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Abin Kuriakose
EVP, Inno & Venture @ World Business Chicago, a public-private partnership - Reimagining econ dev with startups - 2022 Emerging Leader @ Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Abin Kuriakose is a prominent figure in Chicago's economic development and civic leadership. Here are some key points about his background and roles:
Current Role
As of the latest information, Abin Kuriakose serves as the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at World Business Chicago (WBC), rather than Executive Vice President of Innovation & Venture Strategy.2
Background
- Born and raised in Chicago, Abin is known for his work at the intersection of policy, politics, and technology.
- He previously held the position of Director of ChicagoNEXT at WBC, which is the city's economic development organization focused on driving growth in the tech economy. His portfolio included programs like the Chicago Venture Summit, ThinkChicago, and the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge.1
Previous Roles
- Before joining WBC, Abin was a public engagement strategist for 270 Strategies, a firm founded by advisors from Obama's 2012 campaign.
- He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Public Policy, and Director of Community Engagement for the Cook County Board of Commissioners (Tenth District).1
Civic and Community Involvement
- Abin is active in local politics and civic initiatives. He serves as Senior Advisor for the Illinois Asian American Leaders Caucus and is a board secretary/executive committee member for the Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO).
- He has been involved in the election of the first South Asian congressman and state legislator for Illinois.
- Abin is a fellow of the 2018 Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) of the University of Chicago and a 2016 Fellow of New Leaders Council Chicago (NLC). He also mentors graduate students at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.1
Education and Recognition
- Abin attended DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business, where he received the DePaul Scholars Award.
- In 2017, he was recognized as one of “35 under 35 Young Leaders Making An Impact” by Chicago Scholars.1
Given his extensive experience and roles, Abin Kuriakose is a significant figure in Chicago's economic and civic landscape.
Highlights
🌎 We’re bringing startups, investors, sector innovators, and industry executives together in #CHICAGO, a leading global destination for #fintech innovation.
🤩 Join us for the inaugural Future-of-Fintech Week by World Business Chicago this September 23-27, 2024!
Presenting Partners:
✅ BMO U.S.
✅ Consulate General of Canada in Chicago | Le Consulat général du Canada à Chicago
✅ Jump Capital
✅ Sterling Bay
Startup Day Partners: ✅ 1871 ✅ Decasonic ✅ Lofty Ventures
⭐️ Future-of-Fintech Week 2024 by World Business Chicago is a multi-day, multi-partner experience to showcase #Chicagoland’s world-class #fintech ecosystem. In addition to WBC-led events, we’re so proud of an amazing coalition of partners who have joined us. Shoutout to the FoFintech Week organizing team: Lauren Backe, World Business Chicago, Manleen Rajput!
🚨 CHICAGO #FINTECH STARTUPS: send me a LinkedIn message to apply for the official Future-of-Fintech Week startup portfolio.
🚨 VCs & INVESTORS: send me a #LinkedIn message to learn more about flagship events.
🚨 CORPORATE EXECS: send me a LinkedIn message to learn more about the official Future-of-Fintech Week reception.
➡️ Explore and register here: https://lnkd.in/gJVXxcq2
🚀 Millennium Bank = a #proChicago success story!
⭐️ Millennium Bank is 1 of 5 Minority Depository Institution (MDI) banks headquartered in #Illinois. The state-chartered commercial bank provides banking services to minority, underserved or traditionally disadvantaged small business customers and dedicated to helping communities and neighborhoods thrive. They thrive as one of the largest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders in the #Midwest and one of 72 Asian owned banks in the country. Founded by the visionary Moti Agarwal, he launched the bank when he saw the unique needs by South Asian business owners. Over the past decade or so, it has grown its reach into Black and Hispanic communities.
✅ Millennium Bank Board Vice Chair Himal Agarwal said it best: "Since 2020, Millennium Bank has more than doubled in size, and that means the bank needs to strengthen its governance and prepare to scale. There are over 350 community banks in the state of Illinois, and only five of these institutions, including Millennium Bank, are minority owned, so we have a duty to service underserved and traditionally disadvantaged small business customers."
👏 Amazing news to hear that they’ve expanded their board to include Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of Polsky Center at the University of Chicago!
