Eric Mills

Listen up, here’s the deal with Eric Mills, this guy is the real deal in the startup and tech game. So, he’s a W17 YC alum, which already says a lot, like, he crushed it early on and got in with some of the best. He’s got a solid background in computer science from UIUC, so the dude’s brains are legit.

His story is all about jumping into the deep end and building stuff that actually matters. Started out as a software engineer at places like Civis Analytics and Rithmio, but what’s crazy is he didn’t stop there. He’s held big roles like Senior Engineering Manager at Mimecast, VP of Engineering at MessageControl, and co-founded LitHit, which was all about making live event experiences better. Plus, he’s done consulting gigs for Ritual Media and Cameo, so he’s been around the block with some cool projects.

What really makes Eric stand out is his obsession with creating original tech, everything from generative AI for tattoos to human-layer email security, data tools for public good, and even IoT smart targets and wearable motion trackers. The dude’s been building stuff that’s cutting edge, pushing the boundaries of what tech can do.

But it’s not just about tech for tech’s sake. Eric’s deep into the startup scene in Chicago. He’s a founder and advisor at Founders, a student fellow at Chicago Ventures, and super involved with the local system. He mentors, invests, and helps early-stage founders get off the ground. He’s not just building for himself, he’s all about lifting others up and making the whole scene stronger.

Now he’s working on a stealth startup and BlackInk AI, which I’m sure are gonna be advanced. Plus, he’s a Venture Partner at Orange Collective, meaning he’s always on the lookout for the future trend. The process? It’s all about continuous innovation, taking risks, and genuinely caring about making tech better for everyone.

So, why is Eric Mills important? Because he’s that rare mix of a hardcore tech nerd who’s also got the hustle and vision to turn ideas into real products that can shake things up. He’s been through the grind, learned what works and what doesn’t, and now he’s out here pushing the limits of AI, security, and data. Honestly, if you’re into startups or tech, watching him is like seeing the future unfold. No Cap.