Complete funding guide for artificial intelligence entrepreneurs in Illinois. Find 7 VC funds, 4 accelerators,2 angel networks, and 4 grant opportunities.
The artificial intelligence startup ecosystem in Illinois has experienced remarkable growth, with $481M in funding across 242 deals in 2026.This represents 17% year-over-year growth compared to the previous year, positioning Illinoisas a emerging market forartificial intelligence innovation.
The average funding round size of $6M reflects strong investor confidence in Illinois-based artificial intelligence startups. Competition levels are currently very high, with 7 active VC funds specifically targeting this sector.
Illinois offers a concentrated artificial intelligence ecosystem with specialized talent
Strong government support for artificial intelligence innovation and R&D tax incentives
Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region
Lower operational costs compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco
series-a stage focus • 37 portfolio companies
series-b stage focus • 39 portfolio companies
series-b stage focus • 24 portfolio companies
seed stage focus • 28 portfolio companies
series-a stage focus • 34 portfolio companies
series-b stage focus • 67 portfolio companies
series-b stage focus • 33 portfolio companies
📍 Illinois
📍 Illinois
by Illinois Innovation Agency
Artificial Intelligence startups based in Illinois
by Illinois Innovation Agency
Artificial Intelligence startups based in Illinois
by Illinois Innovation Agency
Artificial Intelligence startups based in Illinois
by Illinois Innovation Agency
Artificial Intelligence startups based in Illinois
Strong funding activity as VCs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises
Peak investment period with increased deal velocity and accelerator demo days
Moderate activity as partners focus on portfolio company support during summer
Year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals
Artificial Intelligence startup funding in Illinois is very high, with 7 active VC funds and 4 accelerator programs competing for deals. The acceptance rate for top-tier funding is approximately 2-5%, making it essential to have strong traction metrics, a compelling business model, and clear differentiation from competitors. Success factors includeDeep expertise in artificial intelligence domain, Strong technical team with proven track record, Clear market validation and customer traction.
Artificial Intelligence startups in Illinois raise an average of $6M per funding round, based on 242 deals completed in 2026. This represents 17% year-over-year growthcompared to the previous year. Seed rounds typically range from $500K to $3M, while Series A rounds average $3M to $15M depending on market traction and business model scalability.
Top artificial intelligence accelerators in Illinois report success rates of 75-85% for follow-on funding, with program lengths ranging from 12-16 weeks and equity terms of 4-7%. The most successful programs focus onartificial-intelligence and startup-growthand provide extensive mentor networks, investor connections, and post-graduation support lasting 2+ years.
Illinois offers several unique advantages for artificial intelligence startups: Illinois offers a concentrated artificial intelligence ecosystem with specialized talent, Strong government support for artificial intelligence innovation and R&D tax incentives, and Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region. The local ecosystem includes 7 specialized VC funds, 2 angel networks, and 4 grant programs specifically supporting artificial intelligence innovation.
The optimal fundraising months in Illinois are February, March, May, when investor activity peaks and deal velocity increases. Q1 typically sees strong funding activity as vcs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises, while Q4 shows year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals. Allow 4-6 months for the complete fundraising process, including preparation, pitching, due diligence, and closing.
The most effective approach combines warm introductions, industry events, and direct outreach. Start by leveraging your network for introductions to the 7 active VC funds in Illinois. Join relevant artificial intelligence meetups, attend pitch competitions, and participate in accelerator demo days. Angel networks like Illinois Artificial Intelligence Angels host regular investor meetings and can provide valuable early-stage funding and mentorship.
Last updated: 2/4/2026 | Data aggregated from 7 VC funds, 4 accelerators, and 2 angel networks |About our methodology