3 Questions with Elmspring

Q&A with Colleen O’Toole, Elmspring

Elmspring is a startup real estate accelerator located in 1871, joining TechStars and Impact Engine. This summer they have begun with their inaugural class consisting of three startups: Appoet, CollegeAnnex and RealLync. These three companies dealing in GPS-enabled beacon technology, college student housing and virtual tours, respectively, will be the first companies to go through the three month program.

1. If you had to describe Elmspring in one sentence, what would you say?

Elmspring is a seed stage accelerator for real estate technology and other related startups.

2. What about the Chicago tech scene is important to you, as an accelerator?

The Chicago tech scene offers great opportunities for collaboration among entrepreneurs. We field a lot of interest in wanting to support our startups and founders. As an accelerator, it is important to us that we are meeting leaders across the Chicago tech scene and finding ways to strengthen our support for our startups through those relationships.

3. How does being in an environment like 1871 aid in the development of the startup companies currently in Elmspring?

1871 offers our startup teams a chance to engage with like-minded entrepreneurs and connect with successful founders. It is really an environment where you can walk in and get to work without worrying about the little stuff, where symbiosis yields innovation. Having the 1871 network and infrastructure at their disposal gives teams a chance to focus on what really matters – smart growth, adaptation, and success.

Read more about Elmspring here.