In the heart of Chicago's bustling tech scene, Hyde Park Venture Partners (HPVP) stands as a beacon for early-stage technology startups across the mid-continent region. With a laser focus on high-growth potential companies and a reputation for being tenacious and responsive partners, HPVP has carved out a unique niche in the venture capital landscape.
The HPVP Advantage
What sets Hyde Park Venture Partners apart in the competitive world of venture capital? It's their unwavering commitment to the mid-continent region, coupled with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage tech startups.
Mid-Continent Focus
While many VC firms gravitate towards coastal tech hubs, HPVP has planted its flag firmly in the middle of the country. This strategic focus gives them unparalleled insights into the region's ecosystem and allows them to tap into a network of talent and resources often overlooked by coastal investors.
Early-Stage Expertise
HPVP specializes in first and second rounds of funding, positioning themselves as crucial partners during the most formative stages of a company's growth. This early-stage focus enables them to provide hands-on guidance and support when it matters most.
Value-Add Approach
More than just a source of capital, HPVP prides itself on being a true partner to its portfolio companies. Their team leverages extensive networks across the mid-continent to equip startups with talent, go-to-market knowledge, and follow-on capital crucial for scaling.
The HPVP Portfolio
HPVP's diverse portfolio is a testament to their ability to identify promising technologies across various sectors. Some standout investments include: ShipBob: A tech-enabled 3PL fulfillment solution for e-commerce (Chicago) G2: A B2B software reviews marketplace (Chicago) FourKites: End-to-end supply chain visibility platform (Chicago) PartySlate: A discovery platform for event planning (Chicago) Zengines: Automated data migration software (Chicago) Dentologie: A platform for dental medical practices (Chicago)
Meet the Team
The strength of HPVP lies in its diverse and experienced team. Here are some key members:
Greg Barnes, Partner
Greg has been with HPVP since 2014 and has led investments in successful companies like ShipBob and VNDLY (acquired by Workday). His background as COO of Piece & Co. and his experience at Redbox bring valuable operational insights to the team.
Allison Lechnir, Partner
Joining HPVP in 2019, Allison brings a wealth of experience from her time running business operations at Civis Analytics and co-founding Flag Analytics. She has led investments in promising startups like Certiverse and CoPilot.
Ira Weiss, Partner
A founding partner of HPVP, Ira is also a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His involvement in successful investments like FourKites, G2, and ShipBob showcases his keen eye for promising technologies.
Tim Kopp, Operating Partner
Tim's experience as CMO of ExactTarget, where he helped grow the company to a $2.7B acquisition by Salesforce, brings invaluable go-to-market expertise to HPVP's portfolio companies.
HPVP's Commitment to Community
Beyond investments, HPVP is deeply committed to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem in the mid-continent region. This commitment is evident in their: Active presence on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn Regular newsletter providing updates and insights "Perspectives" section on their website featuring articles and resources Role as a Founding Champion of Chicago Blend, promoting diversity in tech
Looking Ahead: Fund IV and Beyond
HPVP's recent announcement of Fund IV, raising $98 million, signals continued growth and investor confidence in their strategy. This new fund will enable HPVP to double down on their commitment to early-stage tech startups in the mid-continent region.
Conclusion
Hyde Park Venture Partners has established itself as a crucial player in the mid-continent's tech ecosystem. By combining capital investment with active support and community building, HPVP is not just funding startups – they're helping to shape the future of technology in the heartland of America. For entrepreneurs seeking more than just capital, for investors looking to tap into the potential of the mid-continent, and for anyone interested in the future of tech beyond Silicon Valley, Hyde Park Venture Partners is a name to watch. As they continue to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: their commitment to being tenacious, responsive partners for the next generation of tech innovators. To learn more about Hyde Park Venture Partners or to get in touch, visit their website or reach out to their team at 415 N LaSalle Drive 700A, Chicago, IL 60654.
