Scaling in Chicago - S2 Inbound Chicago Tech
Whether you’ve just landed at O'Hare, been here your whole life, or are somewhere in between – Inbound Chicago Tech is your 5-week virtual accelerator to plug into today’s Chicago and move up tomorrow. Join one session or all five to hear from industry leaders shaping one of the world’s most dynamic and diversified regional entrepreneurial economies.
At our second session, "Scaling in Chicago" on April 23, you'll hear from:
Shivani Jain Dalmia - General Partner at the 81 Collection, an early stage investor. Shivani brings a deep understanding of building consumer companies from the ground up and now backs other founders tackling big, overlooked problems. She co-founded Cubii, a fitness brand focused on older adults and rehabilitation, which scaled nationally and was acquired for $100M.
Tina Hrabak – Head of Platform at LongJump, a first-check, founder-led venture fund supporting the next generation of bold entrepreneurs. Tina leads founder programming, community, and platform strategy, drawing on deep experience from roles at Future Founders and Kellogg.
Meesha Dogan – Co-founder and CEO of Cardiosense, an AI-driven health tech company developing digital biomarkers to transform cardiovascular care. A transplant from Iowa, Meesha is scaling a fast-growing startup that's a public company from within the city’s deep tech and medtech ecosystem.
Jim Dallke – Director of Communications at TechNexus. Jim tells the stories of startups, corporate partners, and investments coming together at TechNexus. Prior to joining TechNexus, he spent over a decade in journalism, most recently as editor of American Inno, covering startups and innovation nationwide. A North Carolina native and proud UNC alum, Jim brings a journalist’s eye to the evolving tech landscape and a passion for amplifying founder stories.
Full Series Schedule
April 23 – S2 Scaling in Chicago
Join for one session OR all sessions. Your choice.
What You’ll Gain
🔍 Explore Chicago’s Diversified, Vibrant Tech Ecosystem
Get insider views into emerging fields like hard tech, life sciences, fintech, quantum, and climate tech—all from wherever you are.
💬 Engage with Local Leaders
Hear directly from Chicago innovators during weekly virtual panels with interactive Q&A and discussion.
👥 Advice on Connecting In and Growing Community
Hear how others who have recently moved to or returned to Chicago have found their footing, built community, and grown their careers.
🔮 Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Tech Landscape
The landscape is evolving in tech. You’ll get a forward-looking perspective on what’s emerging, what is changing, and where new opportunities are taking root.
Inbound Chicago Tech Program Overview
🗓 Dates: April 16 – May 14, 2025
🕒 Time: Wednesdays, 3–4pm CT
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)