Shape what's next at 1871
Join our global innovation hub to accelerate & collaborate.
1871 is a private collective of trailblazing founders, visionary leaders, resilient innovators, and steadfast supporters in Technology. Immerse in our programs, resources, and community uniquely designed for growing a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Our mission
We inspire, equip,
& support extraordinary tech businesses.
1871 is a 501c3 designed to deeply impact the economy and tech industry by uplifting, connecting, and amplifying our members so they are full of possibility.
17
Unicorns in membership
850+
Alumni scaling
$3.5B
Raised in venture capital
14,500
Jobs created
"Entrepreneurship is for everyone,
and so is 1871."
Betsy Ziegler, CEO, 1871
IRL•VIRTUAL
IRL•VIRTUAL • VR
Community that convenes
Community that convenes
We’re headquartered in Chicago, IL, but our 1871-ers plug in however they can and need! Surprise and serendipity can be found in every step of your journey with our in-person, virtual, or VR experiences.
Named after the year of the Great Chicago Fire, where innovators came together to rebuild and re-imagine what’s possible, we still carry our roots with us today.
How? We believe in the power of “and.” By partnering with others, we create experiences where everyone can find belonging and win.
When you’re surrounded by a vibrant community, even the smallest and most unexpected interactions can create the greatest impact.
We’re headquartered in Chicago, IL, but our 1871-ers plug in however they can and need! Surprise and serendipity can be found in every step of your journey with our in-person or virtual experiences.
Named after the year of the Great Chicago Fire, where innovators came together to rebuild and re-imagine what’s possible, we still carry our roots with us today.
How? We believe in the power of “and.” By partnering with others, we create experiences where everyone can find belonging and win.
When you’re surrounded by a vibrant community, even the smallest and most unexpected interactions can create the greatest impact.
No two innovators’ journeys are the same
We’ve curated our member experiences to help you reach new levels of creativity anytime and anywhere—at every step.
Membership pathways
Our membership options cover the full business maturity curve, whether you are ready to launch, accelerate, innovate, or lead. Find your fit to access our physical or virtual spaces, programming, events, marketing promotion, exclusive perks, peers, and more.
Want to connect as a partner or support? View other ways to engage.
1871 spotlight
1871 Spotlight
Here’s what our members have to say about their experiences…
Sara Agate
“The beauty of a community is its common unity and to be surrounded with like-minded individuals with similar backgrounds and challenges makes the journey of entrepreneurship bearable. There was something so refreshing about seeing so many who look like you and are as ambitious, solving real problems.”
Keesha Vinson
Founder, Heart of Culture, Inc.
Elissa Trainor
App & Mobile
Technology Director,
Lettuce Entertain You
Restaurants
“It has been challenging to find business-minded organizations that understand the complexities and challenges of being a Latinx startup and with whom we could engage at so many levels, feel at home, and welcome! They [1871 & IHCC] are making an important difference for us in the short time.”
Reginald Maisonneuve
Founder, Aegis
