Technology · SaaS · Consumer
“Early-stage Chicago venture fund backing first-time and emerging founders building transformative technology companies. Community-driven approach to startup investing.”
Web3 · Enterprise Software · Blockchain
“Early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in web3-enabled enterprise software companies. Brings capital, company-building experience, and resources from investors, founders, and operators.”
Technology · Enterprise Software · Consumer
“A $190M venture capital fund launched by The Pritzker Organization family office. Led by Jason Pritzker and Kevin King (ex-General Catalyst). Backs technology startups.”
Digital Health · Healthcare Services · Health Tech
“Healthcare-focused venture firm founded by former Allscripts CEO Glen Tullman and President Lee Shapiro. Invests in technology that empowers the Informed Connected Healthcare Consumer. Over $500M AUM.”
Healthcare · Digital Health · Wellness
“Founded in 2011, partners with health systems to build sustainable healthcare companies. Accelerates commercialization through a venture studio and an alliance of 17+ healthcare providers.”
Consumer Products · Financial Services · Healthcare · SaaS · Cybersecurity
“Employee-owned global private markets investment manager with $65B AUM. Founded in 1972 as the growth equity team of the First National Bank of Chicago. 340+ professionals in 15 offices worldwide.”
InsurTech · SaaS · Cybersecurity · Climate Tech · Fintech
“The corporate venture capital arm of Allstate Insurance, founded in 2015. Invests in disruptive technology startups shaping the future of the insurance industry and related markets.”
AI · Big Data · IoT · Robotics · SaaS
“One of the most active VCs in the US, using alumni networks from top universities to source and co-invest in deals. Multi-stage approach with 1,137+ portfolio companies.”
Biotech · Life Sciences · Healthcare · Energy
“Founded in 1986, ARCH creates and invests in early-stage biotech and life sciences companies working to prevent, detect, and cure diseases. One of the largest VC funds headquartered in Chicago with over $3 billion in its latest fund.”
B2B Technology · Healthcare · Sustainability · Fintech
“Founded in 1989, manages global private equity and venture capital strategies. Venture team focuses on early and expansion stage technology-enabled B2B services and healthcare companies in the mid-country.”
Technology · Software
“Alternative asset manager with a Chicago presence investing in late-stage technology companies. Portfolio of 69+ companies across growth and late-stage strategies.”
Fintech · Payments · Banking Technology
“The venture arm of BMO Financial Group, with significant Chicago operations. Invests in fintech, payments, and financial services technology companies that complement BMO's banking operations.”
SaaS · Consumer Brands · Fintech · PropTech · GovTech
“Chicago-based seed-stage venture capital fund investing in software, marketplaces, and consumer brands within categories in need of innovation.”
Consumer · Media · Healthcare · Marketplace
“Chicago family office investing in venture capital. Makes direct investments and fund commitments across consumer, media, healthcare, and marketplace categories.”
Industrial Tech · Autonomy · Electrification · Digital Infrastructure
“The strategic venture investment arm of Caterpillar Inc., headquartered in Chicago. Invests in technology companies aligned with Caterpillar's strategic focus in autonomous machinery, electrification, and digital infrastructure.”
Analytics · Data · Biotech
“Chicago-based early-stage venture fund investing in analytics, data, and biotech companies. Uses data-driven approach to identify emerging technology opportunities.”
Cannabis · Real Estate · Specialty Finance
“Chicago-based alternative investment firm providing capital solutions across lending and real estate, including publicly traded REITs focused on cannabis and specialty finance.”
Technology · Consumer · Enterprise
“Invests in early-stage Chicago-based technology companies emerging from the city's innovation ecosystem. Connected to Chicago Innovation Awards and the broader Chicago startup community.”
Healthcare · Healthcare Services · Behavioral Health
“Middle-market healthcare investment firm founded by experienced healthcare operators and investors. Value creation comes from operational improvement and growth.”
Technology · Healthcare · Consumer
“A leading provider of capital through PIPEs (private investments in public equities), buyouts, and late-stage growth equity investments.”
B2B SaaS · Fintech · Healthcare · Supply Chain · PropTech · Mobility
“Leads early rounds before it is obvious. Active, operationally-involved seed investors focused on Midwest startups across supply chain, healthcare, fintech, proptech, and mobility. Portfolio includes SpotHero, G2, Project44, and Cameo.”
Fintech · Health · Education · Consumer
“Invests in companies at their earliest stages, often before product or revenue. Backs founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, with a focus on diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs.”
Fintech · Data Infrastructure · Quantitative Technology
“Strategic investment arm of Citadel, one of the world's largest hedge funds headquartered in Chicago. Invests in fintech, data infrastructure, and quantitative technology companies.”
Software · Consumer · Enterprise · Fintech
“Generalist venture fund investing in Delaware C corps building software companies with multi-billion dollar potential. Three thesis areas: future of income, complicated consumer, and decentralized enterprise.”
Food Tech · Consumer Brands · E-commerce · AI · Robotics
“Founded by Don Thompson, first Black CEO of McDonald's. Runs a $70M CAST US fund mandated to deploy 75% into Black- and Hispanic-owned companies. Pairs food and beverage investments with deep operational support from a 50-person team.”
Blockchain · Crypto · Web3 · Fintech
“Leading global venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments that accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology. Has invested in over 150 blockchain and crypto-focused businesses, protocols, and tokens.”
Fintech · E-commerce · B2B SaaS · Consumer · EdTech · Web3
“Pragmatic Chicago-based venture fund co-founded by OKCupid/Match Group CEO Sam Yagan. Closed $134M across Fund III and a Matchbox opportunity fund. Invests across the consumer spectrum.”
Food Tech · Agriculture Tech · Supply Chain
“One of the earliest dedicated venture funds focused solely on food and agriculture technology. Founded by people who built and commercialized food and ag innovations at companies like Monsanto and Dow Chemical.”
AI · Web3 · Blockchain
“Early-stage venture and digital assets fund focused on mainstream adoption of AI, Web3, and blockchain innovations. Structured as enhancement capital for founders.”
Hardware · HardTech · Connected Devices · IoT
“Chicago-based venture firm focused on hardware, hardtech, and connected device startups. Backs founders building physical products with strong technical differentiation.”
Technology · Media · Consumer
“The Chicago-based investment office for the business enterprise of Gigi Pritzker and Michael Pucker. Multi-stage family office investor with a diversified portfolio.”
Information Technology · Communications · Semiconductors · Software
“The investing arm of Duchossois Technology Partners. Focuses on information technology, communications, semiconductors, and software opportunities.”
Energy Tech · Climate Tech · Industrial Software · Mobility · Sustainability
“Invests in digital solutions for energy and sustainable industry. Deploys capital through two strategies: Ventures (earlier-stage) and Endurance (PE and growth buyout). Over $1.4B in assets.”
Energy · Clean Technology · Sustainability
“Invests venture capital in promising energy innovators and works with leading energy companies to build and scale new ventures in disruptive energy and cleantech.”
Software · Retail · SaaS · E-commerce
“Chicago seed fund investing in software, retail, SaaS, and e-commerce companies. Backs diverse founders building technology businesses in the Midwest.”
Healthcare · Information Technology · Clean Technology
“Has invested more than $780 million over four decades using an extensive research model to identify rapid-growth companies in technology, healthcare, and clean technology.”
B2B SaaS · Enterprise Software
“Founder-first investor and B2B SaaS accelerator based in Chicago. Provides pre-seed and seed funding alongside an intensive accelerator program to help B2B founders find product-market fit.”
SaaS · Consumer Internet · Fintech · Mobility · InsurTech
“Growth equity firm founded in 2011 that invests in the world's fastest-growing technology companies staying private longer. Portfolio includes Airbnb, Spotify, Toast, and Instacart. Over $1.4B in fund size.”
Transportation · Travel · Employment · Insurance
“Focuses on early-stage companies in transportation, travel, employment, and insurance. Portfolio includes SpotHero, Shiftgig, and Rocketmiles.”
Technology · Technology-Enabled Services · Software
“Chicago-based growth equity firm investing in technology and technology-enabled services companies. Partners with management teams to accelerate growth through strategic capital and operational support.”
AI · Automation · Enterprise Software
“Midwest-focused venture fund backing founders building AI, automation, and enterprise solutions. Combines venture capital with startup studio operations.”
Technology · Healthcare · Financial Services
“One of the world's largest and most diversified hedge fund-of-funds and alternative asset managers based in Chicago with $76B+ AUM. Invests in venture and growth equity through its fund-of-funds platform.”
Healthcare · Financial Services · Technology · Business Services
“One of Chicago's largest PE firms, founded in 1980. Pioneers the Leaders Strategy, finding and partnering with management leaders to build and transform growth companies. $35B+ in capital invested.”
Technology
“Sector-agnostic early-stage venture fund based in Chicago with a portfolio of 35+ companies. Focuses on backing talented entrepreneurs regardless of industry vertical.”
Technology · Healthcare · Consumer · Industrials · Media
“Global alternative investment firm with a Chicago office, managing $66B+ in capital. Invests across technology, healthcare, consumer, industrials, and media.”
Quantum Computing · Life Sciences · Energy · AI
“A $25M fund managed by MFV Partners dedicated to investing in and scaling transformative startups from the University of Chicago ecosystem. Focuses on deep tech in quantum, life sciences, energy, and AI.”
Enterprise Software · Supply Chain · Manufacturing · Logistics
“Connects high-growth startups with new customers in the Midwest. Combines venture capital with a customer acquisition network to help portfolio companies scale through enterprise customers.”
Healthcare · Software · Technology-Enabled Services
“Chicago-based, lower middle-market healthcare-focused private equity firm investing in software and technology-enabled services. Founded in 2011 as an independent sponsor.”
Vertical SaaS · Cybersecurity · Healthcare · Fintech · Consumer
“One of the most active angel investor groups in the US. A syndicate of former executives, entrepreneurs, and VCs providing funding, strategy, coaching, and domain expertise to Midwest seed-stage businesses.”
B2B SaaS · Enterprise Software · Fintech · Healthcare IT
“Backs B2B software entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest and Toronto. Claims visibility into over 90% of mid-continent startups. Fund IV closed at $98M. Portfolio includes ShipBob.”
Information Technology · Physical Sciences · Life Sciences · Clean Technology
“Born on the University of Illinois campus, focuses on seed and early-stage technology companies that are research-derived. Connects leading researchers with entrepreneurs to build innovative companies.”
Education · Healthcare · Economic Empowerment · Environmental Sustainability
“Women-owned and led double-bottom-line impact investor supporting companies driving positive social and environmental change across education, economic empowerment, health, and sustainability.”
Technology · SaaS
“Chicago-based venture fund investing in early-stage technology companies. Led by experienced operators and investors with deep roots in the Midwest tech ecosystem.”
B2B · Consumer · Medical
“Angel investing network affiliated with the University of Notre Dame, established in 2012. Provides early-stage funding and strategic support to innovative startups in B2B, consumer, and medical sectors.”
Software · IT · Communications
“Chicago-based venture firm investing in software, IT, and communications companies at early and growth stages.”
Fintech · B2B SaaS · Data Infrastructure · Crypto · Media
“Growth-stage investor specializing in data-driven technologies across fintech, IT infrastructure, and enterprise software. Raised a $350M venture fund. Takes an operator-first approach to supporting portfolio companies.”
Enterprise Software · Financial Services · Healthcare
“Founded by ContextMedia co-founders Rishi Shah and Shradha Agarwal. Primarily invests in seed and early-growth technology companies in the Midwest.”
Sports Tech · Technology · Media
“Suburban Chicago investment firm focused on early-stage venture capital at the intersection of sports and technology. Partners with talented entrepreneurs and experienced managers.”
Finance · Analytics · Sales Tech · Marketing Tech
“Chicago-based early-stage venture firm focused on finance, analytics, sales, and marketing technology companies.”
PropTech · AI · E-commerce · EdTech
“Chicago-based venture firm investing in PropTech, AI/ML, e-commerce, and EdTech companies from pre-seed through growth stages.”
Consumer Internet · E-commerce · Fintech
“Venture capital and seed-growth equity firm that invests in internet and consumer technology businesses across multiple stages.”
Enterprise Software · Consumer Tech · Healthcare · Fintech · Climate Tech · Crypto
“Founded by Groupon co-founders Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell, Lightbank invests in early-stage consumer, enterprise, healthcare, crypto, fintech, and climate companies with $380M AUM and initial checks of $250K to $5M.”
Consumer Brands · D2C · Wellness · Food & Beverage
“Consumer-focused venture firm that backs and builds the brands of tomorrow. Partners with consumer-obsessed entrepreneurs at the tipping point of cultural and behavioral shifts. Closed $92M across two funds.”
E-commerce · Mobile Apps · Consumer Products
“Chicago-based early-stage venture fund investing in e-commerce, web and mobile apps, and consumer products. Backs exceptional founders building consumer-facing technology companies.”
Technology
“First-check, founder-led fund writing $50K-$100K checks. Targets pre-seed, Chicago-area technology startups with at least one founder from an underrepresented community.”
B2B SaaS · E-commerce · Marketplace · Healthtech · Fintech
“The most active early-stage investor in the Midwest since its 2015 launch. Uses a data-driven approach to invest exclusively in Midwest-based tech startups. Typical check size $250K-$500K.”
Business Software · Financial Services · Healthcare · Telecom
“One of the most experienced private equity firms in the US, founded in 1992. Invests across business software, financial services, healthcare, and telecom.”
Fintech · SaaS · AI · Blockchain
“Chicago-based early-stage venture fund investing in fintech, SaaS, AI/ML, and blockchain companies. Takes a thesis-driven approach to identifying the next wave of transformative technology.”
Enterprise Software · Marketplace · Consumer Tech · Analytics
“Invests in early-stage technology companies with an emphasis on customer acquisition expertise and scalable business models. Founded by two Kellogg entrepreneurship professors who combine operational and academic experience.”
Internet · Clean Tech · IT · Healthcare
“Chicago-based venture firm investing in internet, clean tech, IT, and healthcare companies at the seed and early stages.”
Hardware · Manufacturing · Physical Products · Industrial Tech
“Chicago's hardtech innovation center backing physical product and hardware startups. Provides funding alongside prototyping labs, manufacturing resources, and industry mentorship.”
Software · Technology-Enabled Services
“Growth equity firm focused on acquiring and growing lower middle market software and technology-enabled service companies headquartered in the Midwest.”
Video · Gaming · Software · Digital Media
“Chicago-based venture fund investing in video, games, software, and digital media companies. Focuses on high-growth media and entertainment technology businesses.”
PropTech · Fintech · InsurTech · Home Services · Hospitality
“Woman-founded venture fund focused on technology disrupting real estate, mortgage, finance, insurance, hospitality, and home services. Over $600M AUM with top-decile returns, 5 IPOs, and 9 unicorns.”
Financial Services · Manufacturing · SaaS
“Early-stage venture capital firm investing in financial services, manufacturing, and SaaS companies. Focused on backing entrepreneurs building technology businesses in the Midwest.”
IoT · Big Data · Cybersecurity · Mobile Intelligence · Public Safety
“Corporate venture arm of Motorola Solutions, founded in 1999. Invests $1M-$5M in startups across IoT, big data, analytics, cybersecurity, and mobile intelligence.”
Software · Marketplace · Platforms
“Chicago-based venture firm investing in software, marketplace, and platform companies. Focuses on businesses with strong network effects and defensible competitive advantages.”
B2B SaaS · Fintech · Healthcare · E-commerce
“Investing in Silicon Valley outsiders. Launched one of the first VC podcasts and AngelList syndicates. Fund I exceeded top decile performance, leading to a 7x larger Fund II at $42M.”
Fintech · WealthTech · Financial Services Technology
“The venture and alternative investment arm of Northern Trust, one of Chicago's oldest financial institutions. Invests in fintech and technology companies that align with Northern Trust's strategic interests.”
Fintech · Enterprise Software · Healthcare · Security
“Early-stage technology investor founded in 2001. Focuses on fintech, enterprise software, healthcare, and security. Portfolio includes SpotHero, Ocient, and The MOM Project.”
SaaS · Marketplace · Digital Media · AI · Productivity
“Founded in 1999, Origin is a multi-stage investor in high-growth software, marketplace, and content businesses. Early investor in Grubhub, which went from a local startup to a high-value public company.”
Technology · Consumer · Enterprise
“Founded in 2018 by former Google Ventures partner Lo Toney. Invests in VC funds led by emerging managers and makes direct startup investments. Focused on the next generation of diverse fund managers.”
Quantum Computing · Life Sciences · Clean Tech · Data Science · AI
“University of Chicago initiative offering sector-specific accelerators, training, and a $20M fund dedicated to supporting startups that bring world-changing science and technology to market from the UChicago ecosystem.”
Fintech · InsurTech · Payments · WealthTech
“Fintech-focused venture capital firm investing globally in financial services innovation. Backed by Power Corporation of Canada with deep financial services expertise.”
Enterprise Software · Healthcare · Consumer · Fintech · Digital Media
“The venture arm of the Pritzker family, backing technology companies at every stage of growth since 1996. Has worked with entrepreneurs at more than 150 companies across enterprise software, healthcare, consumer, and fintech.”
Industrial · Services · Manufacturing
“A family-backed private equity firm partnering with middle-market companies across industrial and services sectors. Provides patient capital from the Pritzker family's permanent capital base.”
Consumer · Biotech · Industrial · Medical Equipment · Technology
“Backed by the Pritzker Vlock Family Office (PVFO). Owns and manages a broad portfolio including consumer, biotech, industrial, medical equipment, and technology businesses.”
Deep Tech · Robotics · HealthTech · Fintech
“Chicago-based venture fund investing in deep tech, robotics, healthtech, and fintech at the seed and Series A stages. Backs technical founders building breakthrough technology.”
Legal Tech · Compliance · AI
“The venture investment arm of Relativity, the Chicago-based legal tech unicorn. Invests in legal tech, compliance tech, and AI companies that complement the broader legal technology ecosystem.”
Food Tech · Agriculture · Oceans · Energy · Sustainability
“Leading multi-stage investment firm focused on food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. Provides capital and hands-on resources to entrepreneurs pursuing market-based solutions. Over $1.6B in fund size.”
B2B SaaS · Fintech · InsurTech · PropTech · Healthcare · Consumer Tech
“Micro VC firm investing in the Midwest, South, and other underserved markets. Actively leads, co-leads, or significantly participates in pre-seed and seed rounds across a wide range of tech sectors.”
Healthcare · Food · Agriculture · Insurance
“Founded in 2003, builds and manages venture funds and accelerators by connecting corporate partners with startups. Created dedicated funds with Blue Cross Blue Shield and other large institutions in healthcare, food, and agriculture.”
Real Estate Tech · Fintech · Insurance · Smart Homes
“The most active global real estate technology fund and strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS. Leverages 1.4M member network to scale portfolio companies.”
Technology · University Spinouts
“Venture firm with offices in Champaign, Chicago, San Diego, and Park City. Invests in early-stage technology companies with a focus on university-derived research and innovation.”
Consumer Tech · Marketplace · D2C
“Chicago-first seed investor focused on cheaper and better consumer services for the 99% of Americans. Early investor in Cameo. Offers an open-source Operating Manual on GitHub and hands-on data support.”
Education · Business Services · Healthcare
“Chicago-based PE firm focused on education, business services, and healthcare. Deployed over $4.5B in capital and invested in over 100 companies across 35+ years.”
B2B · B2C · Enterprise Innovation
“Launched in 2007 as a collaboration space for Chicago tech entrepreneurs, evolved into a Venture Collaborative helping corporations invest in startups. $300M AUM with 150+ portfolio companies.”
Technology
“A multi-stakeholder initiative by P33 Chicago supporting Black and Latinx tech founders with early-stage funding, grants, and strategic support to transform Chicago into a tier one tech hub.”
Enterprise AI · Cybersecurity · Digital Health
“Founded in 2016, invests in enterprise AI, cybersecurity, and digital health companies from pre-seed through Series B. Focuses on applied AI solutions for enterprise customers.”
Healthcare · Education · Financial Services
“Middle market private investment firm seeking both superior financial returns and meaningful societal impact. Manages almost $16B. Recently closed a $3B fifth flagship fund.”
Software · Cybersecurity · Financial Technology · Healthcare IT
“One of the largest software-focused PE firms globally, with $166B+ AUM. Headquartered in Chicago and San Francisco. Acquires, builds, and grows innovative technology companies through operational improvement.”
Agriculture · Healthcare · Industrial Technology
“Manages corporate venture capital programs on behalf of large corporations. Provides startups with capital while giving corporate partners access to innovation.”
Technology · Consumer · Industrial · Healthcare
“Founded in 1995 by Antonio Gracias, Valor is a leading operational growth equity firm with $33.3B AUM. Known for early Tesla investment. Combines capital with deep operational support across six growth funds and two venture funds.”
Food Tech · Retail Tech · Consumer · Sustainability
“A Valor Equity Partners venture fund targeting sustainable innovations in retail and food-tech, often partnering with corporates to scale promising startups in the food and consumer ecosystem.”
Technology · SaaS · Consumer
“Named after Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, this venture fund invests in early-stage technology companies with strong Midwest connections and practical business models.”
Technology · Financial Services
“Chicago-based investment firm making growth-stage investments in technology and technology-enabled businesses. Provides flexible capital structures for scaling companies.”
Manufacturing · Business Services · Consumer · Industrial
“Middle-market private equity firm that acquires and maximizes the potential of businesses throughout North America. Transitioned from S.C. Johnson family backing to institutional PE. Fund VIII closed at $985M.”
Fintech · Technology · Financial Services
“The venture arm of Wintrust Financial Corporation, providing guidance, networking, financing, and investment to support Chicago's innovation community.”