Naturally Chicago Expands Its Efforts to Connect Brand Founders with Investors

Naturally Chicago is continually seeking to expand its program offerings to help businesses thrive across the Natural Products spectrum.

That’s why we’re excited to announced that we are launching two new initiatives to connect brands founders with investors. 

We hope you will read on to learn how you and your business can gain value from these new programs.

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We welcome Chicago Seed Co. and its network of more than 60 food investors into our Naturally Chicago community.

Naturally Chicago will now operate Chicago Seed Co. and connect its investors to founders in our network seeking capital.

Chicago Seed Co. includes venture, family office and angel investors with a passion for early-stage food and CPG companies. Its mission is to:

• Foster collaboration among investors
• Source investment opportunities
• Support portfolio companies
• Share learnings & best practices
• Make Chicago the heart of the nation’s food ecosystem!

Most Chicago Seed Co. investors are based in Chicago and invest locally and nationally. They host regular events that range from pitch sessions to education to networking. They also send out newsletters with investment opportunities, as well as industry events and news.

Member Criteria

• Members must invest a minimum of $50,000 a year.

• Prospective members will be interviewed to see if they are a good fit for Chicago Seed Co. 

• To be active, members/member companies pay annual membership dues, which are $300 for an individual and $550 for an entity (up to five members.)

If you are interested, please go to the Chicago Seed Co. website and fill in your contact info; we will then be in touch.

As a bonus, prospective members who apply by this Monday (June 23) will be invited to an exclusive Chicago Seed Co. event Wednesday (June 25) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Chicago.

The agreement to merge Chicago Seed Co. into Naturally Chicago was announced on May 21 at our Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Forum. Photo by Bob Benenson.

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Naturally Chicago’s Brand Investment Connector database will provide brands with the opportunity to showcase themselves — on a platform that will enable investors to find and meet companies that show promise.

View the current deals in our database!

While our Connector is an asset for all early-stage food and natural products companies, we are thrilled to join in a strategic partnership with Chicago:Blend — a nonprofit committed to expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in venture capital.

Start by submitting your pitch deck and/or basic details of your startup. Click here to access the form.

Expert Review

Once Chicago:Blend gets your submission, their Venture Fellows & staff will review your company and send quick, actionable feedback over email.

• Some may get in contact with you, build a relationship, or want to do further diligence.

• Expect genuine insights & tactical feedback to refine your pitch.

Spotlight in the Newsletter

If Chicago:Blend decides to lean in, you’ll be Spotlighted on our Startup Spotlight Newsletter — reaching 400+ VCs actively deploying capital into great startups & teams.

If not, you’ll be provided with clear feedback on how you can improve & get featured down the line.

Get Inbound from Top-Tier VCs

Interested VCs will reach out if they see a fit!