Jacob Rayyan

Jacob Rayyan operates at the intersection of venture capital, data-driven diligence, and strategic growth, helping investors and founders evaluate opportunities, refine positioning, and execute on capital formation. His work focuses on translating complex technologies and early-stage innovation into clear investment narratives that drive decision-making, accelerate fundraising, and support long-term value creation.

Jacob brings a multidisciplinary background spanning life sciences, digital health, and applied AI, with deep experience in technical diligence, market assessment, and investor syndication. He has developed a strong specialization in identifying and evaluating early-stage companies across biotech, medtech, and emerging technology sectors, with a particular focus on platforms that combine scientific innovation with scalable commercial models. His ability to bridge scientific depth with investor perspective allows him to align founders, operators, and capital partners across fragmented ecosystems.

He previously served as Entrepreneur and Due Diligence Director at Keiretsu Forum Midwest + Northeast, where he led deal flow sourcing, company evaluation, and investor engagement across a broad network of accredited investors, venture funds, and family offices. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the organization’s pipeline, supporting capital raises, and strengthening relationships across the investor community.

In parallel, Jacob has worked closely with venture funds and corporate partners on scouting and diligence initiatives, including large-scale innovation sourcing efforts tied to major industry events and enterprise strategy priorities. His work spans both private and public markets, where he develops investment theses and deep-dive analyses focused on identifying asymmetric opportunities driven by macro shifts, technological inflection points, and capital inefficiencies.

In addition to his venture work, Jacob has advised multiple early-stage companies on go-to-market strategy, capital formation, and product positioning, helping founders navigate early growth and investor engagement.

Jacob holds a background in biomedical engineering and neurobiology, with research experience in neurological disorders including epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. This technical foundation underpins his work in evaluating complex healthcare and life sciences innovations while maintaining a strong commercial lens.

Expertise:

Venture capital, due diligence, deal sourcing, investment strategy, data-driven analysis, biotech/medtech evaluation, AI/technology scouting, capital formation, market mapping, financial modeling

Sectors:

Biotechnology, digital health, neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, frontier technologies

Roles:

Former Entrepreneur & Due Diligence Director, Venture Associate, Advisor

Traits:

Analytical, strategic, detail-oriented, entrepreneurial, collaborative, execution-focused, intellectually curious

Location:

Chicago, IL