A Look Inside Chicago’s Most Coveted Venture Event

Chicago continues to lead the charge in shaping the future of food in America. From cutting-edge AgTech and innovation to the ingenuity born in the city’s early stockyards, Chicago’s startup, R&D, and manufacturing ecosystem has long defined what—and how—America eats. No longer the “Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation” (as Sandburg once wrote), Chicago’s rich and resilient food value chain firmly cements its place as the nation’s food capital.

At the center of this story is the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food 2025, organized by World Business Chicago and supported by Mayor Brandon Johnson. More than a conference, it’s a civic statement—affirming that the future of food, sustainability, and entrepreneurship will continue to be shaped in the heart of America.

Founded in 2014 by then–venture capital (VC) ecosystem leader JB Pritzker, the Chicago Venture Summit has evolved into a flagship platform connecting founders, investors, and thought leaders across sectors where the city has a true right to win. This year’s sold-out edition brought together more than 500 innovators at 167 N. Green Street and The Oakville Grill & Cellar (from WBC board member Shapack Partners).

Attendees represented a powerful snapshot of Chicago’s global reach:

• 375 organizations,
• 130 startups, and,
• 100 investment firms spanning 21 U.S. states and 16 countries.

Some may have been drawn by the marquee names—Mayor Johnson, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, and executives from Ferrero, Microsoft, Verizon, and Nicor Gas—but they stayed for the intentionality and substance of the program.

Among the highlights: the launch of the inaugural Future of Food Waste Forum by Nicor Gas, signaling that sustainability is no longer a side dish—it’s part of the main course. This initiative aims to activate a circular economy where clean energy, logistics, and AgTech transform food waste into fuel, fertilizer, and future jobs.

The data tells the same story of momentum.

Chicagoland is the nation’s #1 food manufacturing hub, generating $11.8 billion annually and employing more than 72,000 people. Nearly 40% of the firms operate outside Cook County—proof that innovation here extends beyond city limits and thrives across universities, communities, and counties.

This broad regional ecosystem—anchored by fertile farmland, a world-class logistics network, and a thriving tech corridor—powers the resilient systems that define Chicago’s food industry leadership.

As Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, summed it up:

“From startups to multinationals, from R&D to logistics, the full food and agtech supply chain comes together here. That convening power reflects both the strength of our ecosystem and the momentum that makes Chicago the city with a true ‘right to win’ in this sector.”

And Charles Smith, Vice Chair of WBC, echoed that conviction:

“Together, we are advancing a circular food economy that reduces waste, sparks innovation, and creates opportunity in communities that have historically been left out of growth.”

The Buzz Inside Chicago’s Future of Food Summit

If there was one takeaway from the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food 2025, it’s that the energy in the room was palpable — and contagious. The feedback poured in from across industries, capturing the same theme: Chicago showed up and showed why it leads.

Adam G. Southam of Food for Health raved in his feedback to WBC:

“I had a group of 21 attendees who each raved about their individual experiences during the event. I must say, this was my favorite summit, and this was my fourth one.”

The startup community felt it too. Andy Freivogel, Co-Founder of Science on Call, who pitched on stage during the summit, reflected:

“At a time when all eyes are on Chicago, it’s fitting that WBC showed the greater food industry that we are indeed a world-class city. We feel so fortunate for the opportunity to showcase not just what Science On Call does, but that we’re part of a community of food and restaurant tech startups who made the choice to build here. The guests on the stage proved that out, representing every facet of the supply chain and innovation that could only happen here.”

And Gabrielle Di Franco of Ferrero summed it up perfectly on LinkedIn:

“The day was packed with engaging panels, thought-provoking fireside chats, captivating pitches, and energizing conversations.”

As the Chicago Fire FC–sponsored reception closed out the day, the symbolism was unmistakable — a local team representing a global city, celebrating a summit that unites entrepreneurs, investors, and civic leaders.

In the end, the Future of Food 2025 proved one thing above all: when Chicago harnesses its unique mix of talent, technology, and tenacity, it doesn’t just adapt to the future — it defines it.

The Chicago Venture Summit Future of Food 2025 would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:

Presenting sponsors included:Cleveland Avenue, Cooley, Edelman, Ferrero, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Ingredion, Microsoft, Nicor, S2G Investments, Shapack Partners, Tilia Holdings, and Verizon.

Innovation Sponsors included: 1871, Clique Studios, Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, JP Morgan, and mHUB.

Venture Partners include: Barrel Ventures, Bluestein Ventures, Capitalize VC, Listen, Lofty Ventures, Naturally Chicago, Serra Ventures, Supply Change Capital, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, and Valor Equity Partners.

Closing reception executive sponsor: Chicago Fire FC.

Keep the Momentum Going:

• Join our Sweet Home Chicago campaign to “buy local” this Halloween by choosing candy made in Chicagoland—supporting local manufacturers, good jobs, and the region’s sweet legacy as America’s candy capital.
• Learn more about Chicago’s strengths in the food industry by visiting World Business Chicago Research Center’s 2025 Food Report.
• Learn more about the 100+ startups in the official startup portfolio: https://www.chicagoventuresummit.com/startup-portfolio
• Contact World Business Chicago’s innovation & venture team to partner on an event or learn more about the 2026 Chicago Venture Summits: info@chicagoventuresummit.com