Your Mission Control
Being a founder is hard; every startup needs a support system to launch — that’s us. Don’t go through the hurdles of growing a business alone, become part of a vibrant, diverse, and talented community.
Built for Founders
No matter your startup’s development stage, a membership to 1871 means you’ll have 24/7 access to a peer group of founders alongside our trusted resources and startup services that will help you build with more agility. You will be provided opportunities to connect with mentors, network with industry partners, and participate in accelerator programs designed to give you the tools you need to push your business to the next level.
We’re committed to your success and our role is simple: increase the probability of your success and shorten the time frame it takes to reach it.
Launch Pad
Roughly ⅓ of Chicago startups have come through 1871, and we’re so proud that we’ve been the first home to some pretty incredible entrepreneurial talent. Here are a few:
All Memberships have access to:
- PYROS: an initiative built for founders
- A network of key industry partners, mentors, investors, and more
- Participate in programs and community groups based on your unique background, industry, business model, role, or technology type
- Dynamic and exciting workspaces with the furnishings and technology you need
- Host clients, investor meetings, or events
- Find workshops, mentors, and fellow founders via our Member Portal and Slack workspace
- Start a podcast in our state of the art podcast studio
- Access our network of creative, PR, and multimedia specialists
- Share your exciting news across our platforms
- Discounted recruiting services
- Ensure the wellness of you and your team with 1871 health benefits options
- Keep your employees happy with financial literacy platform + student loan repayment
The Pyros Initiative
Every business needs support as it launches, that’s us. We deliver you the right resources at the stage your business needs them, putting you onto the trajectory to success.
In PYROS, you are placed in a group of peers, all at the same stage of development. Together, you attend workshops that provide you with a roadmap to take your business to the next level faster
WMN•FINtech
A Women in Fintech Initiative by 1871 and BMO Harris Bank
Create a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society by applying to WMN•FINtech, the Fourth Annual 1871 and BMO Harris Bank Innovation Program, designed this year for Women in the Financial Technology and Services industries.
Applications for WMN•FINtech have closed.
Mentorship
If you’ve built a successful business, you understand the value of professional mentors. If you’re just starting out, mentorship is the quickest way to start discovering your roadmap.
SCALE CHICAGO TECH
1871 recently integrated the Illinois Technology Association under the CEC: find out more about how to gain access to talent and large, collaborative tech networks. Whether you are looking to build your team, promote your business or collaborate with like-minded tech executives, we’ve got you covered.
Next-Level Propulsion
Community
Integral to the entire 1871 experience is the camaraderie of dedicated peers that you’ll meet while going through the journey of building a business.
Partners
The X factor that keeps our startups’ momentum moving is the access to an ecosystem made up of community & university members, corporate partners, and accelerator organizations.
Events
From industry titans like Stripe and Twitter to educational seminars and community based meet-ups, host or join alongside our community in one of our many private spaces.
What’s been happening?
Get in Touch
Interested in joining the community of founders at Chicago’s central digital technology hub, but not sure where to begin? Leave us a message and we will get in touch.
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
Floor 12, Suite 1212
Chicago, IL 60654