments. Congratulations, Robert!
Matt Jones, CFO Seekr. Financial strategist Matt Jones, CFO of Seekr, guided the company’s $17.3 million raise led by AMD Ventures and Danu Venture Group — at a pre-money valuation of $1.2 billion. The deal positions Seekr as a major force in AI-powered technology and media solutions, while drawing new institutional support for its growth trajectory. With Matt’s steady leadership and a world-class investor base, Seekr is scaling innovation that’s shaping the future of search and digital engagement.
Robert McComas, President of The H.C. McComas Fuel Company. The H.C. McComas Fuel Company, an oil distribution and HVAC services business founded in 1871, was acquired by Griffith Energy Services. The deal added McComas’ geography and capabilities to Griffith’s, helping to further expand its service reach across the Mid-Atlantic. Today, Griffith, founded in 1898 as a coal and ice provider, is one of the region’s leading energy providers with 14 locations across five states.
Pallabi Saboo, Co-Founder, Co-Owner, Strategic Advisor and Board Member of Harmonia Holdings Group. Serial entrepreneur Pallabi Saboo, founder of Harmonia Holdings Group, has spent over 25 years building, scaling, and exiting companies across the DELMARVA region and beyond. With deep expertise in private equity partnerships and M&A integration, she has successfully steered multiple acquisitions and exits while earning national recognition as a trailblazing leader. Pallabi’s vision, resilience, and track record of growth continue to inspire entrepreneurs and executives across industries.
Nate Scott, CFO of [solidcore]. [solidcore] is the nation’s leading high-intensity, low-impact strength training workouts on a custom-built reformer. Last year, [solidcore] was acquired by L Catterton, marking a major milestone in the brand’s growth journey. Nate Scott, the company’s CFO, played a major role in transaction. Since then, [solidcore] has achieved record performance, driven by significant membership gains, strong client loyalty and a continually expanding footprint. In 2025, [solidcore] will open 32 new studios nationwide and will continue that momentum with another 30 openings planned for 2026.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame
Phil Bonner. Phil Bronner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ardent Venture Partners, has built a career defined by innovation, investment and impact. With more than two decades in venture capital and entrepreneurship, he has backed companies at the forefront of fintech, SaaS, and marketplaces, including 2U, Infoblox and SolidFire. He also founded and sold Quad Learning, giving him an operator’s perspective that informs his work with founders today. Phil’s portfolio spans high-growth startups like Crux Climate and Givebutter, and he continues to serve on multiple boards while helping entrepreneurs scale responsibly and strategically. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon, Penn Law and Wharton, he combines technical, legal, and business expertise with a passion for building diverse leadership pipelines. His track record underscores not just investment success, but a commitment to shaping the next generation of industry-defining companies. Congratulations, Phil!
Alain Chetrit. Alain Chetrit has spent more than three decades building ventures that marry business success with global impact. He co-founded LabConnect, a clinical trial services company accelerating drug development, and Brochet Capital Partners, a hedge fund focused on public equities. Beyond business, Alain has championed social good through the Knowledge Impact Network, which empowers executives to apply their expertise toward solving pressing global challenges in partnership with YPO and other mission-driven communities. He also launched the YPO Global Impact initiative and continues to mobilize knowledge, capital, and networks for high-impact projects worldwide. From pioneering retail and technology ventures to redefining how business leaders engage in philanthropy, Alain’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to scaling ideas that matter.
Jeff Grass. Jeff Grass is an entrepreneur and dealmaker who has co-founded and led four VC-backed ventures over the past 25 years, raising nearly $200 million and achieving three successful exits. As CEO of HUNGRY Marketplace, he has driven a series of acquisitions — including NatureBox, Garten, and Foodee — that have positioned the company as a national leader in workplace food solutions. His earlier ventures, from LiveSafe to buySAFE, reflect his passion for building purpose-driven, people-centered businesses with bold visions and real-world impact. Jeff’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom — he serves on university, health care and nonprofit boards while staying deeply connected to the YPO community. Anchored by a belief that business can and should make the world better, he has inspired teams, investors, and communities alike.
James Quigley. James Quigley, Founder and CEO of GoCanvas, has spent his career building and scaling transformative wireless and technology companies. Before launching GoCanvas, he helped grow Aether Systems, Orbcomm, Peak Technologies and inCode Wireless — later acquired by VeriSign. Along the way, he has been honored as one of the “Top 50 CEOs” by the Center for Innovative Technology, a “Top 20 Global Executive” by CLO Magazine & World Supply Chain Forum, and an InformationWeek “IT Hero” for his innovative mobile solutions. James also co-founded Refraction and serves on multiple boards while contributing to economic development in Northern Virginia. A former U.S. Naval Reserve Officer and graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, his career reflects both service and entrepreneurship at the highest levels. His legacy is one of building businesses that drive innovation, resilience, and community impact.
Nneka Ukpai. Nneka Ukpaiis an investor, adviser and entrepreneur whose career spans law, finance, and technology. She serves as a Co-founding Venture Partner at Springboard Enterprises with 28 IPOs, Board Member at Laxxon Medical with over 230 patents, Adviser at Kevin Durant's Passbook Ventures, and Shareholder at 1/0 Capital. A two-time tech founder and angel investor, she has supported startups and accelerators across industries while also helping create My Founder's Keeper and Better Opportunity Fund, both dedicated to closing racial and gender wealth gaps. Previously, Nneka was Head of Financial Innovation at Better, the fastest fintech to surpass $100 billion in funded volume, where she led cross-functional teams to reduce barriers to homeownership and improve borrower experiences. A proud Howard University and Harvard Law School alumna, Nneka now serves as teaching faculty on Harvard’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. Since 2015, she has advised on transactions totaling more than $1 billion.
