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.
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.
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.
Schaumburg Startup Founder Camille Forsythe Sells AI Company for $70 Million
Camille Forsythe's Schaumburg-based AI startup, ClarityGrid, was acquired by a national data analytics firm for $70 million after five years of growth.
Chicago Hospitality Founder Bianca Monroe Adds Fourth River North Hotel
Bianca Monroe's Chicago hospitality group acquired its fourth River North hotel, continuing a decade-long consolidation of the neighborhood's boutique lodging market.
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.
Chicago Fintech Founder Darnell Ashworth Closes $16 Million Series A
Darnell Ashworth's Chicago fintech startup, LedgerBridge, raised a $16 million Series A to expand banking software for small credit unions.
Naperville Restaurateur Devon Hargrove Expands Dining Group to Chicago
Devon Hargrove's Naperville-based restaurant group is opening its first downtown Chicago location after a decade building a farm-to-table dining brand.