It looks like it’s going to be a big year for the Windy City. VC funding is off to a rip-roaring start for Chicago, with over $2 billion raised in just Q1 2021.

Right now, there is a record amount of capital flooding into the Chicago community. Chicago-based startups and growth-stage companies have a lot of options, including sales, SPACs, and traditional IPOs. For instance, Squarespace – which is about to go public – recently purchased Chicago restaurant-software maker Tock for $445 million.

But while Illinois VC is booming, there are still significant disparities. Cleantech in the state only accounted for $110 million of the $2.56 billion Illinois raised last year. ChicagoInno noted the financial lag on Twitter.

So what industry is dominating in Chicago? Fintech. Three of the top six fundings in Chicago in Q1 2021 were fintech companies (Snapsheet, OppLoans, and M1 Finance).

Want to get in on the huge wave of VC funding and innovation in Chicago? Find out who’s hiring right now on our new list of Top Chicago Startups and Tech Companies.