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Startup Networking · ChicagoBuild Your Network is the always-on startup networking platform for Chicago. Meet founders, investors, and mentors in Chicago's ecosystem without waiting for the next event. Discover people based on intent, not job title.
Chicago's startup ecosystem is built on enterprise SaaS, fintech, food tech, logistics, and industrial tech, powered by institutions like JUMP Investors, Hyde Park Angels, 1871 tech hub, and the University of Chicago Polsky Center. Chicago is the Midwest's largest startup hub and the heart of the US B2B software ecosystem. Its deep roots in finance, commodities trading, and logistics have produced world-class startups in enterprise software, fintech, and supply-chain technology. 1871, the city's flagship tech incubator, anchors a thriving community of over 400 startups.
Traditional startup networking in Chicago is event-dependent — pitch nights, demo days, accelerator cohorts. Build Your Network makes it always-on: discover and message founders, investors, and mentors in Chicago any day, filtered by what they're actively looking for.
Built for Chicago's founder ecosystem
Meet founders and investors in Chicago any time — not just at scheduled events.
See what each person is open to before you reach out — co-founding, investing, advising, or collaborating.
GPS-based discovery surfaces people in Chicago within your chosen radius — 10 km to 200 km.
About startup networking in Chicago
Join Build Your Network free, set your location to Chicago, and declare your intent. BYN immediately surfaces people in Chicago who match your intent — no event required, no cold email.
Chicago has regular startup events through JUMP Investors, Hyde Park Angels, 1871 tech hub, and the University of Chicago Polsky Center. Beyond events, Build Your Network provides always-on networking — you can discover and connect with founders, investors, and mentors in Chicago any day of the week.
On Build Your Network, investors in Chicago set their intent to "Angel Investing". Filter by investor intent in your city radius and you'll see exactly which investors in Chicago are actively looking at new investments — and you can message them directly.
For startup-specific networking, yes. LinkedIn shows past jobs; BYN shows current intent. Every member in Chicago on BYN has declared what they need right now — co-founder, mentor, investor, or collaborator — making connections significantly more likely to convert.
On BYN, mentors in Chicago set their intent to "Open to Advising". Filter by mentor intent and your city to see exactly who is available. Chicago has experienced operators across enterprise SaaS, fintech, food tech, logistics, and industrial tech — many of whom actively mentor early-stage founders via BYN.
Yes. Build Your Network is free — create a profile, set your intent, and start connecting with founders, investors, and mentors in Chicago at no cost. Premium plans unlock unlimited connections and priority visibility.