Illinois Ventures

Illinois Ventures is a prominent seed and early-stage technology investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2002, the firm holds a unique position within the venture capital landscape, primarily focusing on commercializing groundbreaking research originating from the University of Illinois system. Their mission is to bridge the gap between academic innovation and market-ready solutions, supporting companies founded by faculty, students, and alumni, as well as those with strong ties to the state of Illinois.

The firm's investment strategy is sector-agnostic within the realm of deep technology, spanning Information Technologies, Engineering & Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. They specialize in providing initial capital to nascent ventures, typically making first investments ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. This early-stage focus allows them to engage with companies at their foundational phase, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance, access to networks, and operational support to help translate complex scientific and engineering breakthroughs into viable commercial products and services.

Over two decades, Illinois Ventures has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fostering innovation within the region. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has successfully raised over $100 million across multiple funds, enabling them to build a robust portfolio. To date, they have invested in more than 70 companies, contributing significantly to the growth of the Illinois tech ecosystem and beyond. Their portfolio companies often leverage intellectual property developed at the University of Illinois, underscoring the firm's role in technology transfer and economic development.