TLDR:
- Cooley LLP launched a Chicago office with a strategic mission to capture entrepreneurial business across the Midwest.
- The firm’s Chicago partners have been successful in securing clients and expanding their presence in cities like Columbus, Ann Arbor, and Minneapolis.
Cooley’s Chicago office, established three years ago, has seen significant growth and success in their pursuit of new business opportunities in the Midwest. The partners in Chicago spend a portion of their time in other Midwest cities, building relationships with various players in the venture-capital-backed ecosystem. The firm’s “hub-and-spoke” model has proven to be vital in their expansion efforts.
The travel and focus on the Midwest have resulted in securing clients like Realta Fusion and Diasome Pharmaceuticals for the firm. Despite a tough market, Cooley has doubled its roster of Midwest-based clients and experienced significant growth in its Chicago office since its inception.
Chicago-based corporate partners have led successful engagements, such as advising precision medicine company Tempus AI on its IPO. While venture capital investments are concentrated on the coasts, Cooley’s presence in the Midwest has helped foster relationships with universities and young companies spinning out of research.
The firm’s investment in the region has been well received, with events like the “capital call” facilitating connections between Midwest founders and venture capital funds. Cooley’s strategy involves providing guidance and connections to entrepreneurs in the Midwest, with a focus on early-stage companies and university research-driven startups.
Overall, Cooley’s Chicago partners have shown remarkable success in expanding the firm’s presence and client base in the Midwest, demonstrating the potential for growth and opportunities in the region.
