53 Stations

53 Stations is a Chicago-based venture capital firm supported by The Pritzker Organization (TPO). The firm invests in early-stage, technology-focused businesses across a range of industries, driven by their conviction in top-tier founders who couple vision with the discipline required to build enduring businesses. With a flexible mandate and access to TPO to invest across opportunities and timeframes, 53 Stations brings a unique structure and approach – one that allows them to invest with freedom and scale to build companies that last. To learn more, visit 53stations.com.

The firm was founded in 2022 by Jason Pritzker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner; Kevin King, Co-Founder and General Partner; and Kelly Goldstein, Partner and Head of Platform. Their combined experience spans founding, investing, and leading high-growth teams, enabling them to collaborate effectively with entrepreneurs in the earliest stages to identify market opportunities and optimal paths for pursuit.

53 Stations' inaugural $190 million Fund I was launched in November 2023, aiming to back startups that could have strategic significance to other companies within the TPO portfolio. The firm leads and co-invests in deals, writing checks of $1 million to $10 million from seed to Series B stages. The name '53 Stations' is inspired by a Buddhist parable about a young pilgrim seeking enlightenment who engages with 53 teachers or stations on his path. Each taught him something new and asked him to apply that wisdom on his journey. The firm says its name is a tribute to the journey of a founder.

The Pritzker Organization has made growth equity investments in companies including Dataminr, Nimble Robotics, Palantir, Blue Voyant, SpaceX, and Uber. The Pritzker family made its fortune by expanding the Hyatt hotel chain, among other business endeavors. Family members have held influential roles in business and government. J.B. Pritzker, for instance, has been the governor of Illinois since 2019. Penny Pritzker served as secretary of commerce in the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017 and is currently the founder and chairman of Chicago-based private investment firm PSP Partners.

53 Stations has invested in seven companies across five industries, including global trade compliance platform Altana and aerospace propulsion technology company Whisper Aero. The firm focuses on investing in high-potential early-stage companies with a proven concept and strong growth potential. It aims to partner with startups in their critical growth phases, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance to help them scale effectively.

The firm's guiding principles include 'Grow by Learning,' emphasizing a student mindset; 'Commit to Partnership,' focusing on investing in people they believe in and who inspire them; 'Evolve Together,' being excited by opportunities for growth and not held to a static strategy or approach; and 'Stay Humble,' acknowledging that there is always another perspective to a problem and bringing a sense of humility to their work.

For more information, visit 53stations.com or contact info@53stations.com.