1871 PARTNERS WITH MICROSOFT VENTURES TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL STARTUPS

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

Microsoft Ventures to support 1871 initiatives and programming that will help early stage digital entrepreneurs in the process of launching their businesses

CHICAGO, IL (April 16, 2014)—Microsoft Ventures and 1871, Chicago’s leading hub for digital entrepreneurs, unveiled a partnership between the two organizations to provide opportunities for 1871 members. Funding, technology, mentorship and other resources provided by Microsoft Ventures will go towards 1871 initiatives and programming that enable early stage entrepreneurs to launch innovative businesses.
“The primary goal of 1871 is to help Chicago’s best digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs succeed in creating sustainable businesses,” said 1871 CEO, Howard A. Tullman. “With partnerships like this one with Microsoft Ventures, we are able to provide specialized programming and mentorship opportunities that deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to our members.”
Microsoft Ventures works to cultivate key partnerships with organizations like 1871 to empower entrepreneurs to build world-class companies. By drawing on its unique range of experience, expertise and resources, Microsoft is able to provide direct support to the best of the global startup community. 1871 members will receive access to Microsoft’s latest technologies, including cloud services and development tools, in addition to advice and mentorship from technical and business experts to help young companies get off the ground.
“Our focus is to help entrepreneurs build great companies,” said Microsoft Ventures GM and Partner, Rahul Sood. “We work closely with select partners in the top entrepreneurial ecosystems across the nation and throughout the world. With the rich history Chicago as an intersection of business and culture, we are proud to partner with 1871, a startup hub which embodies Chicago’s natural drive to innovate in the digital age.”

About 1871

1871 is an entrepreneurial hub for digital startups. Located in The Merchandise Mart, the 50,000-square-foot facility provides Chicago startups with programming, access to mentors, educational resources, potential investors and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs that help them on their path to building successful businesses. 1871 is the flagship project of the CEC.

About Microsoft Ventures

Microsoft Ventures is a global initiative to help entrepreneurs build great companies. We work with startups at every stage of maturity to provide the tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. The initiative is broad-based, and includes a community program, accelerators, and a seed fund. Our approach helps startups scale their business, bring innovative services to market and reach new customers.

Visit Microsoft Ventures at www.microsoftventures.com to learn more about how Microsoft is helping the next generation of smart companies take flight.

PRESS CONTACT:

1871
Melissa Lederer
melissa@1871.com