Welcome to Built in Chicago, an awesome community of entrepreneurs, engineers, marketers, developers, designers, investors, technologists and academics working hard to create the next big web or mobile business. And we want you to JOIN today. Not sure where to start? Read more below.

History

On August 2, 2010 a group of about 25 Chicago area entrepreneurs and technologists got together to talk about what we could do to help the tech ecosystem in Chicago grow. There were lots of ideas. Job fairs, conferences, outreach to universities etc. Like other entrepreneurs who like building new things I figured it was time to test out an idea I had brewing for a while knowing that it would be imperfect but at least it was something. So I went home that night and launched BuiltInChicago.org on a very simple social platform called Ning. In the first month we kept it as a closed community to get feedback from the original group that came to those first meetings. Only one month later, on September 28th, after attending another event with entrepreneurs at New World Ventures and having a similar conversation I decided to open it up to everyone.

Our Mission

Built In Chicago is a resource for "digital professionals" working to build great web and mobile businesses. Our mission is to connect, educate and promote the growing digital community in Chicago.

Why Should I Join?

• Connect with other digital professionals in Chicago. Don't have time to hit all the local events? Looking to meet other digital tech professionals? Visit our member page, find other professionals you want to meet and send them a friend request. Or, visit the quick links on the left of the home page to browse members "By Title" or "By Function".
• Share interesting news, expertise and POVs. Start a discussion, join a group, post a blog, or leave a comment for another member.
• Browse the latest startup and company news, events and job openings. Or, click on any of the "Quick Links" on the right side of the home page to browse Chicago's Digital Tech Companies, Recent Funding Stories, Chicago's Top Tech Investors and Resources for Entrepreneurs.
• Promote your company, events and employees. Post a blog, add an event, upload a video, share your photos. Finally, send us your logo so we can add it to the master list.
• Participate in promoting Chicago as a hub for digital tech innovation. Provide us with your feedback, offfer to host an event and invite more members to join.

Is There A Cost To Join?

No. The site is absolutely free. JOIN TODAY!