Entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation by Brad Keywell

Brad Keywell is an American entrepreneur and investor best known as co-founder of Uptake Technologies and Lightbank. Uptake, launched in 2014, became one of Chicago’s fastest-growing industrial AI companies, valued at over $2.3 billion in 2017. Keywell also co-founded Groupon, which reached a peak valuation above $16 billion after its IPO in 2011. Since then, his activity has focused on venture capital, philanthropy, and technology innovation outside of the crypto sector. Lightbank, the VC firm he co-founded, has invested in over 150 startups with more than $2 billion in enterprise value created.

While Keywell has received global recognition, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019, there is no verified involvement in blockchain, tokenized finance, or Web3 initiatives. His portfolio continues to prioritize AI, enterprise software, and industrial data, making him a figure of importance in technology entrepreneurship but not directly in the crypto ecosystem.

  • Hanna Syniavska
  • 21.05.2026
Brad Keywell: Wisdom Prize offers up to $100,000 grant and fellowship access
Brad Keywell announced the launch of the Wisdom Prize at the Summit Series event over the weekend. The new initiative, managed by SPS Wisdom, allows applicants or nominees the opportunity to ...