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  • Network Ventures Logo
  • FOCUS
  • PORTFOLIO
  • JEFF MATERS
  • CONTACT
  • FOCUS
  • PORTFOLIO
  • JEFF MATERS
  • CONTACT

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


Midwest Map

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


  • Nexus

    A.I. platform to find and deploy the right teams across company projects

  • ShipBob

    Logistics fulfillment for ecommerce businesses

  • WithMe

    Delivering tech-enabled solutions to clients and users everywhere

  • Esquify

    Legal document review management and analytics platform

  • ApartmentJet

    Short term apartment rental management for multifamily

  • Ignite

    Experiences that develop your leaders and inspire your culture

  • Draftbit

    Build cross-platform, native iOS and Android apps in minutes

  • The Minte

    Hotel-style housekeeping - at the push of a button

  • The Graide Network

    Improving student writing skills via an online feedback platform

  • Hunt Club

    Leverages the power of relationships to find you the best talent

  • Local Crate

    Fresh, delicious meals by award-winning chefs and local farmers

  • humanpredictions

    The most complete database of tech people

  • 86 Repairs

    Repair and maintenance platform built for the restaurant industry

  • Leafwire

    Business network for the cannabis industry

  • Marketplace.city

    Helping cities find, validate and implement new technologies

  • Retail Aware

    Real-time shelf analytics for brands and retailers

  • Giggster

    Marketplace for film and photo production locations

  • EarlyBird

    The simplest way for parents, family, and friends to invest in a child’s financial future

  • Chaos

    Bringing order to the chaos of thinking

  • Shopflix

    Where brands audition for you

  • KPI Sense

    Finance solutions customized for SaaS

  • DwellSocial

    Bringing great restaurants from the city to your suburb

  • When Insurance

    Protecting your family's health and financial wellbeing

  • Lemonlight

    On-Demand video production services worldwide

  • Parentaly

    Turning parental leave into a competitive advantage

  • Ramsay Innovations

    World-class financial performance for marketing and digital agencies

Jeff Maters


New-Company Logo

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.

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Join the Network!

220 North Green Street

Chicago, IL 60607

info@networkventures.vc

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