Welcome to Jim Conti, our new Talent Partner!

Jim brings deep expertise in talent management to the HPVP team. As the first talent hire at Sprout Social, a Chicago-based software startup, Jim established and led the entire people function while growing the team to over 450 employees. He most recently served as the VP of Talent at dscout, another Chicago-based software startup. While there, Jim built and oversaw recruitment, talent management, diversity and inclusion, culture, HR, and benefits strategy areas. The impact of his work is seen in Sprout and dscout’s awards from Glassdoor, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago, and Built in Chicago.

As HPVP’s first Talent Partner, Jim will work directly with our portfolio in areas such as talent acquisition, talent management, organization design, compensation and culture. He’ll also work closely with founders to help them prioritize their talent strategy — including diversity, equity, and inclusion practices — early in their company’s journey.

“Jim has rich experience growing leading tech teams in Chicago,” said Guy Turner, Managing Partner at HPVP. “He has hit the ground running and will help our companies build their critical talent functions with proven best practices.”

On the other side of his role, Jim will focus on developing an in-depth, highly engaged network of startup operators and leaders in the mid-continent. Through this network, he’ll help HPVP startups gain access to the best talent in the mid-continent as well as help talented operators find their next journey.

Jim is a connector: “As a human resources and talent professional, I love hearing people’s stories and helping make their goals come to life,” said Jim. “I’m excited to take that passion to a broader network and help founders build the teams they need, as well as help potential team members and executives connect to the roles of their dreams.”

Hyde Park Venture Partners is thrilled to have Jim on our team. As we say to our companies, an investment in talent is a gift that keeps giving, and we know our companies will love working with Jim.