Pete Wilkins

Pete Wilkins is a purpose-driven leader committed to creating a positive impact on the world. Today, Pete leads Hyde Park Angels (HPA), one of the most active and successful early-stage venture investor groups in the country. He and his firm have helped create billions of dollars of value, but more importantly, he has helped founders manifest their purpose into incredible companies that are changing the world.

Prior to HPA, Pete was a critical part of two technology startups that sold and IPO’d for more than $2.8 billion. He later went on to lead the turnaround of a medical education company from record losses to record profits and built one of the premier online physician education communities, which was followed by starting a double-bottom line company focused on college attainment for Latino families.

Based on his experiences over the course of his life and career, he has put all of his tried-and-true practices into one platform, Purpose First Entrepreneur. The forthcoming book and online resources offer a lifetime of lessons and research into key principles that people can use to lead and live more purposefully, ultimately helping them capitalize on their purpose, turn it into a business, and manifest success and measurable outcomes in everyday life.

Pete serves as an advisor to many entrepreneurs, sits on several boards, and is actively engaged in building Chicago’s entrepreneurial community. He frequently speaks and writes about investing in people and companies for Forbes, VentureBeat and Thrive Global. In recognition of his contributions, Pete has been named one of the Top 100 Chicago Innovators by Chicago Tribune, 50 on Fire by ChicagoInno, winner of Illinois Technology Association CityLIGHTS Industry Champion Award, and the Chicago Innovation Award.