Brad Schnitzer is the managing director for Northwestern Medicine and Techstars Healthcare Accelerator and also serves as Techstars investment director for North America. He has made over 100 investments and driven strategy for the company’s central sourcing team, all in support of Techstars’ commitment to increasing access to entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for founders to scale their companies. Brad founded Chicago Startup Week and 77 Coffees and has seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can make the difference. In parallel, he is a local angel investor and Limited Partner at LongJump, and a mentor at 1871, The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center and various non-profits.

1. What are you looking for in startups for the Northwestern Medicine and Techstars Healthcare Accelerator? 

Personally, I love working with founders who are passionate about solving real-world problems, especially problems they are intimately familiar with from their personal or professional lives. We're particularly looking for startups with a gritty team that is willing to test their assumptions and continually learn from their customers. It's not just about the idea; it's about the execution and the potential for real-world impact.

2. What are some of the biggest learnings from your career and entrepreneurial journey that you bring to being a Techstars MD? 

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs, and the ability to make hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny iterations while keeping morale up during the tough times is crucial. I've also learned that community and mentorship are invaluable. No one succeeds alone, and giving back and supporting others are core parts of my philosophy as Managing Director.

3. What is your favorite thing about the Chicago startup scene?

The Chicago startup ecosystem is one of the most vibrant and collaborative communities in the world. What I love most is the willingness of founders to support one another. There is a real sense of community, where people are eager to share knowledge, resources and connections. The ecosystem is rich with opportunities and it's exciting to see how much is happening right here in Chicago.

4. What does Northwestern Medicine bring to the accelerator?

Northwestern Medicine brings incredible value to the accelerator with its deep clinical expertise and access to a network of top healthcare professionals who are all eager to jump in and support the founders. The Northwestern Medicine team will also be opening their innovation institute doors to the founders, providing space for collaboration and the resources they need to succeed.

5. If you could have coffee with any entrepreneur who would it be and why?

I would love to have coffee with Naval Ravikant, early-stage investor and the founder of AngelList. I really admire his ability to break down a complex idea into simple, actionable advice. When giving advice, he not only focuses on supporting the business but also on the humans behind the business, helping founders understand the importance of self-awareness and what genuinely brings them joy.

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