TechRise Chicago

?? Huge congratulations to Jenny Arrington, Co-Founder of LOOK, for winning today's TechRise Pitch Competition, and securing the $25,000 prize, sponsored by William Blair! LOOK is a groundbreaking app designed to disrupt the damage of the infinite scroll while actively supporting healthy brain development in adolescents. By harnessing the power of machine learning and generative AI, LOOK aims to transform how young people engage with their smartphones. It’s not just another wellness app—it's a movement dedicated to reversing the cognitive, social, and emotional harm caused by compulsive phone use. LOOK equips adolescents with critical stress management tools, incentivizing meaningful offline activities while disincentivizing excessive screen time. We are incredibly excited to see how LOOK will continue to shape the future of youth mental health and foster a more focused, balanced, and resilient generation. A special thank you to our judges Justine Chiou, Hannah Karzmer, and Demetrius Palmer for their insightful feedback and to our guest speaker Nancy (Choi) Bonges for sharing more on William Blair's Capital Collective Program! ?? Watch the livestream here: https://lnkd.in/gAhJi2Ss

Tune in to our Women in EdTech Pitch Competition with William Blair today at noon to see these five amazing founders take the stage! Watch live on our YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gpiYW4hf

Exciting news for Latino-owned businesses! The White House has launched a $1 billion initiative to support Latin American entrepreneurs. This monumental investment is set to drive innovation and economic growth by increasing access to capital, specifically for underrepresented Latino founders. Let's continue pushing boundaries and opening doors for the next generation of leaders in our community! #ToTheFuture #angelesmembers

Congratulations to TechRise Founder, Mercedes Pickett, Founder of ER Data Solutions on winning the Depaul Entrepreneurial 7th Purpose Pitch and winning the Alumni category! ?? ER Data Solution is an analysis tool that, using available data, identifies nonprofit inefficiencies to?improve end-user service delivery. With ERDS, nonprofits save valuable time and money so they can?better serve their target populations. We're thrilled to be on this journey with you!

Are you an angel or pre-seed investor in Chicago? We're running Chicago Angels: Building Community + Town Hall on October 8, an event with World Business Chicago to build some community among Chicago's angel and pre-seed investors and get some feedback on projects that we have in the pipeline to help solve for fragmentation and share deals. Comment or DM me for an invite!

?? Future-of-#Fintech Week by World Business Chicago is this September 23-27, 2024! ?? We’re bringing startups, investors, sector innovators, and industry executives together in #CHICAGO, a leading global destination for #fintech innovation. Presenting Partners: ? BMO U.S. ? Consulate General of Canada in Chicago | Le Consulat général du Canada à Chicago ? Jump Capital ? Sterling Bay Startup Day Partners: ? 1871 ? Decasonic ? Lofty Ventures ? Clique Studios, LLC ?? Future-of-Fintech Week 2024 by WBC and partners is a multi-day, multi-partner experience to showcase #Chicagoland’s world-class #fintech ecosystem. In addition to WBC-led events, we’re so proud of an amazing coalition of partners who have joined us. Shoutout to the FoFintech Week organizing team: Lauren Backe, Nicole McCarthy, and Manleen Rajput! ??CHICAGO #FINTECH STARTUPS: send me a LinkedIn message to apply for the official Future-of-Fintech Week startup portfolio. ??VCs & INVESTORS: send me a #LinkedIn message to learn more about flagship events. ??FRIENDS & FANS OF FINTECH: send me a LinkedIn message to learn more about the official Future-of-Fintech Week reception. ?? Explore and register here (before the events reach capacity): https://lnkd.in/gt7-n2Sf

Attention Latino/a/x Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs -- There's 2 weeks left to apply! Applications are now OPEN for the Latinx Pitch Competition!?? Get ready to showcase your startup and compete for $35,000 USD for the five finalists (with no equity stake taken!), on Wednesday, November 13th, in the heart of Downtown Miami.?? Brought to you by Mana Tech Babson College Miami and Inicio Ventures, this event celebrates Latino entrepreneurship and brings together the Miami community to showcase the incredible talent and innovation.?? ??Who can apply? ??All Latinx/e/Latino/Latina founders with a disruptive startup! No matter what industry you're in, just bring the innovation. ??Pre-seed or seed stage companies (less than $1 million in revenue in 2023 and less than $500k total capital raised).? ??You can be based anywhere in the US or LATAM! ??What do you need to apply? ????Information about your business and Founding Team ??A Pitch Deck (no more than 15 slides) ??An Executive Summary Short Video (2 min) Read more in the PDF overview with more details and FAQs ??How to apply? ??For more info: https://lnkd.in/epAuwTFg Submit your application and video via Typeform https://lnkd.in/en6Se-_X Don't miss out! Applications close on Friday, September 13th! Special thanks to the partners and sponsors who make this possible, eMerge Americas? Dentons Wells Fargo Miami-Dade County Tag a founder that should consider applying: Edison Sabala, MBA, MPH Cheryl Campos Joliz Cede?o Raul Lomeli-Azoubel Samuel Ulloa Marc L. Carlos A. I?iguez Etienne Gillard Andrés Cano David Israel Israel I. Hernandez Uhriel Bedoya Jose Kont Aaron Chavez Salomon Horowitz Zach H. Zack Mellin Javier Bracero Eduardo Perez Lenis E Guzman Carla Curiel Elian Savodivker Elaine King, MBA, CFP?Daniela Retamales Gómez Daniela Corrente Jonathan Patton Daniel Alonso Cesar Angulo Julio Morel Miguel Martinic Kakoulli Jany Borges Ana Valdez #MiamiTech #PitchCompetition #LatinxFounder #startup #entrepreneur

We are excited to welcome Nancy (Choi) Bonges, Head of Community Engagement at William Blair, as the guest speaker for the Women in EdTech Pitch Competition on September 13th at 12 PM CST. While the judges deliberate, Nancy will share insights about William Blair's Capital Collective initiative—a wealth-building program designed to empower emerging wealth earners and women entrepreneurs. The Capital Collective offers a unique learning experience, providing participants with the tools and strategies needed to accelerate their financial growth and business ventures. Join us live to learn more from Nancy and see the finalists compete for the $25,000 prize! ?? Add event to your calendar: https://lnkd.in/gqpVZgiA ?? Watch live on TechRise's YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gtesCQRf ?? Sign up for reminders: https://lnkd.in/dwWbqJ7M #TechRise #WomenInEdTech #PitchCompetition #Entrepreneurship #WilliamBlair

?? Meet the Judges! ?? We are excited to introduce the incredible panel of judges for the Women in EdTech Pitch Competition happening on September 13th at 12 PM CST. These experts will evaluate the pitches and select the founder who will take home the $25,000 prize, sponsored by William Blair. Our esteemed judges include: ? Justine Chiou - Managing Director, William Blair ? Hannah Karzmer - VP Investment Team, GSV Ventures ? Demetrius Palmer - Investor, Reach Capital Join us in watching these brilliant minds assess the pitches from our amazing founders and make this tough decision! ?? Add event to your calendar: https://lnkd.in/gqpVZgiA ?? Watch live on TechRise's YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gtesCQRf ?? Sign up for reminders: https://lnkd.in/dwWbqJ7M #TechRise #WomenInEdTech #PitchCompetition #Judges #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WilliamBlair

We LOVE these insights from Desiree Vargas Wrigley, as she speaks on starting a business as a Latina female and overcoming significant hurdles. ? You may feel overshadowed by others, but it's crucial to recognize your unique vision and capabilities. The passion to build something meaningful can drive you to success. ? #ToTheFuture Stay informed on the latest trends and discussions by subscribing to our YouTube channel! ?? https://lnkd.in/gfk6Z5Dd #angelesmembers