Chicago Startups
& Startup Resources
Chicago Startup Mentor Programs
Chicago reported around $1.5 billion in Venture Capital investments in 2017. It also has become the hub for Fintech in the Midwest United States with 23% of the local VC investment going to Fintech startups over the last 6 years according to 2018’s Startup Genome Report. The city is also consistently top ranked for investment returns which makes it a great place for a startup.
It might be a little difficult to get your start in Chicago with the direct bottom-line mentality. Founders Network connects Chicago Founders with a global network of support to help this. Based in Silicon Valley, Founders Network is a mentorship program that gives our members access to new resources which facilitate Founder growth.
Mentorship from select Chicago founders

Peer mentorship program with fellow tech founders
Global, stage and local founder forums
Pitch practice with tier 1 VC's
Proactive support and introductions from staff
Biannual global conferences
Accelerator grade discounts
Connecting Chicago Founders with each other and the Founders Network community.
You'll learn more from the threads seen here everyday than you did in most courses you've ever waded through. So dive in, everyone is here because this is exactly what we want to be doing.
I'm a very technical person. Not big on the business side of things. Thanks to Founders Network, I've received valuable, actionable business advice from both founders and investors alike.
I would say it's a very reasonable cost to tap into a worldwide network of entrepreneurs who, as a group, have gone through just about everything you can imagine and have a world of experience they can offer to you.
Each Founders Network Chapter has an appointed Chapter Leadership Team. Made up of founders who have chosen to volunteer their time, they are on deck to give advice, facilitate events, and lead the growth of the Chapter.
Join 600+ Founders Who Love FN
In Africa, there is a saying: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' The great thing about the Founder's Network is that it's not an either/or! We go together farther AND faster, and actually it's way more fun ;)
The fn community has been along for my journey through four startups including one dissolution, one major restructure, a successful exit and now a high-growth, funded SaaS company. Being a Founder is sometimes overwhelming and lonely. This community provides guidance and the lift you need when facing your most excruciating obstacles. More importantly, it's a community that genuinely celebrates your successes along the way!
Founding a business can be a lonely pursuit, but being surrounded by a like-minded community enriches the experience. Founders Network is a cadre who provides concrete perspective and insights. In my experience, it's just as enriching to me as a serial entrepreneur to see what and who is coming next, as it would have been to me years ago as a first-time founder to avoid (some!) rookie errors.
Events

Webinars

Founder Thought Leadership
Trending Tech Topic Panels
Pitch Practice Featuring Tier 1 VC's
Private Office Hours With Tier 1 VC's

Conferences
Upcoming events
How to Present to Angel and VC Investors with Nancy Hayes
July 7 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am PDT
How to Present to Angel and VC Investors with Nancy Hayes
Join Nancy Hayes as she provides tips on how to present to angel and VC investors. Securing funding from angel and VC investors can be a challenge for any startup ... Read More
Simple Startup Principles for Strategic Project Planning with Chris Salter
July 12 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am PDT
Simple Startup Principles for Strategic Project Planning with Chris Salter
Join Chris Salter as he details the principles of strategic project planning. More than two decades ago, entrepreneur Chris Salter was introduced to a simple but fresh approach to planning ... Read More
How to Grow your SaaS Startup with Jason Bennett
July 14 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am PDT
How to Grow your SaaS Startup with Jason Bennett
Jason Bennett will be hosting a webinar for Founders Network members where he’ll provide insights on how to grow your SaaS startup. For SaaS startups, growth is essential. According to ... Read More
fnToronto Chapter Summer Happy Hour
July 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT
fnToronto Chapter Summer Happy Hour
Join Founders Network members in Toronto for a Summer Happy Hour! Join us for fnToronto Chapter Summer Happy Hour! Along with some networking, bites and drinks, you’ll also get the ... Read More
at Downtown TorontofnMexico City Chapter Summer Happy Hour
July 14 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm PDT
fnMexico City Chapter Summer Happy Hour
Join Founders Network members in Mexico City for a Summer Happy Hour! Join us for fnMexico City Chapter Summer Happy Hour! Along with some networking, bites and drinks, you’ll also ... Read More
at Roma Nte.
Past events
National Small Business Week Happy Hour with WeWork and fnChicago Chapter
May 4 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm PDT
National Small Business Week Happy Hour with WeWork and fnChicago Chapter
Join Founders Network members in Chicago for a National Small Business Week Happy Hour with our Partner, WeWork. Join Founders Network members in Chicago for a National Small Business Week ... Read More
at ChicagoBeta & Beers with fnChicago Chapter
February 4, 2021 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST
Beta & Beers with fnChicago Chapter
Come, interact and learn with 3 presenters from the fnChicago Chapter! Complimentary Ticket: Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! During COVID, we’re making our events available to ... Read More
Leadership in a Downturn with Marqeta Founder Jason Gardner
July 16, 2020 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am PDT
Leadership in a Downturn with Marqeta Founder Jason Gardner
Complimentary Ticket: Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! During COVID, we’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow ... Read More
at Virtual
Partners

How to find opportunity in an ever-changing world: A product panel
When the world came to a screeching halt 18 months ago, it was hard to imagine how any innovation could realize its full potential. Taking a pause made the most …
Hire and keep top talent for your startup: An HR panel
Early in the pandemic the employment crisis promised to head in the direction of forced unemployment for many. During the pandemic, those with jobs stayed put, opting for the secure …
The Building Blocks of Effective Leadership with Raman Chadha
Many founders strive to improve their leadership, but don’t yet realize they need a solid foundation. In this session, you will learn a systematic and proven framework for building better …
Five Entrepreneurship Lessons From Siri Founder Adam Cheyer
Adam Cheyer breaks down his step-by-step formula for sizing up a startup idea and making it a success. There may be no magic formula for launching the next Google, Facebook …
How to Budget in COVID-19 feat. David Ehrenberg
Startup founders are facing uncharted economic waters. David Ehrenberg, founder of Early Growth, the largest startup financial services firm in the U.S., shares his checklist for startup financial health through …