Kristi Dula, Deputy Director at Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, leads the Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology which fosters a dynamic business environment in Illinois by supporting and promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancements across various industries.

Previously, Dula led Network Relations at Pritzker Group Venture Capital (PGVC) where she facilitated relationships for the firm’s family of companies and connected them with a wide network of experts, strategic partners, and potential customers.

Prior to her time at PGVC, Dula was a founding team member at 1871, recognized as the #1 Private Business Incubator in the world, where she led a team to gather and mobilize key partners from industry, academia, and international organizations and governments to assist tech entrepreneurs through events.

Dula is also a Founding Board Member for the Women in Entrepreneurship Institute at DePaul University, the nation’s first comprehensive institute for women founders that integrates academic learning, research, incubation, funding and public policy. She was also a Founding Board Member for Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit organization working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Chicago’s venture capital and startup community.