Hyde Park Angels Company Profile

Background

Hyde Park Angels (HPA), established in 2007, is a prominent early-stage investment group headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. As the largest and most active angel network in the Midwest, HPA is dedicated to transforming early-stage investing through a people-first approach. The organization comprises over 100 successful entrepreneurs, executives, and venture capitalists who provide strategic expertise to the entrepreneurial community. Since its inception, HPA has invested millions of dollars in over 40 portfolio companies, contributing to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the Midwest.

Key Strategic Focus

HPA's strategic focus centers on:

Investment in Early-Stage Companies: Targeting startups in the enterprise, consumer, healthcare, and other sectors, primarily within the Midwest region.

People-First Approach: Emphasizing the importance of human capital by leveraging the diverse expertise of its members to support and guide entrepreneurs.

Comprehensive Support: Providing not only financial capital but also strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational expertise to foster the growth and success of portfolio companies.

Financials and Funding

HPA operates through a cohort-based investment model, aggregating funds over specific periods. For instance, Cohort 3 (2014-2016) raised $28 million, which has since grown to a market value of $100 million, with 80% of the capital returned to investors. The organization has invested in 54 portfolio companies, with recent investments including an $18 million Series A round in Fuel Me.

Pipeline Development

HPA's investment portfolio spans various industries, with notable investments in companies such as:

ShipBob: An e-commerce fulfillment company that achieved unicorn status.

Simple Mills: A leader in the better-for-you food space.

Factor: A ready-made meal delivery company acquired by HelloFresh.

These investments reflect HPA's commitment to supporting innovative companies with high growth potential.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While HPA does not develop proprietary technologies, it distinguishes itself through:

Extensive Business Network: Connecting entrepreneurs with industry leaders, potential partners, and customers to accelerate growth.

Operational Expertise: Offering guidance on scaling operations, market entry strategies, and business development.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with corporations, venture capitalists, and community partners to provide comprehensive support to startups.

Leadership Team

HPA's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial success:

Peter Wilkins: Managing Director & Board Member

Bess Goodfellow: Partner

Michael Sachaj: Partner

Stephen Ross: Partner

Greg Buchholz: Executive

These individuals bring diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and business development, contributing to HPA's mission of supporting early-stage companies.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The early-stage investment landscape in the Midwest is characterized by a growing number of angel groups and venture capital firms, reflecting the region's increasing entrepreneurial activity. HPA's focus on a people-first approach and comprehensive support differentiates it within this competitive market.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

New York Angels: An active angel investment group with a focus on early-stage companies.

Golden Seeds: Invests in women-led businesses across various sectors.

Launchpad Venture Group: A Boston-based angel group investing in early-stage technology companies.

Life Science Angels: Focuses on early-stage investments in the life sciences sector.

Tech Coast Angels: One of the largest angel investment groups in the U.S., based in Southern California.

These organizations share similarities with HPA but differ in geographic focus, investment sectors, and operational models.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HPA has established a comprehensive partner network to support entrepreneurs, including:

Industry Partners: Collaborations with corporations like CME Group, First Analysis, Molex, and UL to provide strategic partnerships and innovation opportunities.

Corporate Sponsors: Partnerships with organizations offering services in accounting, banking, insurance, IT, legal, real estate, recruiting, and technology, such as Baker Tilly, Silicon Valley Bank, and Microsoft.

Community Partners: Engagements with incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces like 1871, ChicagoNEXT, ImpactEngine, Matter, TechNexus, and Techstars to support entrepreneurial development.