Pete Wilkins
Managing Partner
Pete Wilkins is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and AI innovator. He serves as Managing Partner of Hyde Park Angels (HPA) and founder of Omaxn, the premier Midwest AI forum.
As HPA’s leader, Wilkins spearheaded its evolution from a traditional angel network into an institutional-grade venture investor, cultivating HPA into one of the top early-stage venture groups in the country. Under Wilkins’ leadership, HPA has delivered standout returns that outpace venture industry benchmarks and has fostered an environment that has enabled HPA- backed startups to grow into industry leaders, including many that have reached “unicorn” status and achieved impressive successful exits.
In 2023, Wilkins founded Omaxn, which has quickly established itself as the Midwest’s premier forum for AI leadership. Omaxn brings together influential entrepreneurs, technologists, executives, researchers, and investors across the region to collaboratively shape the future of AI. Through this platform, Wilkins promotes knowledge sharing across industries and purposeful AI development to strengthen the Midwest’s economy and talent base.
Earlier in his career, Wilkins played key roles in two technology startups that achieved exits totaling over $2.8 billion before he turned 30. He went on to lead the turnaround of a private-equity-backed medical education company from record losses to record profits, and he founded a venture focused on increasing college attainment for Latino families. Beyond his executive roles, Wilkins is the author of Purpose First Entrepreneur, an Amazon #1 bestseller on aligning purpose with business success, and a Forbes contributor on innovation and investing in the Midwest.