Chicago Startups are about to get a blast of acceleration which will shower the technology scene like water from a firehose.
1871 is a new Digital Startup Center and it's coming in just a few months to the 12th floor of that juggernaut on the Chicago River we know as the Merchandise Mart. The not-for-profit innovation, collaboration, and mentoring space will offer its 50,000 sqft of space to more than 320 of our city's brightest new innovators at practically the cost of a gym membership. 1871 can do this because of the help of a plethora of influential partnerships and sponsors. But 1871 isn't just Changing the World by bringing money to the table. Those amazing partners will be offering mentoring and coaching with classes and even regular office hours!
In their own words from the 1871.com website:
- "Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible...Come to a place where you can share ideas, make mistakes, work hard, build your business and, with a little luck, change the world."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
So why's it called "1871" you might ask? The time immediately following the Chicago Fire in...yes...1871, was a tremendous moment of entrepreneurial rebuilding and innovation. Matt Moog, Founder of Built In Chicago, and Chair of the 1871 effort, says it best in his 1871 announcement.
The technology talent and capacity for innovation and creativity in Chicago is great. Chicago is a magnificent city. A serendipitous blend of the engineering influence which has spilled over from our sister to the east combined with the creative ingenuity of the masterful agencies which have called Chicago their home for decades.
On any given Saturday, in any given Starbucks, you will find at least a halfdozen iPad-wielding, aspiring entrepreneurs and potential founders. Individually, each of them harbor unique ideas and skills. Each of them, working alone in a coffee shop, has the potential to create something great. But together in the 1871 space, collaborating with each other and surrounded by coaches, mentors, and investors; the things these future founders create will Change the World.
1871 isn't just looking to help find the next Groupon. 1871 is looking to build the next Silicon Valley.
Do you have an idea growing inside of you? Are you a Startup with just a handful of teammembers? Are you on the cusp of something great? Could you be, if you spent some time building your ideas into a business in the 1871 space? The response has been overwhelming! But they're still taking applications. If you don't get in when they launch in the spring, don't worry. We couldn't help noticing there is an additional 70,000 sqft of additional space, adjacent and unoccupied, on floor 12 of the Merchandise Mart!
Dan Chuparkoff A Software Product & Operations Leader from Chicago, IL, Dan Chuparkoff is a collaboration ninja, developer, technology strategist, digital implementation guy, & the lead digital explorer here at http://theworldchanging.com. Dan has been working passionately to enhance and simplify our lives by directing the creation of software that has the power to Change the World. When you check out at the grocery store, search for a job, or play interactive promotions like McDonald’s Monopoly, you’re probably using software that Dan made for you.