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Connecting Chicago, One Email at a Time
Lessons from publishing 100 newsletters
Landon Campbell
March 17, 2025
✍🏽 Welcome to Landon’s Loop: your go-to weekly read on Chicago tech.
In this week’s edition: efforts to bring more data centers downtown, reflections from publishing 100 newsletters, and a roundup of events around Chicago.
Connecting Chicago, One Email at a Time
Today marks the 100th edition of Landon’s Loop. In about two years, this newsletter has grown from zero to nearly half a million emails delivered in total.
More people should lean into newsletters. Unlike social media, you’re not fighting algorithms and your message lands directly in someone’s inbox. I think they’re one of the best ways to build real connections at scale.
I started Landon’s Loop because so much in Chicago tech flies under the radar. Our tech scene isn’t perfect, but I believe (and show each week) that we’re steadily improving despite all the noise and pessimism.
I like to open-source what I’ve learned about building media around our ecosystem so I recorded a short video with tips for anyone starting a newsletter:
Here’s what I’ve learned about building a newsletter:
Consistency is Everything
There’s endless content out there—if you’re not showing up consistently, it’s easy to get lost. Readers want predictability. Whether it’s a newsletter, blog, or podcast, consistency builds trust.
Pick a cadence that fits your audience and stick to it.
Find a Niche
Early on, clarity builds credibility. A clear niche helps people understand what you stand for and why they should follow you.
Once trust is built, you can expand, but start focused and easy to define in one sentence.
Rethink Distribution
You don’t need paid ads to grow—just creative distribution.
Think beyond social posts: host events, partner with others, run giveaways, or create shareable content.
It’s not just about reach, it’s about attracting the right people who stick around.
Involve Your Community
This could easily fall under distribution, but it’s important enough to stand on its own. Don’t just build an audience, build a community.
Invite your community into the process: run polls, ask questions, share behind-the-scenes moments. When people feel included, they’re more engaged and more likely to share your work.
The best newsletters don’t just inform. They connect.
Community is a moat.
Especially in a time when technology is so easily replicated.
— Landon (@landon20s)
11:40 AM • Mar 16, 2025
📊 Chart of the Week
There are 20 major data center projects in the “Chicago” area, combining for around 2,900 MW of capacity—nearly equal to the output of our Braidwood nuclear plant’s two reactors, which generate 2,690 MW.
However, only 2 of these data centers are located in downtown Chicago, while the other 18 are in the suburbs, highlighting a growing concentration of infrastructure outside the city core.
City leaders are exploring ways to bring more data centers downtown, both to meet rising compute demand and generate local tax revenue.
Does the idea of bringing more data centers downtown resonate with you—especially if it's framed as a way to boost city tax revenue? Would love to hear your thoughts.👇🏽
More Data Centers Downtown? |
📆 Events Around the City
Chicago healthcare founders: we're teaming up with Cofactor AI to host a "Shark Tank"-style demo day on April 28, giving startups a rare chance to pitch a room full of hospital execs.
ProMat
Begins on Monday
Strategic Planning for Startups
Thursday
Inside the Loop Biweekly Coffee
Thursday
Apollo Community Meetup
Thursday
Web3 Weekends featuring: OnionDAO
Friday
👋 See you next week!
Six VCs from out of town told me they’re heading to Chicago—just in the last two days.
Spring must be in the air.
— Landon (@landon20s)
2:52 PM • Mar 11, 2025
