Bob Geras Chicago

Bob Geras opened his own investment house in 1978 and has been Chicago's most active angel ever since. He has invested in all kinds of tech companies -- software, biotech, medical devices, nanotech, telecom--as well as insurance firms, banks, oil drillers, motels, and real estate. Geras is tough; bring a business to him and you'll probably get a lower valuation than you would elsewhere. The tradeoff, he says, is that you'll end up with a working product that people are buying, and doors will open for you when you're ready for follow on investors. Last year Geras funded 11 deals, and he says he looks at each of the seven or eight that cross his desk every week. No website, but he doesn't mind us telling you he can be reached at bob@vcbob.com.

ANGEL SINCE 1960 / TOTAL INVESTED: MORE THAN $25 MILLION / COMPANIES FUNDED: 52