Inno Approved: The Chicago Tech Events to Check Out This Week
Featured on ChicagoInno
Monday
6:00 to 7:00 pm
Gleacher Center: 450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr.
The University of Chicago’s New Venture Challenge is turning 20 this year, and they’re doing a series of events highlighting successful founders of years past. On Monday, David Rabie, founder of Tovala and winner of last year’s NVC, will be speaking at Booth’s downtown campus. Tovala is a countertop device that can bake, broil, steam, and convection heat fresh meals created by Michelin-starred chefs. They just raised a $500,000 round.
Tuesday
Programmers of Color: An Experience Report
5:30 to 7:00 pm
Dev Bootcamp: 351 W Hubbard, Suite 700
This event features a panel by Dev Bootcamp students and alumni of color discussing their experience being DBC students, looking for a job as a developer, and working in tech in Chicago. The event aims to create conversation diversity, inclusion, and lowering barriers to success.
Wednesday
Chicago Inno’s Tech Madness Bracket Reveal
6:00 pm to 9:00 PM
Headquarters Beercade River North: 213 West Institute Place
Chicago Inno is kicking off its annual Tech Madness event, our friendly competition to determine who the city thinks will be the most valuable Chicago tech company in five years. 64 teams will go head to head in a ranked bracket, and voters will determine who moves on. The final four will be revealed at the end of March, but the event kicks off on Wednesday (we’ll see you there!).
Thursday
Hyde Park Angels & 1871 Entrepreneurial Education Series: When to Raise Venture Capital or Bootstrap
6:00 to 8:00 pm
1871: 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212
At this event, Hyde Park Angels aims to help early stage startups answer the question: “How do you know if you’re ready to raise your first round, or if raising is even your best option?” Panelists include Pam Netzky, cofounder and president of SkinnyPop Popcorn, Bill Pescatello, partner at Lightbank, Kristi Ross, co-CEO and president at dough and tastytrade, Katlin Smith, founder and CEO of Simple Mills, and Craig Vodnik, cofounder of cleverbridge.
Friday
12:00 to 1:30 pm
Inspire Business Center: 1016 W Jackson Blvd.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center is putting on an event to help small businesses better understand how to use mobile technology for marketing, commerce, and communications. The event is presented by Kathy Hays of Xcelacore and hosted by the Inspire Business Center.