1871 (organization)

1871 (organization). 1871 is a prominent nonprofit technology and startup accelerator located in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Founded in October 2012, its name commemorates the year of the Great Chicago Fire, symbolizing the city's spirit of innovation and rebirth. The organization provides coworking space, educational programming, and a vast network of resources to support early-stage technology companies and entrepreneurs.

History

The concept for 1871 was developed by a coalition of Chicago's business and civic leaders, including co-founders J. B. Pritzker and Brad Keywell, with strong support from then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It was launched with initial backing from the State of Illinois and private entities like the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. The organization opened its first 50,000-square-foot space within the historic Merchandise Mart, a building that has become a central hub for the city's tech community. Over the years, 1871 has significantly expanded its physical footprint and programming, hosting major events like the Chicago Techweek and establishing specialized verticals for industries such as fintech and health technology.

Mission and activities

The core mission of 1871 is to foster the growth of digital startups and strengthen Chicago's position as a leading global innovation hub. Its primary activities revolve around providing curated workspace, access to capital, and mentorship. Key programs include the Momentum Accelerator for growth-stage companies, the Women in Tech initiative, and the Founders' program for early-stage ventures. The organization also runs hundreds of workshops, hackathons, and networking events annually, often in partnership with institutions like the University of Illinois and corporations such as Google and Microsoft.

Organizational structure

1871 operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors composed of leaders from the venture capital, corporate, and academic sectors. Day-to-day operations are managed by a CEO, a role held by Betsy Ziegler since 2022, succeeding prior CEOs like Howard A. Tullman. The structure includes dedicated teams for community management, programming, and partnership development. 1871 also collaborates closely with affiliated entities like the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition and the Pritzker Group to align resources and advocacy efforts for the state's technology economy.

Notable members and associates

The 1871 community has included thousands of entrepreneurs and hundreds of companies that have gone on to achieve significant success. Notable alumni companies include ParkWhiz, Fooda, and Shiftgig. Influential mentors and investors associated with its network include Sam Yagan, co-founder of OkCupid, and Chuck Templeton, founder of OpenTable. High-profile figures like former President Barack Obama and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg have visited and endorsed the hub, highlighting its national profile within the startup ecosystem.

Impact and legacy

1871 is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of Chicago's technology sector and entrepreneurial culture. It has helped catalyze billions of dollars in venture capital investment into local startups and contributed to the city's rankings in reports like the Kauffman Index of Startup Activity. The organization's model has inspired similar incubators across the Midwest and has been studied by economic development groups worldwide. Its legacy is intertwined with the growth of Chicago as a competitive alternative to coastal tech centers like Silicon Valley and New York City.

Category:Business incubators Category:Organizations based in Chicago Category:Technology organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2012