Shape what's next at 1871
Accelerate & collaborate at our global innovation hub
1871 is a private collective of trailblazing founders, visionary leaders, resilient innovators, and steadfast supporters in tech. Immerse in our programs, resources, and community uniquely designed for growing a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Upcoming
opportunities
We inspire, equip,
& support extraordinary tech businesses
Join us in the mission we've had since 2012
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
14,500
Jobs created
$3.5B
Raised in venture capital
"Entrepreneurship is for everyone, and so is 1871."
Betsy Ziegler, CEO, 1871
Convene vibrantly where you are
When you’re surrounded by a dynamic community, even the smallest and most unexpected interactions can create the greatest impact. Our 1871 member community plugs in however they can and need! Surprise and serendipity can be found in every step of your journey with our in-person or virtual member.
Rooted in Chicago with reach around the world
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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.
No two innovators’ journeys are the same
Plug in how you need & experience fortunate collisions
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.
Membership pathways
We’ve curated our member experiences to help you reach new levels of creativity anytime and anywhere—at every step.
Stories from our community
Watch 1871's Member Spotlight Vlog
1871’s YouTube series “Member Spotlight” is a bi-weekly series devoted to sharing the insight and momentum of our member community.
Explore what our innovators have to say about us
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
1871 News
Learn more about who we are and what we’ve been up to on our blog! You’ll find a mix of content from 1871 and our member community.
