Section
Business Leaders
The entrepreneurs and executives driving Illinois forward, from the Loop to Naperville.
Hyde Park EdTech Founder Raymond Atieno Turns Down Acquisition Offer to Stay Independent
Raymond Atieno turned down a nine-figure acquisition offer for his Hyde Park-based tutoring platform, betting on continued independent growth.
Chicago Entrepreneur Marcus Donnelly Raises $20 Million for Logistics Startup
Marcus Donnelly's Chicago-based logistics software startup, RailPoint, closed a $20 million Series B to expand its intermodal freight scheduling technology.
Evanston Biotech Founder Renata Blackwood Celebrates First FDA Drug Approval
Renata Blackwood's Evanston biotech company, Lakeshore Therapeutics, received its first FDA approval for a treatment targeting a rare autoimmune disorder.
Champaign AgTech Founder Theo Nakamura Lands Contract for Autonomous Farm Equipment Sensors
Theo Nakamura's Champaign-based technology startup won a multi-year contract to supply sensor systems for autonomous agricultural vehicles.
Joliet Logistics Executive Yvonne Delacroix Opens Third Regional Warehouse
Yvonne Delacroix's Joliet-based logistics company opened its third regional warehouse, capitalizing on the Chicago area's growing distribution hub status.
Naperville Cybersecurity Firm Founded by Priya Mehta Doubles Headcount in a Year
Priya Mehta's Naperville-based cybersecurity firm, Meridian Defense, doubled its workforce over the past year as demand for financial sector contracts surged.
Evanston Legal Tech Founder Naomi Ferris Signs Deal With State Court System
Naomi Ferris's Evanston-based legal technology company signed a contract to modernize case filing systems for several Illinois county court systems.
Oak Park Brewery Founder Sandra Vasquez Secures Regional Distribution Deal
Sandra Vasquez's Oak Park craft brewery signed a distribution agreement that will put its beer on shelves across four Midwest states.
Felicia Okonkwo's Chicago Childcare Network Expands to Address Waitlist Crisis
Felicia Okonkwo's Chicago-based childcare center network is opening four new locations to address waitlists that have topped a year in some neighborhoods.