Kristina Heinze, a partner and co-founder of ParkerGale Capital in Chicago, says she feels fortunate that, unlike some larger funds, she doesn’t have to chase acquisitions to get deals done.

“It’s becoming increasingly competitive for deals; there’s no shortage of capital out there,” Heinze observes. “It’s definitely a situation where not only are valuations pretty darn high, but you have such an overhang that some people—in my mind—are paying way too much.”

Before starting ParkerGale in 2014, Heinze worked for 11 years at Chicago Growth Partners, where she was a principal. She was also part of the original team at Chicago Growth, which was spun out of William Blair Capital Partners in 2004. Before that, Heinze worked for two years at Credit Suisse First Boston, where she was on the business services investment banking team.

Among ParkerGale’s recent deals were investments in Profisee, a founder-owned master data management software solution that was acquired without an auction process, and OnePlus Systems, an Internet-of-things business that tracks garbage levels in dumpsters. The PE firm generally invests $20 million to $40 million of equity in each deal and focuses on technology companies.

Heinze is proud that she’s been able to stay true to her investment philosophy and remain prudent. “For those who have more capital and need to do a higher velocity, it’s tough,” she admits. “You have to find a way to stand out. Just having the check anymore? That doesn’t mean anything.”

An activist, Heinze serves on the Midwest Steering Committee of the Private Equity Women Investor Network (PEWIN) and on the boards for Profisee, OnePlus Systems and Paramount Services. Named for the second time in Mergers & Acquisitions roll call of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, she was also named to M&A Advisor’s 40 under 40 list in 2016.

Heinze received her B.A. from the University of Illinois.