1871
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
1871 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 1871
- Legal name
- 1871
- Website
- https://1871.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
1871 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Startup Innovation Hub / Tech Accelerator Services
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), Product & Innovation Summits (Roadmap, Launch Readiness, Innovation Days) (THAHAMAG)
Keywords
Where 1871 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
1871 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: 1871 generates revenue through tiered membership fees from startups (early-stage, growth-stage) and corporate innovators. Membership provides access to physical/virtual spaces, programming, mentorship, events, marketing promotion, and peer community.
- Donations and Annual Fund: The nonprofit accepts donations through its Annual Fund with recognition tiers from Community Circle ($1-$1,000) to Founders Circle ($50,000+). 1871 is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
- Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships: Corporate partners sponsor Innovation Labs, events like Momentum Awards, and receive recognition and access to the startup community. Partners include Accenture, Aon, BMO, Microsoft, Discover, and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Early Stage Membership for startups from idea to product-market-fit |
| Subscription | Annual | Growth Stage Membership for startups from seed to IPO stages |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Innovator Membership for enterprise businesses |
| Other | Monthly | Community Circle - Donations up to $1,000 |
| Other | Monthly | Builder Circle - Donations $1,001 to $4,999 |
| Other | Monthly | Catalyst Circle - Donations $5,000 to $9,999 |
| Other | Monthly | Visionary Circle - Donations $10,000 to $24,999 |
| Other | Monthly | Leadership Circle - Donations $25,000 to $49,999 |
| Other | Monthly | Founders Circle - Donations totaling $50,000+ |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
1871 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
1871 is a nonprofit global innovation hub that sells tiered memberships to startups and corporate innovators, providing access to physical and virtual workspaces, educational programming, mentorship from 350 industry mentors, networking events, pitch competitions, and connections to 200+ partner corporations, universities, and venture funds. Its portfolio of ten vertical-specific Innovation Labs (AI, Climate Tech, Construction Tech, Fintech, FoodTech, Health Tech, InsurTech, Sports Tech, Supply Chain, Web3) and affinity programs for underrepresented founders (WMNfintech, BLKtech, LTNtech, WMNtech) supplement the core membership offering.
Product overview
1871 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit global innovation hub that operates as a community and membership organization rather than a traditional software product. The organization provides a platform connecting early-stage startups (~500), growth and late-stage companies (~250), and corporate innovators (~60) with mentorship, educational programming, workspace access, and networking opportunities. The core offerings include three membership tiers (Early Stage, Growth Stage, and Corporate Innovator), complemented by 10 Innovation Labs covering AI, Construction Tech, Climate Tech, Fintech, FoodTech, Health Tech, InsurTech, Sports Tech, Supply Chain, and Web3 sectors. Affinity programs support underrepresented founders through WMNfintech, BLKtech Founders, LTNtech Founders, and Tech Leaders initiatives. Signature events include the annual Momentum Awards, ScaleUp conference, Tech Challenge, pitch competitions, and community celebrations. Additional services include a Job Network, Startup Roadmap programming, and mentorship access to 350 mentors and 200+ ecosystem partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Early Stage Membership Annual subscription membership for approximately 400 startups from idea to product-market-fit, providing access to physical and virtual workspaces, educational programming, mentorship, events, marketing promotion, and peer community.
- Growth Stage Membership Annual subscription membership for approximately 200 growth and late-stage startups from seed to IPO stages, offering access to physical or virtual spaces, scaling resources, investor connections, executive programming, advanced workshops, events, marketing promotion, exclusive perks, and peer community.
- Corporate Innovator Membership Annual subscription membership for 200+ enterprise businesses seeking to innovate, providing access to the broader startup ecosystem, Innovation Labs, technology scouting opportunities, and 1871 programming.
- WMNfintech Accelerator Annual fintech accelerator program for women-founded and women-led startups, delivered in partnership with BMO. Provides mentorship from BMO executives, workshops, pitch opportunities, and access to capital, culminating in a showcase. The 7th annual program in 2026 has supported startups that have created 220+ jobs and raised $51 million since inception.
- AI Innovation Lab Cohort-based program connecting AI-focused startups with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts. Run with execution partners Why of AI (with Founder & CEO Alex Castrounis as Entrepreneur-in-Residence) and FinTech4Good. Supported by corporate partners including Microsoft, Discover, Molson Coors, Suntory Holdings, Verizon, and HubSpot.
- Fintech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program connecting fintech startups with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts for mentorship and collaboration.
- Climate Tech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program supporting startups working on environmental and climate solutions with corporate partners and investors.
- Construction Tech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program providing a platform for startups to collaborate with construction industry leaders and investors.
- FoodTech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program for startups innovating across the food value chain, from AgTech to manufacturing and packaging, with corporate partners including Levy.
- Health Tech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program connecting health tech startups with industry partners and investors across the healthcare sector.
- InsurTech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program for insurance technology startups, covering climate risk management, emerging data sources, future of mobility, and sales and distribution innovation.
- Sports Tech Innovation Lab Cohort-based program connecting sports tech startups with corporate partners and investors.
- Supply Chain Innovation Lab Cohort-based program developed with Accenture to drive innovation in logistics and supply chain management.
- Web3 Innovation Lab Cohort-based program covering digitally native middleware, identity, government enablement, enterprise enablement, and Layer 0s and 1s in decentralized technology. Run in partnership with US Blockchain Coalition (with Co-Founder Arry Yu as Entrepreneur-in-Residence) and WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster. Sponsors include Hyperledger Foundation, Fenwick, and Genesis Block.
- Startup Roadmap Structured roadmap of support for early-stage startups, including educational programming, 1:1 guidance, and networking events accessible virtually or in person.
- Job Network Job board connecting tech talent with 1871 member companies and startups within the broader innovation ecosystem.
- Momentum Awards 1871's largest annual celebration of tech innovation in Chicago, honoring innovators and companies across 8 award categories including Corporate Champion, Chicagoness, Outstanding Tech CEO, Industry Disrupter, Social Impact, Rising Star, Momentum, and CityLIGHTS.
- ScaleUp Conference Annual technology conference designed for growth and late-stage founders and leaders, featuring panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Companies that use 1871
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
1871 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
1871 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- BMOflagshipBMO and 1871 partner on the annual WMNfintech program, North America's largest nonprofit fintech accelerator for women-led startups. The 7th annual program in 2026 provides resources, mentorship, and networking. Since 2020, the program has created 220+ jobs and raised $51 million. BMO hosts the final showcase at their Bay Area office.
- EdelmanflagshipEdelman, a global communications firm founded in Chicago, provides dedicated office space next to their Chicago headquarters to 1871, Current, and IHCC. This collaboration creates a civic platform for innovation, economic growth, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Edelman has also hosted many events for 1871 since their exit from the Merchandise Mart.
- Current (water innovation hub)coreCurrent is an independent nonprofit innovation hub focused on solving critical water challenges. Current relocated to shared space with 1871 and IHCC at Edelman headquarters, representing a shared vision for collaborative innovation and economic growth.
- Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)coreIHCC is Illinois' largest Hispanic business organization, dedicated to advancing Hispanic-owned enterprises. They relocated alongside 1871 and Current to the shared innovation space at Edelman headquarters.
- Morgan ManufacturingminorMorgan Manufacturing hosted the 18th Annual Momentum Awards ceremony on September 25, 2025, bringing together hundreds of Chicago's most influential founders, investors, and leaders.
- Why of AIcoreWhy of AI is execution partner for 1871's AI Innovation Lab, with Founder & CEO Alex Castrounis serving as Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Specializes in helping organizations design customized AI strategies and roadmaps.
- FinTech4GoodcoreGlobal responsible innovation network serving as execution partner for 1871's AI Innovation Lab. Works with public and private sector organizations on AI and fintech innovation.
- U.S. Blockchain CoalitioncoreUS Blockchain Coalition partnered on 1871's Web3 Innovation Lab, with Co-Founder Arry Yu serving as Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Co-founded WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster partnership.
- WTIA Advanced Technology ClustercoreWashington Technology Industry Association's Advanced Technology Cluster partnered with 1871 on the Web3 Innovation Lab to support blockchain and decentralized technology innovation.
- Hyperledger FoundationminorHyperledger Foundation supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, providing blockchain expertise and ecosystem connections.
- FenwickminorFenwick (law firm) supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, providing legal and regulatory expertise for blockchain companies.
- Genesis BlockminorGenesis Block supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, contributing blockchain ecosystem expertise.
- MicrosoftminorMicrosoft supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, providing technology expertise and resources for AI startups.
- DiscoverminorDiscover supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, contributing financial services technology expertise.
- Molson CoorsminorMolson Coors supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
- Suntory Holdings LimitedminorSuntory Holdings supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
- VerizonminorVerizon supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
- HubSpotminorHubSpot supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
- EX3 LabsminorEX3 Labs supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, providing technology and innovation expertise.
- World Business ChicagominorWorld Business Chicago supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit, working to promote Chicago as a technology and innovation hub.
- AllstateminorAllstate supported the 2024 InsurTech Innovation Summit as an industry partner.
- Barrel VenturescoreBarrel Ventures' Founder and Managing Partner Nate Cooper serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for 1871's FoodTech Innovation Lab, engaging with entrepreneurs shaping the future of food innovation.
- LevyminorLevy joined as a 2024 FoodTech Innovation Lab partner, contributing food and hospitality industry expertise.
- AonminorAon sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
- AccentureminorAccenture sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
- CooleyminorCooley (law firm) sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
- Illinois TechminorIllinois Tech sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards and has invested in education and talent building in the Chicago-area tech community.
- Polsky CenterminorPolsky Center (University of Chicago) sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards.
- Discovery Partners InstituteminorDiscovery Partners Institute sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards.
- World Business ChicagocoreWorld Business Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the return of the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Health, scheduled for October 19-20, 2026. Chicagoland's healthcare sector raised $1.19 billion in growth capital in 2025, with over 552,000 healthcare workers in the region.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
1871 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Techstars: Global accelerator network running mentorship-driven cohorts across verticals and geographies with deep corporate partner relationships. Comparable to 1871's Innovation Lab structure and accelerator-style programming, though Techstars is for-profit and globally distributed.
- gener8tor: Midwest-headquartered accelerator and venture fund running cohort-based programs for startups, with corporate-sponsored tracks (e.g., gener8tor Wallet, Wisconsin Healthtech). Most directly comparable to 1871 by geography, accelerator format, and corporate partnership model.
- Capital Factory: Texas-based innovation hub and accelerator combining coworking, mentorship, corporate partner programming, and demo events. Directly comparable to 1871's hybrid hub + accelerator + corporate innovation model, though anchored in Austin rather than Chicago.
- Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC): Operator of innovation campuses providing coworking, lab, and event space for startups and corporate innovators in multiple U.S. cities. Comparable to 1871 as a physical-virtual innovation hub serving startups and corporate members with programming and events.
- MassChallenge: Nonprofit global accelerator supporting early-stage startups with corporate partnerships and zero-equity cohort programs. Closely mirrors 1871's nonprofit accelerator model, focus on under-resourced founders, and corporate-sponsored vertical tracks.
- JumpStart Inc. Cleveland-based nonprofit venture development organization supporting entrepreneurs, providing capital, mentorship, and corporate connections. Comparable to 1871's nonprofit innovation hub model with regional economic development focus and corporate partnerships.
Broad incumbents
- Plug and Play: Large global innovation platform running vertical-specific accelerator programs (Fintech, Health, Insurtech, Brand & Retail) with deep corporate partner relationships. Comparable to 1871's industry-vertical Innovation Lab model but at materially greater scale and as a for-profit.
Emerging players
- Galvanize: Operator of innovation campuses combining tech education, coworking, and corporate partnerships. Comparable to 1871's hybrid education/community/workspace offering, though Galvanize's center of gravity is more heavily weighted toward bootcamp education.
Regional players
- Built In: Chicago-headquartered tech community platform connecting employers, talent, and startups in local innovation ecosystems. Comparable to 1871 as a Chicago tech community builder (Built In won 1871's 2023 Outstanding Tech CEO award); serves overlapping local audience with a content/recruitment model.
Others
- TechPlace (Illinois Technology Association): Illinois technology industry association that was acquired by 1871 in 2020. Adjacent ecosystem organization serving as a peer-association model for 1871's advocacy and member-services activities.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
1871 social profiles
Digital presence1871 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
1871 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
1871 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
1871 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 1871
What does 1871 do?
1871 is a nonprofit global innovation hub that sells tiered memberships to startups and corporate innovators, providing access to physical and virtual workspaces, educational programming, mentorship from 350 industry mentors, networking events, pitch competitions, and connections to 200+ partner corporations, universities, and venture funds. Its portfolio of ten vertical-specific Innovation Labs (AI, Climate Tech, Construction Tech, Fintech, FoodTech, Health Tech, InsurTech, Sports Tech, Supply Chain, Web3) and affinity programs for underrepresented founders (WMNfintech, BLKtech, LTNtech, WMNtech) supplement the core membership offering.
Is 1871 a public or private company?
1871 is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was 1871 founded?
1871 was founded in 2012. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is 1871 based?
1871 is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does 1871 make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations and Annual Fund and corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships.
Who are 1871's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Techstars, gener8tor, Capital Factory, Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), MassChallenge and JumpStart Inc.. Plug and Play is listed as a broad incumbent. Galvanize is listed as an emerging player. Built In is listed as a regional player. TechPlace (Illinois Technology Association) is listed as an others.
Does 1871 have an API?
No public API is recorded for 1871.
What industry is 1871 in?
1871's product category is Startup Innovation Hub / Tech Accelerator Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAHAD, Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs, with a secondary code of BPAGADAG, STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.