Corporate innovators
Corporate innovators
1871 helps corporate innovators move the needle on impactful change, invest in the future of their industry, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Innovation spotlight
Learn about the corporate experience straight from our members.
“Our partnership with 1871 has been invaluable. It’s been a wonderful avenue to connect with valuable talent and industry contacts, and the content that they provide free to their members is exceptional… from marketing skills to career development.”
Michelle Michael
Director, Brand + Recruitment
Basis Technologies
“1871 has provided my team and me with numerous opportunities to learn and network with Chicago’s Tech organizations. The events, webinars and awards bring together the best in Chicago Tech and make our partnership invaluable.”
Joe DeCosmo
CAO, CTO
Enova
“1871 Growth’s talent programs have been great. From data on peer companies to professional development, 1871 Growth provides support to grow our presence in Chicago and beyond.”
Jim Conti
VP, Talent
dscout
Network of support
Our community is designed with your goals in mind.
200+
Corporate innovation partners
15,550+
Alumni and current member tech startups
20+
Industries represented
Accelerate your innovation efforts
We offer tailored resources and impactful products in the following areas.
Talent
Attract and retain top tech talent that will elevate your employer brand.
Internal innovation
Reinvigorate your employees’ creative capabilities and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Intrapreneur programming
- Innovation Meet-ups
- Product Studio
External innovation
Access our global network of startups that can shape new solutions for your most complex problems.
- Startup matching
- Private Dealflows
- Industry Innovation Labs
- Tech Labs
Civic impact
Empower your company to make a difference in the communities you serve.
- DEI founder programs (BLKtech, WMNtech, LTNtech)
- Community Resource Groups (Juneteenth, IWD)
- Need based scholarships
- Entrepreneurship empowerment grants
Book a discovery call
Learn what it means to be an 1871 member company! We’ll share all the new and exciting initiatives, programs, and resources that will positively impact your company’s ROI.
Our corporate innovation pod
Our dedicated corporate team will help you learn the benefits of joining our community, as well as a path forward to meet your goals.
Stephanie Miller
CXO
Suneet Lad
Director Corporate Membership
You'll be in good company
We’ve worked with 100+ of the country’s top companies to unlock their innovation potential. View all!
Choose your experience
As an 1871 corporate member, you’ll receive the following benefits regardless of your level. Each subsequent level includes all of the offerings of the previous level.
- Professional development training
- Sponsor opportunities
- Event inclusion on newsletters & web
- Access to our space and amenities
Membership levels
Level 1:
Access
Join our thriving start-up ecosystem by immersing your team in our tech community both in-person and virtually.
6
Team members
Level 2:
Connect
Unlock the entrepreneurial mindset of your employees by deepening your investment with opportunities to enroll your team in our entrepreneurial programming.
9
Team members
Access to intrapreneurial programming
Access to Innovation Labs
1
Executive fireside chat with 1871
Level 3:
Influence
Enjoy a full suite of innovation offerings tailored to solve your most pressing innovation challenges with a tailored approach in one of our 3 tracks.
Custom membership experience
Talent innovation
Internal innovation
External innovation innovation
Non-membership options
Not ready to start a membership but want to discuss engagement opportunities?
Partner
Sponsor a program
Sponsor an event
Start a new initiative with us
Access a la cart pricing options
Case studies
Case studies
View some of our top press coverage for our corporate partnerships!
WMNfintech
WMNfintech in partnership with BMO Harris Bank is bridging the gender gap in the tech space by pairing women-led startups that create services or solutions for the financial sector with industry-specific education and executive mentors.
- 3 cohorts
- 50% women of color
- 2 companies went on to partner with BMO Harris Bank
Equifax Accelerate
In this immersive, three-phase product development studio in partnership with Equifax, participating entrepreneurs design, build, and showcase new products leveraging Equifax’s suite of API tools.
- Attracted 100+ early stage companies
- 10 finalists were selected to participate in our 12-week product studio
Food Foundry
Food Foundry in partnership with Relish Works and Gordon Food Service supports, connects, and propels startups that are reimagining the food industry.
- Need
- Need
Press highlights
Press highlights
View some of our top press coverage for our corporate partnerships!
