What We Do
WBC’s Innovation & Venture Team takes big bets on Chicago’s tech builders. We bring together Chicagoland’s startup entrepreneurs, students and innovators to promote an inclusive and equitable tech, innovation, and startup ecosystem. We achieve our goals by providing programming that bridges access to resources, fosters diversity in talent access, and activates networks that amplify innovation, driving collective success for our city. Connecting the Chicagoland tech ecosystem with resources to thrive is our superpower.
Chicago is back at SXSW 2026
World Business Chicago is back at SXSW 2026 for two jam-packed days of activations! Click here for scheduling, event information, and updates.
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A More Equitable & Diverse VC Landscape in Chicago
Moving the Needle Towards a More Equitable & Diverse VC Landscape in Chicago Chicago:Blend and The Research Center at World Business Chicago led by Robin Ficke recently published a report…
Read MoreFeatured Program
Chicago Venture Summit 2026: Future of ???
The Summit boosts our region’s growth capital landscape with curated programming and high-impact networking with a focus on Chicago’s right-to-win industries.
All Our Programs
Chicago Venture Summit
The region’s marquee growth capital event bringing together startups, investors, thought leaders, and civic champions at the forefront of innovation.
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Startup Chicago
Led by World Business Chicago and its partners, Startup Chicago connects founders with investors to accelerate growth. As an extension of the Chicago Venture Summit, the VC attraction and startup growth program facilitates venture matchmaking between regional & national investors with 250+ entrepreneurs; the majority of the cohort seeking a Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, or Series B round in 2023.
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ThinkChicago
World Business Chicago’s flagship STEM talent program. We connect diverse STEM talent with innovative Chicago companies and start-ups.
Learn MoreThe Team Behind the Work
Meet the Members of the WBC Innovation & Venture Team