Jeff is founder and Managing Director of Network Ventures. He was the third employee of Pritzker Group Venture Capital, J.B. and Tony Pritzker’s multi-stage venture capital firm. While at Pritzker Group, Jeff witnessed the emergence of the New York and Los Angeles startup ecosystems. Chicago and the Midwest have the building blocks to enable similar growth, but there is a lack of seed stage capital willing to make early investments and help companies accelerate their trajectory.
Jeff has been a part of the Chicago startup community since joining Pritzker Group in 2008. Previously, he held venture capital and finance roles at UBS, BMV Capital and the Lehman Brothers Communications Fund. Jeff has a B.S. in chemical engineering from The Johns Hopkins University and an M.B.A. from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs between the coasts
In 2016, Network Ventures was formed to help fill a void at the seed stage in the Midwest.
The Midwest startup ecosystem has blossomed over the last decade, with massive exits, successful serial entrepreneurs and a collaborative community focused on helping startups succeed. However, capital has not kept up with the growth in startups.
Midwest-based companies often struggle to make the transition from seed rounds led by angels to Series A rounds led by institutional venture capital firms. Network Ventures helps seed stage entrepreneurs navigate this transition by providing capital, expertise and access to a broad network of companies and resources.
FOCUS
Seed Stage
Network Ventures invests $100-250k in companies raising $500k-1.5m seed rounds. The firm seeks to lead or co-lead rounds and takes an active role post-investment, potentially as a board member.
Midwest
Network Ventures is based in Chicago and focused primarily on companies headquartered in the Midwest. The firm may invest outside the Midwest in companies that have a unique fit with the portfolio.
Network Effects
Network Ventures invests in companies building network effects. The firm invests across sectors and leverages expertise from within the portfolio to help entrepreneurs build the next big marketplaces, networks and software platforms.
Current Portfolio
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A.I. platform to find and deploy the right teams across company projects
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Logistics fulfillment for ecommerce businesses
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Disrupting print/copy/scan/fax services, one kiosk at a time
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Legal document review management and analytics platform
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Short term apartment rental management for multifamily
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Experiences that develop your leaders and inspire your culture
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Build cross-platform, native iOS and Android apps in minutes
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Hotel-style housekeeping - at the push of a button
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Improving student writing skills via an online feedback platform
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Leverage a network of influencers to refer your next great hire
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Fresh, delicious meals by award-winning chefs and local farmers
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The most complete database of tech people
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Taking the pain out of restaurant repairs
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Business network for the cannabis industry
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Helping cities find, validate and implement new technologies
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Real-time shelf analytics for brands and retailers
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Marketplace for film and photo production locations
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The simplest way for parents, family, and friends to invest in a child’s financial future
Jeff Maters
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