1871 Announces 2024 Chicagoness Award Winner

CHICAGO – August 13, 2024 – 1871, Chicago’s hub for tech innovation, is thrilled to announce that serial tech entrepreneur Kristi Ross of U3 Coffee and formerly, tastytrade and thinkorswim, and esteemed board member of 1871, will be honored with this year’s Chicagoness Award at the 2024 Momentum Awards. As a nonprofit organization, 1871 hosts the Momentum Awards as an annual fundraiser, celebrating the innovators who are driving Chicago’s tech ecosystem forward while raising essential funds to support the growth of the city’s entrepreneurial community. Sponsor the event or give today to support our mission.

The Chicagoness Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the core values of the Chicago entrepreneurial community through their commitment to civic leadership, mentorship, and innovative contributions that uplift the city’s economy and tech ecosystem. Kristi Ross embodies these values through her remarkable achievements, serving as a powerful inspiration for both seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, particularly women founders.

With over 30 years of experience in the fintech and trading industry, Kristi has been at the forefront of over 40 mergers, acquisitions, capital raises, and startups. Her latest venture, U3 Coffee, marks a significant shift from fintech to the coffee industry, driven by a mission to “Unite the World Through Coffee.” U3 Coffee focuses on uniting farmers, coffee entrepreneurs, and customers through shared stories and the numbers behind each cup, promoting learning, empowerment, and connections within the coffee ecosystem.

Kristi’s impact extends far beyond U3 Coffee. As the Co-Founder of tastytrade, she led the company, along with her Co-CEO Tom Sosnoff, through a decade of groundbreaking innovations, including the launch of the original dough trading platform and its transformation into the establishment of tastyworks, an online brokerage firm. Under her leadership, tastytrade was acquired by IG Group for over $1 billion in 2021. Throughout her career, Kristi has consistently demonstrated a passion for empowering self-directed investors, entrepreneurs, and the next generation of leaders.

As a trailblazing woman founder, Kristi has broken barriers and set new standards for what’s possible in both the fintech and entrepreneurial spaces. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and leadership, making her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, especially women looking to make their mark in the business world.

“At 1871, we celebrate the visionaries who redefine the entrepreneurial landscape of Chicago. Kristi’s leadership and innovative spirit have left an indelible impact on our community,” said Larry Eppley, Chairman of the 1871 Board. “She exemplifies the core values that our Chicagoness Award honors and embodies the essence of what makes our city’s entrepreneurial spirit so unique and powerful.”

“Kristi is a transformative force, from her trailblazing work in fintech to her current endeavors with U3 Coffee, consistently using her ventures to uplift and empower others. Her journey—from leading successful startups to shaping the next generation of Chicago’s leaders—is nothing short of inspiring,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “It’s a privilege to honor Kristi, not only for her outstanding career achievements but also for the profound and lasting impact she has made on our city, and community through her unwavering dedication and leadership.”

“I started my career in Chicago over 30 years ago and this City has provided me with endless opportunity,” said Kristi. “Being part of 1871’s ecosystem exemplifies the foundational connectedness at the heart of everything tech in Chicago. I’m beyond grateful and deeply honored to be the recipient of this incredibly, esteemed award! Thank you 1871, thank you Chicago!” 

Kristi Ross will accept her award at the 17th Annual Momentum Awards on September 19, 2024, where we will also honor our members who are disrupting their industries, building up their communities, and shaping the future. Stay tuned for more information on our award finalists and be sure to reserve your ticket to join us in celebration. 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.