1871

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

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

• Startup innovation hub
• Tech founder community
• Startup accelerator programs
• Corporate innovation partnership
• Nonprofit entrepreneurship support

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BMOflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 March 2026BMO 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.
• EdelmanflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Edelman, 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Current 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025IHCC 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 ManufacturingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 September 2025Morgan 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 AIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWhy 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.
• FinTech4GoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal 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 CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS 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 ClustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington Technology Industry Association's Advanced Technology Cluster partnered with 1871 on the Web3 Innovation Lab to support blockchain and decentralized technology innovation.
• Hyperledger FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHyperledger Foundation supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, providing blockchain expertise and ecosystem connections.
• FenwickminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFenwick (law firm) supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, providing legal and regulatory expertise for blockchain companies.
• Genesis BlockminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGenesis Block supported the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab and Web3 Innovation Summit as a sponsor, contributing blockchain ecosystem expertise.
• MicrosoftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMicrosoft supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, providing technology expertise and resources for AI startups.
• DiscoverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiscover supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, contributing financial services technology expertise.
• Molson CoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMolson Coors supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
• Suntory Holdings LimitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSuntory Holdings supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
• VerizonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVerizon supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
• HubSpotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHubSpot supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner.
• EX3 LabsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEX3 Labs supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit as a corporate partner, providing technology and innovation expertise.
• World Business ChicagominorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld Business Chicago supported the 2024 AI Innovation Lab and AI Innovation Summit, working to promote Chicago as a technology and innovation hub.
• AllstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAllstate supported the 2024 InsurTech Innovation Summit as an industry partner.
• Barrel VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarrel 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.
• LevyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLevy joined as a 2024 FoodTech Innovation Lab partner, contributing food and hospitality industry expertise.
• AonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAon sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
• AccentureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAccenture sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
• CooleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCooley (law firm) sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards as a corporate partner.
• Illinois TechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIllinois Tech sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards and has invested in education and talent building in the Chicago-area tech community.
• Polsky CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolsky Center (University of Chicago) sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards.
• Discovery Partners InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiscovery Partners Institute sponsored the 2025 Momentum Awards.
• World Business ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@1871tech
• Xx.com/1871tech
• Facebookfacebook.com/1871tech
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1871-com

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 1871