Angel investors in Illinois are individuals who invest their own money in early-stage companies, often through angel groups and networks in cities such as Chicago, Naperville and Aurora. Most private raises are made with accredited investors under federal Regulation D exemptions, with state notice filings where required. PitchStreet currently lists 9 member profiles based in Illinois: 4 investors and 5 ventures seeking funding.
Chicago anchors one of the largest economies in the Midwest, with deep strengths in finance and trading, food and consumer brands, logistics, and a large venture and private equity community.
Investors in Illinois most often back companies in financial services and trading, food and consumer brands and logistics. The profiles below are from members who list Illinois as their location.
Illinois at a glance
- Major business centres: Chicago, Naperville, Aurora and Champaign
- Key industries: financial services and trading, food and consumer brands, logistics, healthcare and software
- Universities and research institutions: University of Chicago, Northwestern University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Neighbouring states: Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana
How to raise money in Illinois
Start with the people closest to your market: angel groups and pitch events in Chicago and Naperville, university and research networks such as University of Chicago, accelerators, and founders who have already raised in Illinois. Investors on PitchStreet list how much capital they have available, so you can shortlist before you reach out.
Most U.S. startups raise from accredited investors under Regulation D. For individuals that generally means income above $200,000 a year ($300,000 with a spouse or partner) or a net worth above $1 million excluding their home. Illinois may also require a notice filing for your offering, and some states offer tax credits for investing in qualified small businesses. Ask a securities lawyer which rules apply to your raise.
What investors in Illinois look for
Beyond a strong team and early traction, investors tend to know their own region's leading industries best. In Illinois that means financial services and trading, food and consumer brands and logistics. If your company fits one of them, say so, and point to local customers, partners or talent that give you an advantage.
