(*Apologies if some of these have already been posted)
Mayor Lightfoot Announces the Return of the Chicago Venture Summit, M25 Summit, and Midwest.Tech/Connect this September 2021
"Mayor Lightfoot announces the return of the Chicago Venture Summit, M25 Summit, and Midwest.Tech/Connect this September 2021
Postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic, Chicago’s flagship VC conference returns this September with other Midwest regional events as city fully reopens
CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced today the return of three premier venture events in 2021: the Chicago Venture Summit this September 28-29, the annual M25 Summit this September 30-October 1, and Midwest.Tech/Connect this September 13-14.
“Given our city’s recent reopening, as well as the ever-growing number of investors choosing to support our city and our entrepreneurs, 2021 will truly be the best year for Chicago’s thriving startup and VC ecosystem,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “From new tech unicorns to record-breaking VC funding totals in the first six months of the year, it’s clear that Chicago is poised for levels of success unlike anything we have ever seen before in our tech industry in this year alone. I am thrilled to welcome investors to our city this fall to find their next big deal with our local entrepreneurs and innovative startups.
In 2020, Chicago startups raised a record breaking $2.8 billion in venture capital funding – an all time high.
In the first four months of 2021 alone, Chicago startups raised more than $3 billion in VC funding with new local tech unicorns ($1+ billion valuation) which include ActiveCampaign, Amount, Cameo, Enfusion, and project44. Chicago also leads the nation with the best tech investor ROI according to Pitchbook data."
http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com/...eptember-2021/
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Today @fDiIntelligence
reported that #Chicago moved up into the #5 spot as a "city of the future 2021/2022." Chicago moved into fifth place this year due to record FDI levels in 2019 & 2020. Read more:
https://www.fdiintelligence.com/article/79912
https://twitter.com/WorldBizChicago/...13400009080833
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Mayor Lightfoot announces ThinkChicago Exchange 2021
"Mayor Lightfoot announces ThinkChicago Advanced Degree Exchange 2021 led by World Business Chicago and P33, with the University of Illinois System, Discovery Partners Institute, and GET Cities
ThinkChicago’s first exclusive event for grad students and PhD talent connects top-tier talent with rapidly-growing Chicago companies & startups
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined World Business Chicago and P33 to announce the launch of ThinkChicago Advanced Degree Exchange 2021, the first-ever flagship event exclusive for graduate students and PhD talent. This three-day, virtual event from June 8-10 will provide a behind-the-scenes tour of Chicago’s thriving tech & innovation sector for nearly 200 top-tier university students and professionals. Selected participants will gain access to a series of keynote speakers, panels, and networking sessions with local companies and startups.
“From new tech unicorns like ActiveCampaign and Amount to record-breaking VC funding in the first five months of 2021, Chicago’s startup and innovation ecosystem has seen incredible momentum,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “With many fast-growing, local companies in need of top-tier talent, our ThinkChicago efforts have never been more critical, allowing us to continue accelerating our post-pandemic recovery and expand job opportunities for our students.”"
http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com/...exchange-2021/
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CHICAGO #1 CITY IN NORTH AMERICA FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
"New Report Shows Chicago #1 for 8th Consecutive Year
CHICAGO–World Business Chicago today announced that, for the eighth year in a row, Chicago leads the U.S. in foreign direct investment (FDI) according to the 2020 IBM Global Location Trends report. The annual report, which outlines the latest trends in corporate location selection, named Chicago the top North American metro in foreign direct investment projects.
“Chicago is a leader in the global economy,” said Michael Fassnacht, CEO & President, World Business Chicago. “This ranking demonstrates what we hear from companies around the world — they see Chicago as the city where their business is best set up for success and growth, where they can create jobs and economic opportunities across the city. Our work creating and sustaining economic partnerships around the world and growing our international network ensures that Chicago will continue to lead on the global stage for many years to come.”
Chicago ranks first in North America in foreign direct investment for the eighth year running in terms of the total number of FDI projects.
Chicago ranks #6 in foreign direct investment globally.
“Last year Netherlands-based company Newcold chose Chicago for its North American headquarters,” said Jonas Swarttouw, VP Customer & Business Development, Newcold North America. “Chicago is a great city because of its access to a robust pipeline of diverse talent, central location, and business infrastructure. In our short time in the city, we’ve discovered that the growth opportunities are so vast and plentiful, we expect to exceed current plans for our local footprint.”
A hub of international business activity, Chicago is home to more than 1,800 foreign-based companies, accounting for more than $140 billion in foreign direct investment. World Business Chicago continuously works to increase foreign direct investment with initiatives including the Gateway Cities Agreement with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Global Cities Economic Partnership with Mexico City, Chicago-London City Data Alliance, and Tel Aviv-Yafo –Chicago Partnership. These efforts serve as a model to enhance economic ties with other countries and global cities to facilitate trade and foreign direct investment.
The IBM Global Location Trends report shows where companies are locating, expanding, and creating jobs around the world. Projects must meet IBM criteria, including having created more than ten jobs, to qualify. For more information, visit IBM Global Location Trends."
http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com/...ct-investment/