Chicago’s tech scene can sometimes mirror the city's “big city, small town” reputation -- relationships often have one or two degrees of separation. But as Chicago's innovation economy continues to grow, it can be difficult for a new entrepreneur to really understand how connected the ecosystem truly is.
Today, VentureApp, a chat platform headquartered in Boston that aims to connect startup ecosystems within cities, has released VentureMap Chicago, an interactive visualization of the city’s tech ecosystem, in partnership with TechNexus, a Chicago-based venture collaborative and incubator. The company has previously mapped out Boston and New York City’s startup ecosystems in a similar fashion.
The map makes it easy to picture the connections between the city’s tech startups, the incubators and accelerators they are housed in, as well as the venture capitalists and angel investors who have invested in them. It also allows startups to directly message VC professionals on VentureApp’s proprietary WhatsApp-like chat platform, in an “office hour” like setting. These chat windows also allow users to connect and make intros to one another based on location, industry, and expertise.
"Chicago possesses an impressive community of investors and businesses — both at the startup and enterprise level — that are the backbone of our local innovation economy," said Brett Bivens, venture investor at TechNexus in a press release. "Not only is it compelling to visualize the investor relationships in our city, it's practical for founders, investors, and corporate innovators to trend spot and connect with one another."
The map lists close to 200 investments from angel investments (both from individuals and groups), more than 300 VC investments, and several incubators and accelerators in the Chicago ecosystem.
To mark the launch, over the next few weeks, VentureApp will have prominent and experienced Chicago-based investors from groups like M25 Group, TechNexus, MATH Venture Partners, and Moderne Ventures available for online office hours on its chat platform. Startups can view the schedule and RSVP here on topics like customer acquisition, creating a fundraising strategy, building relationships, all from their desk or on-the-go with the VentureApp iOS app.
There is no fee or funding criteria for startups to get onto the platform. Startups must simply be based in Chicago, not have completed an exit, and have at least one investor also based in Chicago.
Disclaimer: VentureApp was founded by the founders of Streetwise Media, the parent company of Chicago Inno.
