Golden Seeds Launches its Ninth Chapter in Chicago

Golden Seeds, the largest angel network that invests exclusively in women-led startups in the U.S., has announced the opening of its ninth chapter, located in Chicago. The group will be co-led by Golden Seeds Managing Directors Susan Abrams, Angela Allen and Linda Singh. Through their efforts, Golden Seeds has already closed investments in two Chicago companies, NanoPattern Technologies Inc. and Every Body Eat. 

“Golden Seeds is a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ investment organization where your involvement can drive immediate impact. We’re bringing that energy and focus to Chicago so that we can collaborate with like-minded investors and find and fund the most innovative women entrepreneurs,” said Abrams. “We’ve had a presence in Chicago for many years and are thrilled to be making an official commitment to the city with the establishment of a chapter.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has estimated that the state has over 457,000 women-owned businesses, and Chicago boasts one of the highest rates of venture-backed women-led startups in any U.S. city, according to the Chicago: Blend and World Business Chicago. More than one-third of new venture-backed companies had at least one woman founder in 2023, highlighting the opportunity in the city. 

Those interested in joining Golden Seeds will become part of a nationwide network of nearly 300 investors across 27 states with access to a collaborative and high-quality deal flow and deal teams. Local members have the opportunity to participate in different sector groups such as Health Care, Technology, and Consumer Products and Services, and enroll in a nationally-recognized investor training program with nine courses. Golden Seeds members have ​​invested more than $190 million in over 265 women-led companies across the U.S., which have gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion. 

“Over the past 20 years, Golden Seeds has been committed to investing in high-potential women entrepreneurs,” said Allen. “The network is relentless in its mission to level the playing field for women and empower them to participate in every aspect of the economy, whether by investing, raising capital or creating wealth. Achieving this requires collective action, and we’re inspired by the many in Chicago who share our commitment.”

The Chicago chapter of Golden Seeds will join an impressive ecosystem of investment groups, accelerators, academic, nonprofit and state-wide programs. Groups like innovation hub 1871, MATTER Chicago, and mHUB have been influential in driving deals throughout the Midwest and others like The Josephine Collective create entry points for women to participate in angel investing.  Abrams, Allen and Singh will collaborate with organizations and institutions in the city to foster economic activity and advance women at all levels. 

Singh added, “We’re a collective of women and men who embrace the idea that diverse companies, boards, and cap tables build a more economically vibrant and resilient future. We look forward to using our expertise, capital and passion to support the success of women-led early-stage companies in Chicago.”

There will be a series of events starting this fall for those interested in getting involved with Golden Seeds. Individuals can also email membership@goldenseeds.com to learn more about how to become a member and collaborate with the Chicago chapter.

About Golden Seeds

Founded in 2004, Golden Seeds is one of the nation’s largest and most active angel networks – and the largest focused exclusively on early-stage, women-led companies. A leader in advancing gender diversity in investing, Golden Seeds also educates angel investors through its nationally recognized Knowledge Institute, which offers nine training courses. Today, it has nearly 300 active members across 27 states, Washington, D.C. and abroad, with chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, and Silicon Valley/San Francisco. The organization also manages or administers six funds and has invested more than $190 million in over 265 women-led companies. Learn more at www.goldenseeds.com.