News

Venture capital investment in Illinois companies reached a record $1.45 billion last year and is on track to surpass that level in 2011, according to new data scheduled to be released Thursday by a group of four local organizations.

The numbers also show that $864.5 million has been invested during the first half of 2011. The lion’s share of investment, about $856 million, has flowed to the Chicago metropolitan area, .

The data represent the first monthly installment of the Illinois Innovation Index, which is being launched to collect and analyze comprehensive data on venture capital investment and economic activity related to new businesses.

Full Story