The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Houston.
In addition, The Houston 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 November 12 at the Houston Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Houston business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Eric Bielke and Paul Sheng, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Fathom Fund. Fathom Fund, a Houston-based venture fund, sits at the intersection of deep tech and energy. Launched in early 2024, under the leadership of Eric and Paul, Fathom raised $110 million to invest in early-stage breakthroughs in aerospace, energy, materials, and computation. In just 18 months, they’ve now completed 13 investments, including Texas startups Nanotech Advanced Materials, Persona AI, and Mythic AI. With their technical insight and bold vision, Eric and Paul are building the next generation of deep tech innovators. Eric will be accepting on behalf of the duo.
William Boffa, Managing Partner, Willistown Capital. William oversaw the acquisition of Quiltcraft in late 2024 — followed by its strategic purchase of competitor Fabtex Inc. in early 2025. Together, the two deals positioned Quiltcraft as a major national player in the hospitality textiles space. With Statesman Corporate Finance advising both sides, these transactions highlight William’s deal acumen and his ability to build market leaders through disciplined, long-term investment strategy.
Stephanie Campbell and Diana Murakhovskaya, Co-Founders of The Artemis Fund. Focused on investing in women-led innovation, The Artemis Fund is a venture capital firm investing in companies building a more resilient future for individuals, families, and businesses. Currently investing out of its second fund — while it raises its third — Stephanie and Diana’s most recent investments — totaling tens of millions — including top-performing portfolio companies HopSkipDrive, Brig, Salvo Health, DRESSX, and Max Retail. The pair’s commitment to backing battle-tested founders developing transformative solutions across fintech, commerce, care technology and the future of work has made Artemis one of the most influential early-stage funds in the country.
Jillian Evanko, President & CEO of Chart Industries. In July 2025, Chart announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by Baker Hughes for $13.6 billion — one of the year’s most significant transactions. The deal strengthens Baker Hughes’ foothold in data center and LNG markets while accelerating the energy transition. Under Jillian’s leadership, Chart Industries has become synonymous with innovation, growth and strategic excellence on a global scale.
Adam Hurley, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Marauder Capital. Earlier this year, Adam and his team at Marauder Capital acquired Mako Lift, a fast-growing manufacturer and service provider of gas lift solutions serving blue-chip energy companies across the Permian Basin, the largest oil-producing region in the U.S. Founded in 2019, Mako has already earned a reputation for innovation, reliability, and service excellence. Adam’s leadership and vision continue to fuel Marauder Capital’s reputation for spotting and scaling standout industrial opportunities.
Mark Thimmig, President & COO of Eco Power Crypto LLC. In partnership with CEO Vincent Collaso, Mark co-led a landmark acquisition of 2,600 oil and gas wells, 570 miles of natural gas pipelines, and 42 compression stations across Ohio and Pennsylvania. This transformative deal merges traditional energy infrastructure with blockchain technology, turning stranded gas into sustainable power for modular data centers. Mark’s forward-thinking leadership is redefining what responsible energy innovation looks like.
Social Impact Award Honoree
Lenny Saizan, Co-Founder & Managing Director of the Urban Capital Network. Launched in 2019, Urban Capital Network provides exclusive yet affordable access to venture capital opportunities typically reserved for institutions and ultra-wealthy investors. With minimums starting at just $15,000, members gain entry into the same top-tier deals that major venture firms and institutional investors fund — but with guidance, transparency, and community built into every step. Through partnerships with leading funds like Mercury Fund and other top institutional investors, UCN co-invests in high-growth companies that are shaping the future of technology, health care, and sustainability. But what truly sets Lenny apart is his commitment to financial empowerment — creating pathways for individuals and families to build generational wealth while learning how venture investing works from the inside out.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame Honorees
Stenning Schuppert, Managing Director, Evolution Strategy Partners. Stenning is a leader who has spent more than 25 years redefining what success looks like in private equity. As Managing Partner of Evolution Strategy Partners, Stenning founded the firm on values often missing from dealmaking — collaboration, open communication and lasting relationships. His career includes senior roles with Altos Partners, Eos Partners, H.I.G. Capital, and as co-founder of CenterGate Capital, a $365 million lower-middle-market firm he helped shape from the ground up. Earlier, at Total Safety, Stenning completed eleven acquisitions and played a key role in the company’s sale from DLJ/Credit Suisse to Warburg Pincus.
Today, he serves as Chairman or Director on several boards, continues mentoring leaders across industries, and remains guided by the same principles he learned as an Eagle Scout — integrity, purpose, and service.
Benjamin Steven Warren, President & CEO of ITC Trading Company Ltd. Benjamin is a visionary entrepreneur and investor with more than three decades of executive leadership across food processing, manufacturing, and distribution. As CEO of a multi-generational family office and investment enterprise, Ben has guided diverse holdings and led market-leading food businesses with operations spanning the United States. His ability to build, manage, and successfully exit complex companies reflects both business acumen and an unwavering commitment to people.
Beyond his boardroom achievements, Ben is a dedicated community leader, deeply involved in organizations that educate, uplift, and empower underserved populations. His work blends enterprise and empathy — creating opportunity while giving back. Through his decades of leadership and service, Ben has demonstrated that true success is measured not only in growth, but in impact.
