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Chicago startup ecosystem
Explore documented companies, programs, research institutions, and investors connected to Chicago. Superscout does not promise local investment access.
About
Chicago, known for its vibrant startup scene, has given birth to some of the most successful businesses. The city has a flourishing VC ecosystem, providing a conducive environment for new startups to thrive. In recent years, a number of growth-oriented businesses have risen from Chicago, including Groupon, GrubHub, and Basecamp.
Groupon, launched in 2008 by Andrew Mason, Eric Lefkofsky, and Brad Keywell, went public in 2011 and has been one of Chicago’s most successful startup stories. The company offered a platform for local businesses to offer deals to customers, reaching hundreds of cities globally. Similarly, another success story is GrubHub, an online and mobile food delivery platform founded in 2004 by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans. It went public in 2014 and now serves more than 4,000 cities.
On the Venture Capital front, Chicago boasts an active and thriving scene. Firms like Lightbank, started by Andrew Mason and Eric Lefkofsky of Groupon, have contributed significantly to the startup ecosystem. Other influential VC firms in Chicago include Hyde Park Venture Partners and Arch Venture Partners.
Chicago also encourages startup innovation through various initiatives. The city's '1871' initiative, established in 2012, offers a collaborative workspace for digital startups and has received recognition as one of the most prominent tech startup incubator in the world.
One important peculiarity of Chicago’s startup scene is its diversity. Chicago is known for its wide spectrum of industries – from tech to food to finance, supporting a varied mixture of startups and venture capital activities.
This month
On in Chicago this month
16 startup events in the next 30 days, 4 this week, 13 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Wednesday, Nov 4
☕️ 1 Million Cups Chicago ☕️
Chicago Tech Collaborative · TeamWorking by TechNexusFreeWhy Are We Sprinting Off the AI Cliff?
Pride Jia · Austin Branch, Chicago Public LibraryFreeBuild & Tell - Chicago (Claude Code Meetup)
Meetup · Build & Tell · Bitter PopsThursday, Nov 5
79. Tech Pulse 2030-The AI-Powered Enterprise: Transforming HR and the Future of Work
Conference · Xiaochen ZhangFreeSaturday, Nov 7
Why AI is our Ultimate Test and Greatest Invitation
Pride Jia · Jeffery Manor Branch, Chicago Public LibraryFreeStartup ecosystem standing
Where Chicago ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Cities Index (Kearney) | 2025 | #10 | Down 3 | B | Competitiveness, Performance, Talent, Business Climate |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | #15 | Down 1 | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #19 | Down 2 | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) | GSER 2026 | #20 | Down 4 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent, Innovation |
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | #34 | Down 3 | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Cities Index (Oxford Economics) | 2026 | #47 | No prior edition | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
607 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Chicago
Investors 516
Investor
InvestorEmpowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through strategic acquisitions.
InvestorEmpowering entrepreneurs and families through tailored wealth management.
The 3 most prominent of 516. Browse all investors
Incubators 35
IncubatorGlobal innovation hub for technology entrepreneurs.
IncubatorEmpowering hardware and manufacturing entrepreneurs.
IncubatorAccelerating healthcare innovation through collaboration.
The 3 most prominent of 35. Browse all incubators
Accelerators 30
AcceleratorAccelerating pediatric medical device innovation.
AcceleratorAccelerating innovation in real estate technology.
AcceleratorAccelerating growth-stage tech companies in MENA.
The 3 most prominent of 30. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 26
Venture studioVenture studio and builder for technology companies.
Venture studioBuilding businesses through direct customer relationships.
Venture studioBuilding ventures for human flourishing.
The 3 most prominent of 26. Browse all venture studios
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Chicago
UniversityListed in 12 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Chicago
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Chicago
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Chicago
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Chicago
1871 describes a Chicago Merchandise Mart nonprofit hub and reports its community network counts.
Source: AboutWorld Business Chicago's summary reports differing VC funding shares by founder group; its city/regional measurement boundary is unspecified.
Source: A More Equitable & Diverse VC Landscape in ChicagoAxios reported Tempus AI's $411 million IPO in June 2024 and described the company as Chicago-based.
Source: Ex-Groupon CEO raises $411 million in IPO for medicine data companyBuilt In Chicago reported in 2020 on Tempus's Chicago base, AI-enabled precision-medicine platform and $200 million round; figures are historical and attributed.
Source: Google, Others Invest $200M in Tempus, Bringing Its Valuation to $8B+The cited UChicago page describes a seven-week STEM customer-discovery program and graduate-student externship eligibility, without a next-cycle date.
Source: Polsky Center I-Corps ProgramPolsky's February 2026 update records 26 advancing MBA teams and attributed aggregate NVC funding and exit outcomes.
Source: 26 Teams Advance to Classroom Portion of the 2026 New Venture Challenge
Questions about Chicago
How does Chicago rank as a startup ecosystem?
Chicago is #19 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 6 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Chicago?
516 investors based in Chicago have a profile here, including Adams Street Partners, Search Fund Ventures and Cresset. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago has 30 accelerators, 35 incubators and 26 venture studios on record, including Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics, 1871 and Candor Venture Partners (Acq. By Austin Capital).
Which universities are in Chicago?
One university has a profile: University of Chicago.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Chicago
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