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Chicago Ventures is a venture capital firm established in Chicago to support early-stage companies across various industries. Founded with the mission to partner with founders, the firm emphasizes building enduring businesses that can thrive in competitive markets. Chicago Ventures operates primarily in North America, focusing on the United States.
The firm currently manages a portfolio of 10 companies and engages in multiple funding stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A. Chicago Ventures has built a reputation for investing in sectors that are often overlooked, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.
Chicago Ventures invests in early rounds of funding, targeting sectors that are frequently neglected by other investors. Their investment strategy encompasses a diverse range of industries, including logistics, healthcare, fintech, SaaS, consumer, proptech, and mobility. The firm is particularly interested in Supply Chain, Logistics & Warehousing, Healthcare, Fintech, Enterprise Tools, Consumer Media & Entertainment, Data Management, Proptech, Small Business Tools, and Mobility.
Investment checks are characterized by high conviction, reflecting the firm’s commitment to actively participating in the growth of their portfolio companies. Chicago Ventures seeks founders who demonstrate resilience and a clear vision for their businesses, and they prefer to take an active role in guiding these companies through their early stages.
Chicago Ventures has invested in a diverse array of companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Chicago Ventures' focus on sectors that are often overlooked, providing a range of innovative solutions across different industries.
Rob Chesney: Partner at Chicago Ventures, Rob has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in early-stage companies.
Eric Duboe: Partner, Eric specializes in identifying high-potential startups and has a strong background in technology investments.
Ford Johnstone: Associate, Ford supports the investment team in evaluating new opportunities and managing portfolio companies.
Lindsay Knight: Partner, Lindsay brings expertise in operational support and strategic guidance for portfolio companies.
Stuart Larkins: Partner, Stuart focuses on building relationships with founders and providing mentorship throughout the investment process.
Emma Lawler: Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), Emma offers insights from her entrepreneurial background to support portfolio companies.
Kevin Willer: Venture Partner, Kevin has a wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem and provides strategic advice to the firm.
To pitch Chicago Ventures, founders should visit their website and submit their pitch deck through the provided channel. It is advisable to include a concise overview of the business, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks.
What are Chicago Ventures' investment criteria?
Chicago Ventures focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in sectors that are often overlooked. They look for companies in logistics, healthcare, fintech, SaaS, consumer, proptech, and mobility.
How can I pitch to Chicago Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitches through the Chicago Ventures website. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Chicago Ventures different from other VC firms?
Chicago Ventures emphasizes high conviction investments and takes an active role in the companies they support, providing not just funding but also strategic guidance and mentorship.
What is the geographic focus of Chicago Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in North America, specifically within the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Chicago Ventures is known for providing high conviction checks in early funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Chicago Ventures actively engages with their portfolio companies, offering mentorship and support to help them navigate their growth stages.
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