The 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.
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 (VC) — to the benefit of entrepreneurs in under-represented communities.
Brand Investment Connector Database:
Building Business Success and Diversity
Naturally Chicago’s Brand Investment Connector database is designed to address one of the biggest obstacles to business and industry expansion: Accessing capital to finance growth is the most critical need for emerging brands, but the current investing trends make it a very challenging environment in which to raise money.
As the association for our region’s natural products industry, Naturally Chicago is uniquely well suited to facilitate connections between businesses and investors. We have a large network of investors who, even in challenging times, are looking for early-stage businesses that they believe will provide a strong return on investment. And we have a large network of brands that are seeking capital.
Naturally Chicago is amping up its commitment to increasing natural products industry investment became it meshes with our mission to facilitate the growth of businesses from early stage and beyond.
We launched our Locally Made program last year to help brands connect with major retailers; it is already having major benefits through Fresh Thyme Market, our first Retail Access Partner, and other grocery chains will be joining the program soon.
Yet as brands grow their sales, they need increased investment to finance that growth. So just as Locally Made is connecting producers and buyers, our Brand Investor Connector will enable businesses and investors to better find each other.
And our work is not complete unless diverse business owners have access to the capital they need to succeed, which is why our partnership with Chicago:Blend is so important.
The nonprofit recently launched a Startup Spotlight Newsletter to help early-stage companies land more meetings with venture capitalists and angel investors. And Naturally Chicago's frequent virtual and live networking events — which connect entrepreneurs with investors and industry experts — will now serve as a gateway for its members to be featured in Startup Spotlight.
Apply to get your company in front of 400+ investors all at once:
Submit Your Startup
Start by submitting your pitch deck and/or basic details of your startup.
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!
Chicago:Blend has helped great founders around the world set meetings & close rounds quickly with funds such as Listen Ventures, Off Center Ventures, and Vamos Ventures. They;re excited to help you do the same.