While plenty of people offer to help you find money, few organizations have focused on the essentials to new venture success - finding early customers and getting other strategic introductions. Cleversafe's wonderfully symbiotic relationship with IIT, Fieldglass' sales strategy, Firm58's connection with the CME - all of these were developed by David, Jason and their team. In 2005 they helped 87 businesses with more than 900 introductions that lead to $15 million in new business...they also managed to assist 50 entrepreneurs in raising $18.5MM. They're currently in the process of raising a fund to support early stage ventures.
David was Mayor Daley’s former technology advisor during the 90's and continues to be a tireless advocate for the city and its future. He founded BlueMeteor, raised $30MM in venture capital and grew the company to 100 employees. Jason co-founded the CEC with David and Jerry Roper, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO. He came to the CEC from maketing and communications fields, most recently Newark Electronics.
Dimensions: 7 people x 7 years x $NDA
Funding: Corporate sponsors, DCEO, City of Chicago, private donors, foundations.
Customers: high-growth entrepreneurs in tech, retail, services, creative media, fashion, real estate
Location: Chicago [Loop] + www.chicagolandec.org
