Illinois Universities Shine in PitchBook’s 2024 Startup Founder Rankings

Illinois Universities Shine in PitchBook's 2024 Startup Founder Rankings

by John Conrad| Sep 3, 2024| NewsBrief

PitchBook, a leading financial data and software company, has released its highly anticipated 2024 rankings of the Top 100 colleges for startup founders. This annual list, which has become a benchmark in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, evaluates universities based on the number of alumni who have successfully raised venture capital in the past decade.

The rankings, derived from PitchBook's extensive database, analyzed nearly 167,000 VC-backed founders to determine which institutions are most effective at nurturing entrepreneurial talent. While great entrepreneurs can emerge from any background, certain universities have demonstrated an exceptional ability to attract and produce future founders.

Illinois institutions made a strong showing in this year's rankings:

1. University of Illinois claimed the 10th spot for universities producing startup founders with undergraduate degrees.
2. In the graduate school category, Northwestern University secured 9th place, while the University of Chicago followed closely at 11th.
3. The MBA rankings saw impressive climbs for both Northwestern and the University of Chicago, landing at 6th and 7th places respectively.

These rankings highlight the robust entrepreneurial ecosystems fostered by Illinois universities, particularly in Chicago, which continues to establish itself as a major hub for innovation and startup activity.

As the startup landscape evolves, these rankings provide valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and educational institutions alike, showcasing the universities that are effectively preparing students for success in the fast-paced world of venture-backed startups.