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 Day SxSW 2024 was Sensational!
The Chicago Day Activation at Midwest House, SxSW 2024 was Sensational! With guest panelists bringing the pop–culture draw like Sophia Bush from Union Heritage Ventures and the National Football League…
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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
Future-of-Food Week 2024
Future-of-Food Week 2024 is a new week long, multi-partner experience by World Business Chicago, our sponsors, and partners. Explore why Chicago thrives as the global capital for food & ag innovation.
All Our Programs
Chicago Venture Summit
The region’s flagship start-up & VC conference and one of the nation’s premier venture events. The October 2022 summit was the largest Chicago Venture Summit ever with 850+ registered participants.
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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