2026 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Presented By: Morgan Stanley
Roger Berry
Founder & CEO
Terry Collins
Founder and Board Member
Sudoc
Roger Berry and Terry Collins are two founders of Sudoc, a Pittsburgh-based chemical company dedicated to replacing toxic chemicals with sustainable alternatives that benefit both humanity and the planet. Since launching the company in 2020, Roger, as founder and CEO, and Terry, as creator-founder and board member, have guided the development of Sudoc’s breakthrough molecule, taml, enabling safer solutions for mold remediation, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceutical waste mineralization. The company’s $10 million early-stage financing, led by PureTerra Ventures and Momentum Capital, is supporting global expansion and entry into European markets. Together, their leadership is translating cutting-edge science into scalable, real-world environmental impact.
Jake Klinvex
Co-Founder & Board Member
withSoul
Jake Klinvex is a two-time founder and accomplished technology leader whose career is defined by building and scaling innovative AI-driven businesses. As co-founder of withSoul, Jake helped create a platform that leveraged advanced AI to transform content discovery, personalization, and engagement for faith-based publishers and media organizations. The acquisition of withSoul by Gloo reflects a strong strategic alignment around mission, values, and the responsible use of technology to serve the “big C” Church. Following the transaction, Jake continues to drive impact as Head of AI Product at Gloo, where his vision and expertise are helping expand trusted, values-aligned AI solutions across the faith ecosystem.
Jonathan Steckbeck
Founder, CEO & President
Peptilogics
Jonathan Steckbeck is the founder, CEO, and president of Peptilogics, a Pittsburgh-based biotechnology company advancing a novel peptide platform to address multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Since founding the company in 2013, Jonathan has led Peptilogics from early discovery through significant clinical momentum, including a $78 million Series B2 financing led by Presight Capital, Founders Fund, and Thiel Bio. The raise supports the company’s Phase 2/3 pivotal trial of zaloganan (PLG0206), an investigational treatment for prosthetic joint infections. Jonathan’s leadership has attracted top-tier investors and positioned Peptilogics at the forefront of next-generation anti-infective therapeutics.
Larry Toscano
CEO/Founder/Co-Owner
Barchemy
Larry Toscano is the founder and CEO of Barchemy, a category-defining manufacturer of better-for-you chocolate and confectionery ingredients serving many of the fastest-growing brands in the nutrition and snack space. Under his leadership, Barchemy has become known for its speed, flexibility, and deeply consultative approach to custom-formulated, protein-fortified chocolate solutions. The strategic partnership with Avance Investment Management reflects a shared commitment to founder-led growth, customer-first values, and long-term innovation. With Larry retaining significant ownership and leadership, the partnership positions Barchemy to expand capacity, strengthen its team, and accelerate growth—while preserving the culture and capabilities that made the company an industry leader.
Patrick Welch
CEO
Noveome
Patrick Welch is the CEO of Noveome Biotherapeutics, a Pittsburgh-based company advancing novel biotherapeutic products designed to treat inflamed and damaged tissues. Since joining the leadership team, Patrick has guided Noveome through a period of significant growth and clinical progress, culminating in a $51 million Series E financing led by long-time, local Pittsburgh investors, and New York based MAK Capital. The raise supports the advancement of Noveome’s clinical-stage program targeting necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious unmet medical need. Under Patrick’s leadership, the company has strengthened its scientific and clinical foundation while attracting strong institutional support, positioning Noveome for its next phase of development and long-term impact in biotherapeutics.
Thomas Womble
CEO
Liberty Tire Recycling
Liberty Tire Recycling is a Pittsburgh-headquartered environmental services leader dedicated to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals through large-scale tire recycling solutions. Liberty has grown into a nationwide platform with a robust network of processing plants and a workforce of more than 3,500 employees. The company’s $1.5 billion acquisition by I Squared Capital represents a major milestone, validating Liberty’s essential role in circular economy infrastructure. With continued strategic acquisitions and operational expansion, Liberty is positioned for long-term growth while advancing environmentally responsible solutions for distributors and tire manufacturers alike.
Social Impact Investing
Tammy Thompson
President & CEO
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
Tammy Thompson is the CEO of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh and a driving force behind innovative social impact investing focused on economic empowerment and generational wealth creation. Under her leadership, Catapult has developed asset-building programs that expand access to homeownership, financial education, credit readiness, home repairs, and savings initiatives for disenfranchised communities. A hallmark of this work is CLEAR, the organization’s groundbreaking Tangled Title program, which helps families secure legal ownership of the homes they already live in. An accomplished entrepreneur and community leader, Tammy’s vision and execution are delivering measurable, lasting change—helping families stabilize, build wealth, and reshape their long-term economic futures.