Top Venture Capital Firms in Chicago

Chicago, a vibrant financial and tech hub in the Midwest, is home to some of the most respected venture capital (VC) firms in the United States. These firms back entrepreneurial companies in industries such as healthcare, fintech, logistics, and SaaS.

From seed-stage investments to Series B rounds, Chicago’s VC ecosystem offers high-growth startups the capital, guidance, and networks needed to thrive.

In this article, we explore some of the top Chicago venture capital firms, spotlighting their investment focus, notable portfolio companies, and long-term impact on the startup landscape.

1. Chicago Ventures

Chicago Ventures is a prominent early-stage VC firm based in the heart of the city. Focused on seed and Series A rounds, they back founders with bold visions in sectors like logistics, fintech, healthcare, and consumer tech.

Their portfolio includes fast-growing startups such as Cameo, G2, and SpotHero. Chicago Ventures stands out for its Midwest-first investment strategy, providing hands-on support in hiring, go-to-market strategy, and follow-on fundraising.

2. Pritzker Group Venture Capital

Part of the broader Pritzker Group, Pritzker Group Venture Capital has long been a key player in Chicago's tech investment scene. The firm backs early-stage companies across healthcare IT, consumer products, and enterprise software.

Notable investments include Eved, Bright Health, and Dollar Shave Club. Funded by a single family office, Pritzker Group can take a long-term view, blending financial backing with strategic operational guidance to build enduring companies.

3. Hyde Park Venture Partners (HPVP)

HPVP is an early-stage firm investing primarily in the Midwest. With offices in Chicago and Indianapolis, they support Series A and seed-stage companies in B2B software and marketplaces. The firm’s portfolio includes FourKites, ShipBob, and G2.

Known for working closely with founders, HPVP often leads rounds and helps recruit key leadership, driven by a firm belief in Midwestern grit and market opportunity.

4. Origin Ventures

Founded in 1999, Origin Ventures is one of Chicago’s oldest and most respected VC firms. They invest in early-stage software and marketplace companies. Origin has backed legendary companies like Grubhub, Cameo, and Tock, demonstrating a sharp eye for digital platforms that scale fast.

With a multi-stage investment model, Origin supports its companies through follow-on rounds and strategic scaling.

5. OCA Ventures

Another of Chicago's original VC firms founded in 1999, OCA Ventures is a critical part of the ecosystem's foundation. They provide early-stage capital to companies in highly regulated or fragmented industries, with a focus on fintech, enterprise software, and healthcare IT. Their portfolio includes impactful companies like Impossible Foods (early investor), Simple Mills, and STATS.

6. Lightbank

Co-founded by the creators of Groupon, Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital fund that invests in disruptive startups at early stages. The firm focuses on sectors like fintech, enterprise SaaS, and consumer internet.

Some of Lightbank’s notable investments include Tempus, Sprout Social, and Clearcover. The team emphasizes backing visionary founders who are creating new categories or transforming existing ones.

7. MATH Venture Partners

Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Troy Henikoff, MATH Venture Partners is a Chicago-based VC firm with a focus on early-stage B2B SaaS and digital marketplaces. They look for companies with a clear go-to-market strategy and strong customer acquisition economics.

Investments include LogicGate, Tock, and G2. The team at MATH believes in high-touch, mentorship-driven investing, making them a popular choice for founders.

8. S2G Ventures

S2G is a world-renowned, multi-stage investment firm focused on building a healthier and more sustainable food system. With over $2 billion in assets, they are one of Chicago's largest and most influential investors, backing companies from soil to shelf across food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. Their landmark investments include Beyond Meat, sweetgreen, and Apeel Sciences.

9. Energize Ventures

Energize Ventures is a leading global venture capital firm focused on accelerating the energy and sustainability transition. Based in Chicago, they invest in digital-first solutions that optimize energy, critical infrastructure, and industrial operations.

With a portfolio of category leaders like Sitetracker, DroneDeploy, and Aurora Solar, Energize is at the forefront of the climate-tech revolution.

10. Jump Capital

Jump Capital is a data-driven, institutional VC firm that typically leads or co-leads Series A to Series C rounds in fintech, enterprise SaaS, and data infrastructure. Backed by the renowned Jump Trading Group, the firm brings both capital and deep domain expertise to accelerate growth. Their portfolio features investments in M1 Finance, Project44, and Nerdio.

11. Moderne Ventures

Moderne Ventures is a specialist firm focused on tech companies innovating within the massive real estate, finance, insurance, and home services industries.

Through its acclaimed "Moderne Passport" program, the firm provides startups with unparalleled access to its corporate partner network. Notable investments include Better.com, Porch, and Super.

12. Sandbox Industries

Sandbox Industries operates a unique venture capital model, partnering with large corporations to co-create and manage sector-specific funds. Their most prominent fund is a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield, making them a major force in healthcare innovation.

They also invest in food and agriculture. Portfolio companies include higi, Contessa Health, and Fooda.

13. New Stack Ventures

New Stack Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage firm known for its highly transparent and founder-friendly approach. The firm is famous for its "Napkin" and "Conviction" check model, often writing a small initial check with minimal diligence to begin a relationship, followed by a larger seed investment as the company grows.

New Stack's thesis is centered on backing "outsider" founders—often technical experts located outside of traditional coastal tech hubs—focusing on B2B SaaS, fintech, and supply chain technology. Key portfolio companies include Tropic, Reggora, and Fairmarkit.

Let’s Recap

Chicago is home to a thriving venture capital scene with firms that support bold ideas and ambitious founders. These VC firms do more than fund startups, they bring industry expertise, deep local networks, and strategic insight to help businesses succeed.

If you're a founder in search of the right investment partner, Private Equity List helps you easily explore and connect with VC firms based on your stage, industry, and location. Whether you're a startup raising your first round or scaling your Series B, Private Equity List connects you with the right investors.

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