Chicago‘s private equity landscape has been vibrant in early April 2025, with significant developments in the generative AI sector and notable transactions involving Illinois-based firms.
AI Innovation Summit 2025
The AI Innovation Summit is scheduled for April 14-15, 2025, at the Eaglewood Resort in Chicago. This event will convene industry leaders to discuss strategies for scaling AI across enterprises, fostering ethical governance, and designing scalable data ecosystems. Key themes include operationalizing Artificial intelligence (AI) for enterprise-wide integration and establishing trustworthy AI frameworks. Representatives from Forte Group, including CTO Lucas Hendrich and CEO Mikael Carlsson, will be among the speakers.
Chicago AI Week 2025
Looking ahead, Chicago AI Week 2025 is set for June 16-20. Announced during the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2025, this event underscores Chicago’s emergence as a global hub for AI innovation. The Corporate Advisory Committee, comprising industry leaders, will play a pivotal role in shaping the event’s agenda and addressing AI’s transformative impact across industries. The week will feature conferences such as AI Industry Day, AI Startup Day, and AI Governance Day, focusing on responsible AI adoption and its societal impact.
Private Equity Market Outlook
The private equity market in Chicago is poised for increased activity in 2025. Lower interest rates and a clearer political environment are expected to accelerate deal flows. Firms are preparing their portfolio companies for exits, with many deals anticipated to close by the end of the first quarter. Additionally, private equity firms are eager to employ AI tools to enhance the value of their acquisitions, indicating a strategic focus on technology-driven growth.
Notable Transactions
In a significant move, GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced the sale of AssuredPartners to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. for $13.45 billion in cash. This marks the second sale of the insurance broker by GTCR since its founding in 2011. AssuredPartners has shown substantial growth, tripling in size in revenue and earnings since 2019, and operates around 400 offices across the U.S., U.K., and Ireland.
These developments highlight Chicago’s dynamic private equity environment, with a strong emphasis on generative AI and strategic transactions shaping the future of the industry in Illinois.
Damalion supports startups and growth stage companies of various sectors to raise funds (from pre-seed to series A, B, C). To win your fundraise, please contact your Damalion expert now.