The document highlights the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Chicago, showcasing various companies, both established and emerging, that have roots in the city. It details businesses like FCB, Basecamp, and Crate & Barrel, along with startups such as The Mom Project and kntxt Group, emphasizing their origins, standout features, and contributions to the economy. Additionally, it discusses the supportive ecosystem of incubators and launch pads that facilitate business growth in the region.

1. STARTED
IN CHICAGO
We look at the big companies that started
small, and small companies ready to do big
things, in the Windy City.

2. Also Included: a look at the ecosystem
of launch pads that are empowering
the next generation of entrepreneurs.

3. BIGTODAY BUT
STARTED SMALL
Disclosure:
The individuals listed in this presentation are not current nor former clients of CTS Financial Group
Sources:
Inc., Why This Midwestern City Has the Highest Concentration of Women Entrepreneurs in America (link)

4. FCB
You probably know them from…
Ad campaigns around the world. They’ve done work for the
FDA, Dockers, and the Ad Council to name a few… and have
spearheaded campaigns focused on a wide-array of social
justice issues.
It’s interesting to note that…
FCB is the third-oldest advertising agency in the U.S. that is still
in operation. The roots of the company can be traced back to
1873, when the company was founded by Daniel Lord and
Ambrose Thomas (then called Lord & Thomas). The firm’s
“Drink An Orange” campaign helped make orange juice a staple
of the breakfast table.
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Wikipedia, FCB

5. Basecamp
You probably know them from…
collaborative projects, especially if you work in the ad agency or
digital marketing space. If you don’t know them, Basecamp is a
project management and communication platform that helps people
work together more efficiently. Today the platform supports over 3
million users.
It’s interesting to note that…
back in 1999, Basecamp got their start in Chicago as a web design
company called 37signals. They got the name from “the 37 radio
telescope signals identified by astronomer Paul Horowitz as potential
messages from extraterrestrial intelligence.”
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Wikipedia, Basecamp (company)

6. Crate & Barrel
You probably know them from…
the 122 retail stores they have across the country, focused on
housewares, furniture, and home accessories. The company is
now owned by Otto GmbH, based in Germany, but is still
headquartered in Northbrook.
It’s interesting to note that…
the company was founded by Gordon and Carole Segal following
a trip to the Caribbean. While there, they found low-cost but
tasteful European household products for sale. They thought this
model could flourish in Chicago - and they were right.
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Wikipedia, Crate & Barrel

7. SMALL TODAY, BUT
READY TO DO
BIGTHINGS

8. The Mom Project
You should know about them because…
they connect companies looking for part-time employees with moms
and dads looking for flexible work. Last year the company secured a
$2.6 million seed round which was followed by a $8 million Series A
round just six months later.
It’s interesting to note that…
the company’s founder, Allison Robinson, got her big idea for The
Mom Project while on maternity leave from Pampers. During this time,
she realized that the labor market hadn’t yet found a good solution for
connecting companies with new parents in search of part-time work.
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Built In Chicago, Built In Chicago’s 50 Startups to Watch in 2019 (link)
TechCrunch, The Mome Project, a job site for moms returning to work, nabs $8M from Initialized and more (link)

9. KNTXT Group
You should know about them because…
they use virtual reality to model homes and office buildings,
providing prospective buyers with an immersive tour of the
structure. Additionally, they work with architects and builders to
model new construction, allowing owners to better visualize a
living space or office before it is ever built.
It’s interesting to note that…
KNTXT is pronounced like “context”, because the company
believes that “content without context is meaningless.”
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Built In Chicago, Built In Chicago’s 50 Startups to Watch in 2019 (link)

10. Designer Share
You should know about them because…
most of us have cluttered closets, and Designer Share provides a way
to monetize your designer clothes. Simply write a product description,
upload photos, and set your weekly rental price. People looking for
designer clothes can search for clothing and request a rental period –
anywhere form one week to one month.
It’s interesting to note that…
they see opportunity in partnering with consignment stores and
individual designers, providing these companies with a way to
monetize large stockpiles of unworn clothes before they are sold.
[See what they are all about]
Sources:
Built In Chicago, Built In Chicago’s 50 Startups to Watch in 2019 (link)
Chicago Inno, DesignerShare Brings the Sharing Economy to Your Closet (link)

11. AN ECOSYSTEM
OF SUPPORT

12. Whether your goal is to open a business or take your existing business to the next level, there
is a thriving ecosystem of business launch pads and incubators in Chicago. Here are just three
to know about, and you can find a complete list here.
Sources:
Built In Chicago, 20 Chicago Incubators and Accelerators You Need To Know (link)
1871 is a cornerstone of the
Chicago tech landscape,
having helped launch more
than 400 digital startups.
Learn more
Bunker Labs is an incubator
specifically designed to
support former service
members. The organization
provides technical training,
business skills, and
networking opportunities.
Learn More
Catapult Chicago is a co-
working space and incubator
that was started by
entrepreneurs, for
entrepreneurs. The community
is peer-selected and has
members from multiple
disciplines and skillsets.
Learn More

13. FOLLOW US
737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2120 • Chicago, IL 60611 • 312-337-1040 • www.ctsfinancialgroup.com
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting business owners from the start-up phase through an equity exit.
It would be a privilege to support your next big idea.
If you are looking for strategic guidance for your next venture, connect with the team at CTS Financial Group.

14. Disclosures
CTS Financial Planning, Inc. (“CTS”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Illinois. Registration does not imply a
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(www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). For additional information about CTS, including its fees and services, please send us a written request for our disclosure brochure. This
presentation is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should not be construed as the provision of personalized investment advice.
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