Hyde Park Angels Finances User Interface Startup UICO, LLC, in Chicago
Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a Chicago-based angel network, has completed a round of financing for UICO, LLC, headquartered in Glendale Heights, IL.
UICO develops and manufactures innovative user-interface (UI) solutions, such as touchscreens, for the appliance, industrial and medical markets. As an integrator of emerging and innovative user interfaces, UICO leverages appropriate technologies to deliver custom UI solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking competitive advantage through more reliable and easier-to-use products.
Ryan Humphreys, a Hyde Park Angels cofounder, will serve on UICO’s Board of Managers. In addition to Humphreys, the HPA team included Chicago GSB student associates Emily Hertzer and Asaf Sagy.
According to Humphreys, “The UICO business model is extraordinary in its ability to deliver more value, faster, than any other player in this space. The company systematically targets a currently under-served segment of very large markets and so is likely to be a real game-changer. All the investors have been impressed with the company’s progress with both partners and customers over the few short months since discussions began.”
On behalf of UICO Co-founders Bahar Wadia and Bill Lee, Wadia commented that “the Hyde Park Angels’ value proposition for us was tremendous. This is a group with significant business acumen, experience and vision – a group with tremendous resources that, unlike other angel groups, has taken the time to really understand the nuances of our business, which is not easy to do. Moving forward, we believe Hyde Park Angels’ affiliation with The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and University of Chicago, other Midwest venture groups, and the global business community will prove invaluable to us as we execute our strategy.”
This deal highlights Hyde Park Angels’ strong partnership approach between our portfolio companies and our investor community, both of which are passionate about making a difference. Please visit our website or contact us to learn more about UICO, Hyde Park Angels and our growing community of investors, portfolio companies and business sponsors.