Core Insights - Despite progress in capital access, private equity and venture funding remain concentrated in California, New York, and Massachusetts, leaving the Midwest and South with minimal institutional attention [1][2] - Over 85% of venture funding in the US is directed to just three states, highlighting a significant regional disparity in capital allocation [2] - "Flyover states" like Illinois and Missouri are emerging as fertile grounds for capital-efficient innovation, with startups demonstrating lower burn rates and a focus on early profitability [3][4] Investment Opportunities - Chicago is becoming a hub for applied AI and quantum computing, with regional universities producing commercialization-ready intellectual property [5] - Healthcare innovators in these regions are addressing care delivery challenges, indicating operational businesses that require early strategic capital [5] - Many businesses in these areas are founder- or family-led, providing operational continuity and community ties, yet they often lack the necessary support for scaling [6] Economic Implications - Underinvestment in middle America leads to slower innovation, underutilized intellectual property, and lagging job growth, particularly in healthcare and advanced manufacturing [7] - The absence of capital infrastructure hampers companies from bringing solutions to market at the required scale, affecting national resilience [7]