Matthew Pritzker (born May 28, 1982) is an American heir based in Chicago, Illinois. In 2008 he founded the Matthew Pritzker Company. The company's focus is on investing Pritzker's inheritance in real estate, technology, media, consumer, and manufacturing. Pritzker supports a number of local and national charities and institutions.
Early life and education Matthew Pritzker was born May 28, 1982 to Irene Pritzker (née Dryburgh) and Robert Pritzker of the Pritzker family. His American family is engaged in business and philanthropy. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and is an alumnus of New Trier High School. He attended American University. He has one sister, former child actress Liesel Pritzker Simmons, and three half-siblings from his father's first marriage to Audrey Gilbert Pritzker: Jennifer N. Pritzker, Linda Pritzker, and Karen Pritzker Vlock.
Career In 2008, following a series of successful real estate investments, he formed The Matthew Pritzker Company. The company focuses on building businesses across a variety of industries—including real estate, technology, media, consumer,"Pritzker-backed deal aggregator partnering with MasterCard", John Pletz, Chicago Business, April 17, 2012"Koupon Media raises $4.5M for streamlined mobile coupons (exclusive)", Sarah Mitroff, VentureBeat, April 9, 2012 and manufacturing. Crain's Chicago Business named Pritzker to their “40 under 40” list of businesspeople, when he was 29.Crain's Chicago business; "40 under 40 - Matthew Pritzker" 2011
The Matthew Pritzker Company has a portfolio of investments in companies such as cameo, SpaceX, Fairgrounds Craft Coffee & Tea, and Blaze Pizza, as well as continued investments in real estate.MatthewPritzkerCompany.com Portfolio In 2012 Pritzker bought a stake in the Colson Group, a caster manufacturing company that his father Robert Pritzker had helped build decades earlier."Pritzker trust sells stake in caster manufacturer", Becky Yerak, The Chicago Tribune, April 17, 2012
Civic engagement Pritzker supports a number of civic and philanthropic initiatives in Chicago and the United States. He is the benefactor of The Mathew Pritzker Enchanted Forest, a network of pathways and play areas within Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.Donor Information, Maggie Daley Park Pritzker serves on the Board of After School All Stars.
Lawsuit After family patriarch Jay Pritzker died in 1999, the extended Pritzker family began restructuring the family's businesses and assets. In the course of that process, issues came to light which Pritzker's younger sister, Liesel, raised in a lawsuit against certain trustees, advisers, and beneficiaries. Pritzker eventually joined his sister's lawsuit, which the parties successfully resolved two years later."How a little princess won back her inheritance", Mark Maremont, The Sydney Morning Herald, January 9, 2005 In January 2005, the press speculated that Pritzker received about $500 million in a settlement agreement."$900 Million Accord Enables Breakup of Pritzker Dynasty", Jodi Wilgoren, The New York Times, January 7, 2005
Political activity Pritzker is active in politics and has donated to many Democratic candidates for local, state, and federal office."Chicagoans at Obama’s last State Dinner: Here is the list", Chicago Sun Times, October 18, 2016"Emanuel pads fundraising lead by another $520,900 in last week", Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun Times, February 12, 2015"Donor Lookup", OpenSecrets.org
Personal life Pritzker lives in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood."A Pritzker Picks Up Three Lincoln Park Properties", Chicago Mag, February 17, 2012 He has a private pilot's license."Planespotting: The Revenge", Bess Levin, Dealbreaker, June 8, 2006
References
External links MatthewPritzkerCompany.com