The short answer
Our database lists 1,033 startup investors based in Illinois, concentrated in Chicago (899), Oak Brook (12), Evanston (11). 183 are angels or syndicates and 280 list pre-seed as a stage they invest in. (Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01.)
Where they are in Illinois
Cities with at least 10 startup investors listed in our database.
| City | Startup investors |
|---|---|
| Chicago | 899 |
| Oak Brook | 12 |
| Evanston | 11 |
What stages they back
Of the 647 records in Illinois that list a stage, here is how many invest at each one (investors often list several).
Investors by stage
Who they are
The mix of investor types tells you where your first checks are most likely to come from.
Investors by type
Sectors they focus on
Sector focus as listed on each record. Generalists who list many sectors are counted in each.
Investors by sector focus
Typical check sizes
Based on the 629 records that list a check size (we use the low end of a stated range).
Investors by typical check size
Firms with the most investors listed in Illinois
Firms ranked by how many of their investors in Illinois appear in our database with a stage listed. A useful starting map of who is active locally, not a ranking of quality.
| Firm | Main stages | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed | 13 |
| Monroe Capital LLC | Seed, Series A, Series B+ | 11 |
| Baird Capital | Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Corazon Capital | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Manifold | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| OCA Ventures | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Sandbox Industries | Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Lightbank | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Moderne Ventures | Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| ARCH Venture Partners | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Energize Capital | Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
How to raise in Illinois
- Start local. Chicago has the deepest bench in the state, followed by Oak Brook. Local investors can meet you in person, check references fast and introduce you to the next check.
- Family offices outnumber angels in our Illinois data (346 vs 183). Many invest directly in companies tied to the region or to how the family built its wealth, so lead with the local story and expect a relationship-first process.
- Widen the circle to neighbouring states: Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan. Many regional investors back companies within a day's drive.
- Use a warm-intro plan for the top 25 names and a short cold email for the rest.
More Illinois investor lists
About this data
Counts are records in the Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01: angels, venture firms and their partners, micro-VCs, family offices, corporate VCs and accelerators that list startup investing. One investor can appear in several stage or sector rows. Stage, sector and check size come from what each record lists, so not every record has every field. Counts under 10 are not shown. Firm names are listed; we do not publish personal contact details on this site. Read how we build and check the data.
Frequently asked questions
How many startup investors are in Illinois?
The Zalarma investor database lists 1,033 startup investors based in Illinois as of 2026-11-01, including angels, venture firms and their partners, family offices, corporate VCs and accelerators.
Which Illinois cities have the most startup investors?
In our data: Chicago (899), Oak Brook (12), Evanston (11).
Are there pre-seed investors in Illinois?
Yes. 280 startup investors in Illinois list pre-seed as a stage they invest in, and 592 list seed.
Do Illinois investors only fund Illinois companies?
No. Many invest regionally or nationally, but local investors are often the fastest first checks because they can meet you and check references in person. Check each investor's focus before reaching out.
How do I get introduced to these investors?
Shortlist the 20 to 30 investors whose stage, sector and check size fit your round, then look for a warm path through founders they backed, local angel groups, lawyers and accelerators. Zalarma can build that shortlist for you.