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New York - Menlo Park - California, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Payments • Woman Focused
Investing in real software solving real problems
Most Interested In
Real software solving real problems; enterprise software; algorithmic-intensive applications; AI; vertical-focused SaaS
Not Interested In
We don't invest in consumer businesses
Sean Dempsey is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Director at Merus Capital. He also is an Angel Investor. Before co-founding Merus, Sean was a Principal of Corporate Development at Google, responsible for acquisitions and investments including Android, YouTube, and Postini. Prior to Google, he spent over six years at Microsoft in the Corporate Development team. At Microsoft, he led over 40 acquisitions and investments including Bungie, the creator of the Xbox hit Halo. In addition to M&A, Sean was part of the original team to drive Microsoft's living room strategy which ultimately became the Xbox game console. His areas of focus at Google and Microsoft included consumer web services, online and traditional advertising, online video, gaming and enterprise SaaS. Before joining Microsoft, he spent two years in technology Mergers & Acquisitions at Deutsche Morgan Grenfell in Menlo Park and was a Research Analyst at the Jennings Group in San Francisco. Outside of Merus, Sean is an avid trail runner and is doing his small part in keeping the Bay Area trails alive and well through his involvement on the Board of the Peninsula Open Space Trust. He is also an Advisory Board Member of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College where he graduated with degrees in Economics/Environment/Politics and French.
Toronto - Austin - Chicago - Midwest - Illinois, Canada, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • BioTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Payments
Founder and Managing Partner at Motivate Venture Capital
Most Interested In
Solutions to problems that accelerating longevity will create.
Not Interested In
Adtech, med devices, pharma
David Wieland is a Co-Founder and serves as Co-Chairman & Investment Committee Member at IrishAngels. He is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Endowment Research Group. He is a member of the Investment Committee and is Chair of the firm's Venture Capital Investments. He is responsible for corporate strategy, capital raising, deal sourcing, and investment due diligence. He is Chairman of the Board at RIVS, a software company, and he is positioning the firm for an exit. Prior thereto, Wieland was CEO of Innflux and Powersurge Technologies, where he founded, grew, and sold both companies. He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. He also serves as Board Member at IrishAngels Ventures.
Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsBusinesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Healthcare (& Wellness)
Partner at 7Wire Ventures
Partner at 7wireVentures
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsEducation • Online Social • Woman Focused
Established in 1995, Valor Equity Partners is a lower middle market private equity firm. Valor invests in companies that have sustainable revenues derived from a strategic or niche market position, but present complex, difficult due diligence issues and face constraints to revenue growth, profitability improvements, and enhanced returns on capital that limit the development into larger market growth companies. Such constraints typically involve inadequate strategic planning, expansion capital, marketing infrastructure, process improvement techniques, information systems and/or human resource infrastructure. Valor seeks control investments in businesses with an EBITDA of $5-$15 million. The firm has no minimum size for Add-on investments. Typical equity investments range from $10-$30 million per transaction. Valor's industry preferences include: Industrial Products & Manufacturing, Infrastructure & Industrial Maintenance, Value-added Distribution, Energy Services, Healthcare, Business Services, and Consumer.
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Developer tools • Nanotechnology • Consumer
Partner at Tribe Capital
CEO and Co-Founder - Stealth Co. Â Former GP at @lightbank where I led investments in Udemy, ElaCarte, Talentbin, Cleversense, CoffeeMeetsBagel, and Contently.
Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Robotics
Principal - Baird Capital
Partner - Baird Capital - U.S. Venture
New York - Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsRetail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Principal at XRC Labs
Stockholm, Sweden - U.S.A.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Nanotechnology
The Mezzanine and Private Equity Group of Hartford Investment Management is an active provider of capital to private equity markets. The Group provides direct mezzanine debt and equity, and can provide equity on a stand alone basis in support of leveraged transactions. In addition to its direct investment activities, the firm seeks to invest in top-performing, middle market private equity and mezzanine funds that will provide a source of co-investment opportunities. The Group typically invests between $5 million and $30 million in mezzanine financing and up to $10 million in equity financing within the United States and Canada. Selectively, the firm will also invest in top performing funds that target investments outside of its middle market focus. As of December 31, 2012, the firm managed approximately $1.8 billion in mezzanine and private equity assets and commitments.
Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsEnergy
Managing Partner at Energize Ventures
Managing Partner at Energize Ventures
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsAgroTech • Energy • CleanTech • Food & Beverage
Founder of @opentable (NASDAQ:OPEN); Chairman at @grubhub-2
LatAm (Latin ) - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - U.K.
Contact this investorsSoftware (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Education • FinTech (& Financials services) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Food & Beverage • Real Estate (& Construction)
Partner at TMT Investments
VC, angel, partner at TMT, co-founder at AngelsDeck and The Garage, CEO of StartupKotiki
Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A.
Contact this investorsFinTech (& Financials services) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness)
EVP & Managing Director @ NFP Ventures
Managing Partner @ Distributed Ventures
Illinois boasts a dynamic startup ecosystem characterized by its diverse industries and robust support networks. Chicago serves as the epicenter of entrepreneurial activity, offering a rich blend of resources, talent, and investment opportunities. The state is home to a range of startups, from tech to manufacturing, benefiting from its strategic location and strong economic infrastructure.
The Illinois startup scene is driven by key industries including technology, healthcare, fintech, and manufacturing. Chicago's tech sector is particularly vibrant, with numerous startups focusing on software development, data analytics, and AI. The healthcare industry is also prominent, supported by the presence of major research universities and institutions.
Angel investors play a vital role in Illinois' startup ecosystem, often serving as the first source of external funding for emerging companies. Organizations like Hyde Park Angels provide crucial seed funding and mentorship, helping startups scale and achieve market validation.
Illinois is home to a growing venture capital presence, with firms such as Chicago Ventures and Pritzker Group actively investing in early to growth-stage companies. These firms not only provide capital but also strategic guidance, leveraging their extensive networks to accelerate startup growth.
The investment climate in Illinois is favorable, bolstered by a supportive government and a strong focus on innovation. The state offers various tax incentives and grants to encourage business growth, making it an attractive destination for both local and out-of-state investors.
Entrepreneurs in Illinois benefit from a wealth of support resources, including renowned accelerators like Techstars Chicago and 1871, a leading innovation hub. Additionally, universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University provide research partnerships and talent pipelines.
Looking ahead, Illinois' startup ecosystem is poised for continued growth, driven by advancements in technology and sustained investment activity. With its strong foundation of resources and support, Illinois is well-positioned to foster the next generation of innovative companies.
Illinois is home to several prominent angel investors who play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem. Notable figures include Howard Tullman, serial entrepreneur and investor, and Mark Tebbe, who has been instrumental in fostering tech startups in Chicago. These investors are known for their deep industry knowledge and expansive networks, which they leverage to support emerging companies.
Illinois hosts a number of leading venture capital firms such as Chicago Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, and Lightbank. These firms have a strong track record of investing in early-stage companies across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer services.
Angel investors in Illinois typically invest in the range of $25,000 to $100,000 per deal, while venture capital firms often engage in larger rounds ranging from $500,000 to $10 million. The focus spans across sectors such as fintech, health tech, and SaaS, reflecting the region's diverse economic landscape.
Illinois has seen a steady increase in the number of investments over the years. Leading VC firms like Hyde Park Venture Partners have made over 60 investments, while angel investors continue to support numerous startups annually, contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem.
The investment landscape in Illinois is poised for growth, with increasing interest in tech-driven solutions and sustainable business models. The state's commitment to fostering innovation suggests a promising future for startups seeking funding and growth opportunities.
Beyond financial capital, Illinois-based investors offer invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance. Many angel investors and VCs actively engage with founders, providing insights and connections that are critical for scaling businesses successfully.
The Illinois government, alongside institutions like the Illinois Technology Association, provides various support mechanisms, including tax incentives and grants, to encourage innovation and attract investment to the region.
With a robust network of angel investors and venture capital firms, Illinois offers a fertile ground for startups to thrive. The combination of financial resources, mentorship, and institutional support forms a comprehensive ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurial success.
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