Lakewest Venture Partners
Venture capitalChicago Β· SeedβSeries A Β· 3 people tracked
Investment thesis
Lakewest Venture Partners backs early-stage, post-proof-of-concept companies that have earned early revenue and customers and are raising primarily to scale. It prioritizes the quality of the entrepreneurs and seeks businesses that challenge the status quo and can build defensible niches with barriers to entry. While not restricted to a single industry, the firm concentrates on a few focus areas. Beyond direct investments, Lakewest also allocates capital to select venture fund managers with strategies differentiated from its own Midwest early-stage approach, spanning various industries, stages and geographies. Its founders' deep Chicago business, civic and entrepreneurial roots provide portfolio companies with network access and strategic mentorship.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.
Team Β· 3 people
from the firm's website
What they invest in
from 8 of 37 portfolio companiesEnterprise Software Γ3Hardware Γ3Consumer Γ2Mobility & Transportation Γ2SaaS Γ2AI & Machine Learning Γ1Cleantech Γ1Cloud Computing Γ1
HQs:United StatesΓ12
Investments Β· 37 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAccel Entertainment is a video gaming terminal operator that provides gaming machines, redemption machines, and amusement devices to bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and fraternal and veteran organizations.
GamingHardwareBurr Ridge, US
Michael Marino(Executive Officer)Mathew Ellis(Executive Officer)Mark Phelan(Executive Officer)Derek Harmer(Executive Officer)Andrew Rubenstein(Executive Officer, Director)
Benchmark Analytics builds data-driven talent management and early intervention solutions for law enforcement agencies, sheriff's offices, and related organizations.
Data & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareGovTechHR TechLegalTechChicago, US
Bob Tulini(Co-Founder)inRon Huberman(Chief Executive Officer)in
BoardKaren Konow(Former Chief, Bureau of Internal Affairs, Chicago Police Department)Karen Rowan(Former Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Internal Affairs, Chicago Police Department)
Harbinger Motors designs and manufactures electric vehicles built on medium-duty platforms for commercial and industrial transportation.
CleantechHardwareMobility & TransportationGarden Grove, US
John Harris(Chief Executive Officer & CoFounder)Ryan Clinton(Director)Phillip Weicker(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Benjamin Dusastre(Executive Officer)William Eberts(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardGilbert Passin(Director)
NuCurrent develops wireless charging technology and products focused on delivering wireless charging experiences for customers.
ConsumerDeep TechHardwareIoTChicago, US
Randall Korach(Director)Michael Seedman(Director)Keith Browning(Director)Jacob Babcock(CEO)John Major(Director)Heidi Arkinstall(Director)
Popular Pays is an influencer marketing and creator management platform that connects brands with creators for campaign development and execution.
Creator EconomyEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechSaaSChicago, US
Corbett Drummey(Founder/CEO)inSteven Wanderski(Founder/Full Stack Web Developer)inClancey Stahr(Director)Peter Dolan(Director)
SpotHero is a parking reservation app that helps drivers find and book affordable parking at garages, lots, and valet services across North American cities.
ConsumerMarketplacesMobility & TransportationChicago, US
Mark Lawrence(Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer)Larry Kiss(Co-Founder, Chief Architect Officer)Samuel Guren(Director)Sam Yagan(Director)Michael Gamson(Director)
Tampa, US
Nicholas Friedman(Executive Officer, Director)Omar Soliman(Executive Officer, Director)Kevin Adamek(Director)David Magrisso(Director)Roman Cowan(Director)
Visibly operates a vision testing platform and network of licensed eye care providers that enable telehealth vision care services and prescription renewals.
Digital HealthHealthtechSaaSChicago, US
David Ting(Director)Pete Carroll(Director)Paul Foley(Executive Officer, Director)Hirak Parikh(Director)Brent Rasmussen(Executive Officer, Director)
Seattle, US
John Larson(Executive Officer)John Stafford, III(Director)Anthony Riemma(Executive Officer)Lucas Price(Executive Officer)John Lauer(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Melinda White(Director)
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Lakewest Venture Partners invest at?
- Lakewest Venture Partners invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Lakewest Venture Partners's typical check size?
- Lakewest Venture Partners typically writes checks of $50K β $1M.
- What sectors does Lakewest Venture Partners focus on?
- Lakewest Venture Partners focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Lakewest Venture Partners located?
- Lakewest Venture Partners is headquartered in Chicago, US.
- Does Lakewest Venture Partners lead rounds?
- Yes, Lakewest Venture Partners leads investment rounds.
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