Chicago Investment Firm Secured New Growth Capital
VestGen Wealth Partners raised capital to expand its platform for financial advisory practices.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Chicago-based VestGen Wealth Partners received growth capital from Willow Tree Credit Partners to fund ongoing mergers and acquisitions. The firm has grown to oversee 19 advisory practices.
Why it matters
The influx of capital supports the platform as it acquires businesses from retiring advisors, providing a structured transition for their clients. This consolidation effort aims to maintain continuity for household investors as senior advisors move into mentor roles.
VestGen Wealth Partners now manages $8.5 billion in assets across 19 firms, up from the $5.3 billion held by 10 practices at its late 2024 inception. The total dollar value of the new capital from Willow Tree Credit Partners remains undisclosed.
The players
VestGen Wealth Partners
A Chicago-based registered investment advisor platform that acquires practices to assist with advisor succession.
Willow Tree Credit Partners
A private credit firm providing growth capital to support financial services mergers and acquisitions.
Jason Hanavan
The current chief executive officer who succeeded the firm's founder in 2026.
Josh Gerry
The founder and former chief executive officer of the firm who stepped down in 2026.
The details
The platform functions by purchasing advisory practices from senior professionals planning to retire, allowing them to serve as consultants to younger peers during a handover period. This model facilitates the transfer of client relationships to next-generation advisors while keeping the local practices operational. The newly secured capital will accelerate this acquisition strategy, increasing the firm's capacity to integrate more practices into its platform.
Timeline
VestGen was founded in December 2024.
The firm launched a retirement plan advice division in 2025.
Josh Gerry stepped down as chief executive in 2026.
Money Landscape
The firm's expansion follows the broader trend of independent wealth management firms consolidating to manage succession planning. This activity reflects a shift toward platforms designed to bridge the gap between retiring advisors and the next generation of professionals.
If your financial advisor participates in a platform acquisition, you should clarify how this transition affects your existing fee structure and account management. Discuss any changes to your service continuity or investment philosophy with a qualified tax or financial professional.
The takeaway
Consolidation in the wealth management sector is accelerating as firms seek to solve advisor retirement challenges. Ensure you understand if your personal financial advisor is part of a larger platform acquisition and how that affects your long-term service agreements.
Further reading
For more on managing transitions, visit the Financial Planning section.
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