HPA (Hyde Park Angels)

Hyde Park Angels (HPA), based in Chicago, is a leading early-stage venture capital firm primarily focused on startups in the Midwest. They invest in a broad range of industries, including tech, healthcare, consumer products, and logistics. Notable portfolio companies include ShipBob, FourKites, and SpotHero. HPA’s investment strategy blends elements of traditional VC and angel investing, positioning itself as one of the most active early-stage investors in the region. They back companies from seed through Series A, with an average check size ranging from $500K to $2M. HPA often co-invests alongside other funds, helping to drive scalable growth in promising startups. The firm prides itself on its "People First" approach, offering both human and financial capital to guide entrepreneurs. The leadership team, headed by Managing Director Peter Wilkins, also includes prominent partners like Bess Goodfellow and Michael Sachaj, who bring significant expertise in venture investing and scaling businesses. Entrepreneurs can approach HPA through their strong network, as the firm actively builds its funnel through collaborations with local incubators like 1871, and they are known for being highly selective during their vetting process. HPA’s Midwest-centric focus extends beyond funding, fostering job creation and economic growth in Chicago and other regional hubs.