Chase Bonhag
About Chase Bonhag
Chase Bonhag is the Co-Founder and CEO of FirstIgnite, a company that develops AI-powered business development tools for scientific organizations. He has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having worked at various firms and educational institutions prior to his current role.
Work at FirstIgnite
Chase Bonhag serves as Co-Founder and CEO of FirstIgnite, a company established in 2019 that focuses on AI-powered business development tools tailored for scientific organizations. Under his leadership, FirstIgnite has integrated artificial intelligence into its processes, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of business development in the scientific sector. Bonhag has been instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction and operational execution since its inception.
Previous Experience in Venture Capital
Prior to his role at FirstIgnite, Chase Bonhag worked in various capacities within the venture capital sector. He was a Senior Venture Associate at TechNexus Venture Collaborative for six months in 2017, where he contributed to investment strategies. Before that, he served as a Venture Capital Associate at Illinois Ventures for one year, focusing on investment opportunities in the Urbana-Champaign area. Additionally, he was an Advisory Committee Member at EntreCORPS, providing insights and guidance on entrepreneurial initiatives.
Educational Background
Chase Bonhag holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studied from 2014 to 2016. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations from Western Michigan University, completing his degree from 2008 to 2012. In 2021, he furthered his education at Y Combinator, focusing on Entrepreneurship.
Contributions to the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Chase Bonhag actively contributes to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. His previous roles include serving as a Project Advisor for EntreCORPS and as an Associate Instructor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Through these positions, he has supported emerging entrepreneurs and fostered innovation within the community.
Early Career and Founding of HireStarts
Chase Bonhag began his career with various roles in marketing and management. He co-founded HireStarts, where he served as Marketing Director from 2011 to 2013. His early experience also includes positions at Western Michigan University, where he worked as an Assistant Office Manager and Inside Sales and Caller Trainer. These roles provided him with foundational skills in business operations and marketing.