Meet the Top 5 Finalists for WMNtech Pitch Competition 2024!  

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Meet the Top 5 2024 WMNtech Pitch Competition Finalists

1871’s WMNtech Pitch Competition returns for its third year to highlight and support women who are founding and leading tech startups across the globe. This 3-round pitch competition is a platform for women-founded startups to pitch their products and services for the chance to win funding, resources, and connections with VC firms. 

Cash prizes and equity funding from our VC partners, totaling $30,000 will be awarded to the finalists, alongside 6-months of free membership to 1871. Aloa credits, totaling a value of $20,000 will also be distributed, with $10k awarded to our first place winner and $2.5k awarded to each finalist in 2nd-5th place. 

Thank you to our investment partners OCA Ventures and Tim and Stephanie Barry, and our 2024 sponsor Aloa for your contributions to this event. 

With 100+ round 1 applications and 20 extraordinary semi-finalists, 1871 is excited to announce the top 5 finalists who will be moving forward and pitching their startups at our final event on 3.28.24! 

Top 5 Companies of the WMNtech Pitch Competition 2024

ASL Aspire, pitched by Co-Founder & COO Ayesha Kazi 

ASL Aspire is an online educational platform that teaches STEM education for K-12 deaf and hard of hearing students and their teachers. ASL Aspire is providing a seamlessly integrable curriculum that aligns with national core standards and is created in collaboration with deaf professionals who are actively developing new signs. Their interactive mini-games enable students to practice the signs while having fun, and our machine-learning technology enables them to validate signs in front of their webcam. With its user-friendly dashboard, teachers can track student progress and identify areas for intervention, making in-class instruction easier. ASL Aspire is committed to empowering students with the tools they need to succeed while providing teachers with an innovative solution to enhance classroom instruction for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Industry focus: ​​EdTech, Artificial Intelligence

Blip Energy, pitched by Co-Founder & CEO Sophia Wennstedt

Blip Energy is defining a new smart home category with an affordable, plug-and-play battery system. Blip leverages ML to optimize energy costs for any and every household, and supplies critical backup power in case of an outage. This distributed network of IOT batteries at the grid edge provides grid operators with the tools and data they need to stabilize the grid and lower operating costs – to support a better, smarter grid for all of us.

Industry focus: Energy & Sustainability, Social Impact

IN BOLD PRINT, pitched by Co-Founder & CEO Ashley Pradhan

IN BOLD PRINT’s technology platform helps small to mid-sized companies in the consumer goods space measure their carbon emissions and grow their revenue by leveraging impact. Think of IN BOLD PRINT as the ‘TurboTax’ of carbon accounting.

Industry focus: Energy & Sustainability

MabLab, pitched by Co-Founder & CEO Vienna Sparks

Test your supply before your supply tests you. MabLab is building 5-in-1 test strips to detect the five deadliest lacing agents in recreational drugs. In response to one of our close peers who overdosed when experimenting with drugs for the first time, our team is dedicated to providing a harm reduction tool that will provide users with unparalleled accuracy in under three minutes — allowing them the dignity to know if they would be consuming lethal substances.

Industry focus: HealthCare, MedTech, Pharma, Wellness, Social Impact

Partum Health, pitched by Co-Founder & CEO Meghan Doyle

Partum Health is a hybrid clinic founded to elevate care and improve outcomes for women and families by delivering the best of online and offline support through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Partum supports families with essential specialty services, including behavioral health, lactation, nutrition, physical therapy, and birth and postpartum doula care, that together prevent and address the most common complications of the perinatal period, including the leading driver of maternal mortality – mental health conditions. Partum’s care experience includes coordination and care team chat as well as patient education via our mobile/ web app – and we offer clinical services covered via insurance including BCBS, United, Aetna, and Cigna. We are currently serving patients in IL and TX and have delivered thousands of visits while achieving a ~95 NPS.

Industry focus: HealthCare, MedTech, Pharma, Wellness

About WMNtech Pitch Competition 

WMNtech Pitch Competition is a part of 1871’s women tech founder initiative, designed to support and amplify women early-stage founders through immersive programming, tailored resources, mentorship, and community networking opportunities. 

We are so honored to bring together our community of early, growth, and corporate members, VC partners, and allies as we highlight and celebrate well-deserving women-led startups!  

Help us cheer on the finalists as they pitch their businesses to an innovative panel of investors by attending the event,either in-person or virtually.

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1871's Web3 Innovation Lab Brings Together Major Players Pioneering Blockchain and Decentralized Technologies to Drive the Future of the Industry.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, November 1,  2023 – 1871, global innovation hub, is excited to unveil its latest endeavor: the Web3 Innovation Lab, a forward-thinking program dedicated to exploring the limitless possibilities of Web3 native decentralized technologies. Partnering with us for this exciting initiative is both the U.S. Blockchain Coalition, the only driving multistate collaboration across the U.S.,  and Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) Advanced Technology Cluster, an industry leader in economic growth and connectivity for blockchain technologies and quantum computing; and our Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Arry Yu, co-founder and executive director of U.S. Blockchain Coalition, who share our commitment to advancing the Web3 industry. Applications are now open until December 29, 2023. 

In an era marked by the transformative potential of Web3, 1871 is eager to lead the charge in creating cutting-edge solutions and applications that will redefine how we interact with technology and the digital world.

“Web3 opens up so many opportunities for new innovations, and it’s essential at this stage in the sector’s growth to bring together stakeholders across the spectrum from startup to enterprise to investor to make sure we capitalize on all the opportunity,” said Nick Ellingson, director of products at WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster. 

“The power of Web3 is around the potential of privacy-preserving, people-owned, secured data on digitally native distributed systems,” said Arry Yu, co-founder and executive director of the U.S. Blockchain Coalition. “Web3 infrastructure using blockchain-based security is more than ten times better than what is in corporations today. Let’s invest in our innovators and build partnerships to make this a reality.” 

“The launch of a Web3 innovation lab at 1871 heralds a new era of digital transformation. This technology is more than innovation; it’s a gateway to a decentralized, trust-based future where data ownership, privacy, and security take center stage,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871.  “By empowering pioneers in this space, we’re not only shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape but also safeguarding the values of autonomy and transparency in the digital age”

The Web3 Innovation Lab will operate from January 22nd, 2024, through April 19th, 2024, focusing on pushing the boundaries of Web3 native and decentralized technologies. This lab program will explore emerging Web3 applications and their potential across various sectors.

 

Web3 Innovation Lab 2024 Highlights

The Lab is open to the following innovators: 

  • Growth-stage startups with a technology or product focused on Web3 and blockchain-based technologies 
  •  Late-stage partners seeking to enhance their Web3 through partnerships or have a core product focused on the Web3 space
  • Corporations sitting at the forefront of Web3 innovation or seeking to enhance their Web3 and blockchain-based technologies via partnerships 

There will be a selection process for startups to ensure those admitted to the program have proven readiness and are fit for the Lab. 

Information sessions on the Lab will take place on  12.06.23 and on 12.20.23, to provide attendees with curriculum information, cohort eligibility, and the benefits of joining as a cohort member or partner. 

 

2024 Lab focus areas 

This Lab focuses on several “focus areas” for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve issues within Web3, blockchain, and decentralized technologies. Specifically, developing and expanding the foundational elements of such.

High-level focus areas include: 

  • Building Out Digitally Native Middleware: protocols dictating how data is exchanged and transmitted in Web3 
  • Layer 0’s and 1’s: shifting control and ownership of identity information from centralized entities to individuals themselves 
  • Enabling Enterprise: subset of use cases for companies to explore, like supply chain, loyalty, and finance 
  • Enabling Government: subset of use cases for governments to explore, like taxation, voting, and funding 
  • Use Cases for Normies: subset of use cases for consumers to explore, like product tracing, decentralized currency, and asset tokenization 

The lab experience broken down

This Lab is designed to connect startups, late-stage partners, corporate innovators, VCs, and Web3 experts for four immersive weeks of programming, alternating in virtual and in-person experiences. 

The cohort will meet for one whole week of programming in January, February, March, and April 2024. 

The program ends with its Web3 Innovation Summit, taking place on 04.18.24. 

 

Why Web3 

The current internet, often dominated by tech giants and intermediaries, has raised concerns about data privacy, censorship, and control. Although still relatively new, Web3 redefines the digital landscape with its emphasis on user empowerment, data ownership, and decentralization, offering a solution to these issues.

Despite its setbacks, Web3 continues to be alive and thriving, using artificial intelligence and decentralization to offer its users safety and security while putting users in charge of their data. Now is the time to utilize Web3’s resistance to censorship, commitment to economic inclusion and developer empowerment, and fostering global accessibility, making Web3 a promising frontier for the future of the internet.

1871, the U.S. Blockchain Coalition, and WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster are looking forward to a groundbreaking year of collaboration and innovation at the 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab. We invite the press and the public to join us in exploring the future of the Web3 industry.

 

About 1871 Innovation Labs

The Innovation Labs serve as a dynamic hub for fostering cutting-edge solutions, collaboration, and technological advancement. These labs offer a platform for startups, industry leaders, investors, and venture capitalists to come together to pioneer the future of various industries, including artificial intelligence, cannabis, supply chain, and beyond. 

Typically running for three or four months, the labs are at the forefront of innovation, connecting key players in the tech ecosystem to drive transformative change and accelerate the development of groundbreaking solutions for today’s challenges,

About 1871

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

About U.S. Blockchain Coalition 

The U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC) is a proactive collaboration of state associations, private entities, and influential individuals that drives a national conversation about emerging technology policy, education, and adoption. The USBC’s mission is to share best practices, lessons learned, improve operational efficiency for each member, improve the purchasing power for the benefit of each member, and to consolidate political influence. The Coalition serves as the convener and the subject matter experts with a multi-state focused collective voice to better advocate for constructive public policy and educate key stakeholders, especially investors.

About WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster

The Advanced Technology Cluster is funded through Washington State’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program, and the focus of the group is to convene stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and the investment community to work together towards ensuring the Pacific Northwest and the broader United States is a leader in emerging technologies. The near term focuses of the Cluster are to promote the growth of web3, quantum information sciences, and artificial intelligence within the Pacific Northwest, while also finding opportunities for partnerships across the United States and the world. The Cluster works on a variety of initiatives including public policy and advocacy, workforce development, startup acceleration, and community building.

For media inquiries, please contact:

J Blaszczykiewicz, Sr. Director of Marketing at 1871

j@1871.com 

press@1871.com 

FINN Partners for WTIA

wtia@finnpartners.com

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1871 Introduces Its First InsurTech Innovation Lab, Welcoming Applications from Growth & Late Stage Startups for Fall 2023!

CHICAGO, August 15, 2023 – Global tech innovation hub 1871 announces the debut of its newest innovation program, InsurTech Innovation Lab, set to launch in October 2023. Applications are now open until September 8th, 2023.

This marks 1871’s inaugural InsurTech initiative, an experience uniting all the major players across the insurance landscape (Property and Casualty, Life,and Health)in a collaborative effort to tackle critical challenges and break ground on solutions for future transformation.

“Several areas within the insurance sector are poised for transformation and innovation. Hundreds of founders are leveraging technological progress to enhance not just the efficiency and expansion of incumbent insurance enterprises, but also to amplify access to the financial security that insurance offers to our society,” said Rachael Feuerborn, Chief Product Officer at 1871. “We’re thrilled to foster collaboration between these pioneering startups, forward-thinking corporations, and InsureTech experts to tackle the biggest opportunities the industry presents.” 

“Innovation is the compass guiding us through the ever changing landscape of risk, ensuring that current and future uncertainties are met with ingenious solutions”, said Betsy Ziegler, CEO at 1871.” This new  lab unites the visionary power of tech innovators with the security of insurance expertise sparking transformative potential. 

InsurTech represents the final addition to 1871’s suite of Innovation Labs this year, following the successes of the Cannabis Innovation Lab, AI Innovation Lab, Supply Chain Innovation Lab, and FoodTech Innovation Lab. 

 

About InsurTech Innovation Lab

Applications to join the Fall 2023 lab are open until 9.08.23. The immersive, 4-month hybrid experience, running from 10.09.23 – 01.18.24, caters to each stage within the cohort respectively, while fostering a collective atmosphere for collaborative innovation.

This Lab focuses on several areas for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve key issues within the industry. Startups serving domains across the InsurTech focus areas will be considered for the cohort. 

Focus areas this year include:

  • Subrogation 
  • Litigation 
  • Fraud 
  • Back-Office Productivity 
  • Preparing for Volatility — Climate, Workforce, & Talent 

Those eligible to join the lab:

  • Growth-stage startups with a technology or product focused on the InsurTech space 
  • Late-stage startups as partners seeking to elevate their brand as experts and influence the InsurTech industry
  • Corporations as partners sitting at the forefront of InsurTech innovation or seeking to enhance their capabilities & offerings via partnerships 

A selection will ensure that startups admitted to the program are best suited and have proven readiness for optimal lab outcomes. 

Information sessions will be held on 8.22.23 and on 8.29.23, to provide attendees with detailed lab curriculum, key dates, and the benefits of participating. 

Within the lab, participants are connected to experts, enthusiasts, and investors through immersive workshops and other experiences throughout the duration of the program.

The lab experience alternates in virtual and in-person sessions, convening for a full week in October, November, and December 2023, culminating with the final week in January 2024. 

The program ends with a capstone-like InsurTech Innovation Summit in January 2024 — a public event akin to 1871’s AI Innovation Summit, which took place in July 2023.

For inquiries about partnerships or sponsorship options for the InsurTech Innovation Lab or Summit, connect with our team. 

To stay updated on all InsurTech Innovation Lab news, subscribe here. 

 

About 1871

1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital.

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On 06.22.23, 1871 hosted their third BLKtech Pitch Competition. The 3-round competition started with 50+ applicants, 20 founders moved to the semi-finals, and the top 5 finalists pitched their startups in front of a live audience.

Congratulations to the 2023 BLKtech Pitch Competition finalists 
  1. Period, taking home $13k dollars & $10k in Aloa dev credits 
  2. LucidTrade, taking home $9.5k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 
  3. Reach Pathways, taking home $7.5k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 
  4. Roomii, taking home $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 
  5. SALUBATA, taking home $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 

The finalists also received 6-months of free 1871 membership, on top of their individual cash prizes and development credits. 

Judges for the competition included: 

The third annual BLKtech Pitch Competition was made possible by investment partners  OCA Ventures, Wintrust Ventures, Dom Capital Group, and Tony Wilkins, as well as sponsors State Farm, Aloa,Weber Shandwick, Food Foundry, William Blair, Verizon, EY, and Molson Coors. 

About BLKtech

BLKtech is 1871’s umbrella of programming centered around supporting, equipping, and elevating Black founders & leaders  through curated programming and mentoring initiatives. 1871 has programs,community resource groups, and events dedicated to Black individuals in tech, including BLKtech Founders, BLKtech Voices, and annual celebratory Juneteenth event.  

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Women Founders Win Big at WMNtech Pitch Competition 2023

On 03.30.23, 1871 hosted their second WMNtech Pitch Competition. The 3-round competition started with 80+ applicants, 20 founders moved to the semi-finals, and the top 5 women founder finalists pitched their startups in front of a live audience.

Congratulations to the 2023 WMNtech Pitch Competition finalists 

1. kweliTV, taking home $20k dollars & $10k in Aloa dev credits 

2. Here Here Market, taking home $15k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 

3.Clickvoyant, taking home $5k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 

4. Hyivy Health, taking home $5k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 

5. Neofin, taking home $5k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa dev credits 

 

Judges for the competition included: 

We are grateful for the support from investors 7Wire, Hyde Park Venture Partners, OCA Ventures, Subconscious Ventures, and Troy Henikoff, as well as our competition sponsors Aloa, Molson Coors, and State Farm. Thank you for helping make this competition a success and helping 1871 continuing our mission of supporting well-deserving entrepreneurs with resources and funding. 

About WMNtech 

WMNtech is 1871’s umbrella of programming centered around supporting, equipping, and elevating women founders and leaders in tech through curated programming and mentoring initiatives. 1871 has several programs dedicated specifically to women, including WMNtech Founders, WMNtech Leaders, and WMNfintech.

 

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1871 Announces AI Innovation Lab 2023 Cohort

CHICAGO (April 4th, 2023)– Non-profit global innovation hub 1871 announces its first-ever list of cohort members for their AI Innovation Lab 2023. The program has been strategically built with execution partner Why of AI, and supported by anchor partner Discover and several other partners. 

This is 1871’s third tech innovation lab, designed to connect startups, growth scalers, and corporate innovators together, while also introducing VCs, AI experts, and talent to collectively solve various challenges across industries with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. 

The 39 cohort participants will collaborate through curated programming, workshops, and inspiration sessions, designed to foster meaningful connections and accelerate growth. They’ll hear from world renowned speakers, deep dive into how AI is changing various functions and industries, and take the stage themselves to share how they’re disrupting through AI. 

 

Cohort Members 

7 QUBES | Chase Yeung, CEO

7QUBES is a cloud-based CRM platform designed to revolutionize how small businesses manage their customer relationships, operations, data analytics, finance, and inventory. With advanced AI-driven tools, 7QUBES empowers businesses to prepare for the future and stay ahead of the competition.

ANDRALOGY ™ |  Dege Nsoki, Founder & CLO Products Analytics

ANDRALOGY™ has the vision to create a future of work for all. We are on a mission to help learners to design, build and deploy their own personalized Analytics, Machine Learning and AI projects.

Arvist | Nilay Parikh, Founder & CEO

Arvist uses existing security cameras and AI-powered Digital Twin technology to provide real-time critical event awareness for warehouse operators, helping to reduce supply chain disruptions and optimize operations.

Arvo | Alane Boyd, Co-Founder & CEO

Arvo is an AI-powered sales tool with a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users to create stunning digital sales assets such as proposals, case studies, how-tos, client portals, and even follow-ups, in minutes.

BannerBoo | Nadiia Yuzkova, CTO

BannerBoo is an AI-powered no code banner editor that allows businesses to accelerate and automate ad creation processes. 

Biologit | Nicole Baker, Co-Founder & CEO

AI-enabled Scientific Literature monitoring for Pharmacovigilance, Cosmetovigilance, Nutrivigilance and medical devices. 

Bizbaz | Hayk Hakobyan, CEO 

Bizbaz offers comprehensive customer intelligence and risk assessment capabilities. 

BlackInc AI | Eric Mills, Founder

BlackInk AI helps tattoo enthusiasts and artists quickly and easily generate unique and personalized tattoo designs. With a vast catalog of pre-made designs and a creation tool, BlackInk streamlines the tattoo design process for everyone.

Bloomfield | Mark DeSantis, CEO 

Bloomfield offers precise, objective and accurate plant-level health and performance assessments, continuously at any scale. 

Brighten AI | John Berkey, CEO/CTO 

Next generation Conversational Ai hardware and software platforms, enabling great conversations, even without an internet connection. 

CharacTour  | Kimberly Foerster, Founder & CEO

CharacTour is a patented platform that provides truly personalized recommendations for its 8 million registered users: based on 46 demensions of their complex personalities. Leveraging its psychographic data, CharacTour also building AI technology to precisely calculate the “personality” of a brand, determine target consumers using advanced statistical techniques, and generate ad copy using words and phrases to appeal to specific personas. 

ClearCOGS | Osayanmo (Osa) Osarenkhoe, Co-Founder & CPO

ML/AI driven demand forecasting and operation optimization for restaurants. 

Community Wellness Technology Inc. | Bonnie Johnson and Jon Fenner, CISO, CTO

We are a patient first, physician led organization improving outcomes and reducing costs in support of patients living with multiple chronic conditions. We partner with hospitals and managed care organizations to produce outcomes at scale.

Course Collab | Jamie Gladfelter, Founder 

AI-first productivity tools for higher education faculty. 

Encounter AI | Derrick Johnson, CEO 

Encounter AI, a cutting-edge voice AI system that streamlines the customer ordering process at drive-thrus. Our tech was developed with SRI International, the makers of Siri and Nuance.

Folder Front | Bryan Mulcrone, Founder

Folder Front has developed a Revolutionary AI-File Manager, that allows Users to organize files in seconds with the latest Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, as well as to find files faster than ever before with our Patent-Pending Folder Technology. 

Justpoint | Gregory Zarrillo, Chief of Staff 

Justpoint identifies products and practices causing public harm and holds responsible parties accountable by pursuing justice for victims.

LISA Insurtech | Gino Volpi, CEO

We are helping insurance carriers worldwide deliver a better, simpler, and faster claims experience to their customers.

Mercurial AI Inc. | Dennis Trujillo, CEO 

Creating AI solutions for improving cancer care. 

Outboundly | Miguel Dey, Founder

Outboundly extends LinkedIn with the ability to Instantly analyze  profiles and generate highly personalized cold outreach messages in one click using AI. You can also use Outboundly to analyze website text and generate cold email. 

Parkva | Rob Benson, CEO 

By leveraging computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI), Parkva solutions detect parking occupancy and violations 24/7 without human intervention.

Photos.live | Leonardo Araujo de Assis, CEO 

We deliver measurable, memorable guest experiences that help brands gain data-driven insights into their events. 

Qilo | Dave Brost, Co-Founder & CEO 

Qilo enhances electric utility data with AI to create a stronger grid.

Quadratic Systems Inc. | Anil Koripelly, Principal 

Quadratic is a pure-play Analytics firm helping our customers in their journey towards data democratization, AI/ML Automation and digital transformation.  

Rentervention | Conor Malloy, Rentervention Project Director 

Rentervention, a service of the Law Center for Better Housing, is a virtual assistant for tenants in crisis. Through Rentervention, tenants can access free legal information, document assembly and referrals to legal and social services. 

ReVert Technologies Inc. | Ryan Li, CEO 

With AI enabled power adapters, we make it easy to turn things off and save energy.

SC Tech | Jeff Beyle, CEO 

Provide advanced Industrial IoT technologies in a system that is easy to implement and straightforward to use. 80% of the power of the high-end Industrial IoT systems at <20% of the cost and complexity.

Sign-Speak Inc. | Yamillet Payano, Co-Founder & CEO

Sign-Speak is a revolutionary language translation services. Our AI-powered sign language recognition technology and support for multiple spoken languages make us the ideal solution for innovative financial service leaders looking to shape the future of accessibility.
 

Snips Media | David Zaretsky, Founder, CEO, & Chief Scientist 

Snips is the first performance-driven influencer marketing platform that empowers influencers with business tools to grow their audience and monetize their social networks, while enabling brands to run performance-driven influencer programs built on true measurability and scale. 

Socian Technologies | Marc Ward, Founder & CEO 

Socian Technologies builds autonomous drone systems powered by an advanced AI to provide on-scene visualization services to first responders. 

Socrates.ai | Melissa Swisher, Chief Revenue Officer 

Socrates is the leader in the Employee Experience Platform space focusing on delivering one place for the employee to go for anything they want to ask or do all through a conversational experience.   

SpaceBot | Dave Turner  & Angelo Garetto, Co-Founder 

SpaceBot is a spatial research and AI operations platform dedicated to improving the health and well-being of space users through data democratization, micro-conveniences, and automations.

Studio AI | Deepak Bandi, Founder 

Unlock the power of AI within your SaaS platform. 

Tribaja | Shannon Morales, CEO

Tribaja is solving for the world’s talent shortages using AI and predictive analytics to increase learning outcomes for the working class. 

UBIVIS | Paulo Henrique Garcia de Souza, Founder & CEO

Ubivis Industrial IoT collects machinery data from Operations Technology.  On Cloud SaaS or on-premises Ubivis systems perform real time analytics using BI. Digital Twin provides real time Artificial Intelligence manufacturing and/or maintenance simulation and our software robot executes autonomous machinery operation. 

Under | Michael Abramovic, Co-Founder

Beautiful digital applications, identity verification, and integrations with a few clicks. 

Verbal Transactions | Nancy Munro, CEO

Verbal Transactions accelerates the rate in which customer facing employees reach mastery of critical business skills. Our software platform, ACES, builds highly customized hands-on simulations with a built-in coaching bot and NLP to create realistic scenarios to experience deliberate practice.

Verity XR | Shiva Rallapalli, CTO & COO

Verity XR is a HealthTech company leveraging the power of virtual reality to provide treatment solutions for pain management and physical rehabilitation.  

Vetelligence | Zachary Oshinbanjo, Founder 

Vetelligence is a post service navigation platform built to help service members determine their next steps. We leverage data in order to guide service members towards new careers, education or entrepreneurship.

 

About the program 

Led and facilitated by Gabby Snedeker, 1871’s Senior Director of Innovation Labs, cohort members will participate in 4-weeks of hybrid programming, alternating each week for virtual and in-person experiences in April, May, and June 2023. 

The program culminates with a capstone-like event, the AI Innovation Summit, open to the public on 6.29.23. The summit is a full day of programming, centered on AI and machine-learning tech innovation, and highlighting the startups in the cohort. 

Subscribe to stay up-to-date on all AI Innovation Lab news + summit. 

For inquiries about involvement in partnering with 1871  or learning more about sponsor options for either our AI Innovation Labs or AI Innovation Summit, connect with our team at corpinno@1871.com.

 

About Why of AI

Why of AI helps startups to Fortune 100s bridge company-wide gaps in AI knowledge, strategy, and innovation. Our AI strategy consulting and training services help companies understand AI and develop responsible AI roadmaps to drive business growth, customer success, and competitive advantage. Why of AI is led by Alex Castrounis, a best-selling book author on AI and professor of AI at Northwestern University’s Kellogg / McCormick MBAi program. Alex is also a former INDYCAR engineer, race strategist, and data scientist that drove winning results for teams such as Andretti Autosport in world-renowned races, including the Indy 500. 

About 1871

1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital.

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CHICAGO: March 27th, 2023 – Global innovation nonprofit hub 1871 is hosting its first ever Cannabis Innovation Summit on April 20th, 2023. This public event will engage over 250+ key players in the tech and Cannabis industry, including early-stage startups, growth-scalers, operators, as well as VCs, cannabis-enthusiasts, and those who are “canna-curious.”

The summit focuses on in-person programming (with select portions live-streamed),  and interactive networking. The summit is a capstone event for the Cannabis Innovation Lab program, launched earlier this year. The summit is co-hosted by  execution partner and industry expert GrownIn, leading cannabis compliance and education company. The lab is the first tech program of its kind, designed to bring startups, growth-scalers, corporations, investors, and operators together to approach the cannabis industry’s challenges and opportunities collectively. 

Summit Agenda

From 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, summit attendees can attend a custom program for the day, including;  keynote, expert panels, topical breakout sessions, pitch competitions, tech playground, networking, and more. See full agenda here.

Anchored by partner Cresco Labs, the summit exclusively showcases cohort 1 of the lab and gives them the limelight to showcase their innovations, as well as interact with thought leaders, investors, corporates, and more! 

This content, paired with industry leaders and executives, will make for an unforgettable day centered around all things cannabis-tech. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to in-person attendees, followed by happy-hour networking and drinks in the final hours of the event.

While attendees can watch virtually, only a select group of events will be live streamed. Thank you to several 1871 growth members for sponsoring this event, including NuEra, Tecvine, and Aeropay. 

Registration is required for this event – RSVP here. 

To sponsor the summit, email corpinno@1871.com. To stay up-to-date on 1871’s Cannabis-related programming & news, subscribe here. 

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For 15 years, the Momentum Awards have annually celebrated tech innovation & impact across greater Chicago and beyond. But what makes them so special? 

This award program  is our premier event, bringing together our full community of innovators, leaders, supporters, & partners to make the largest celebration of tech in Chicago!

Here’s your primer on everything you need to know about the Momentum Awards, its history and evolution, & the impact it has on the work we do for our community!

View 2021’s recap here.

About the event 

Each year, the Momentum Awards honor the top tech innovators and leaders that are disrupting their industries, building up their communities, & shaping the future.

Our 8 awards represent key areas of achievement across the entire business maturity curve, from idea all the way to Fortune 50. Together, our award ceremony recognizes the strength of our community and the ingenuity that emerges when innovators are connected with the necessary resources, mentorship, & support system.

The Momentum Awards supports our mission 

As a 501c3, the work we do is made possible by the generous support of our community. The Momentum Awards is our most important fundraising event of the year, so you can help us continue to inspire, equip, & support innovators and leaders across the entire maturity curve for years to come by making a contribution, becoming a sponsor, or attending the event!

You can also help us recognize the best in tech by nominating yourself, your company, or your peers across our award categories. Nominations open each year during the summer, and your participation will help determine which innovators and leaders make our esteemed group of finalists!

Finally, you can support us by celebrating with our community at the event itself! Just reserve your ticket and join us in-person or virtually for the big day. 

The story of the awards

The Momentum Awards actually predate 1871 itself!

The Chicago Entrepreneurial Center (CEC) first introduced the awards in 2007 as a way to bring attention to the people who were building businesses and growing the community at a time when not many viewed Chicago as a top tech startup destination. 

A lot has changed in 15 years! Since our first event, we’ve seen incredible growth in our local tech industry in large part because of the strength of our community. Every day, founders are creating important solutions, building new businesses, and scaling their companies, and our annual gathering has evolved as well to reflect these developments. The Momentum Awards serves as the largest tech networking event and celebration of innovation in Chicago!

In 2020, we welcomed our community of growth stage companies following the acquisition of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA, which expanded our event to include winners from across the entire business maturity curve. With awards recognizing early stage startups, growth stage companies, and corporate innovators, the Momentum Awards celebrates outstanding individuals and companies now matter where they are at in their business journey!

The Momentum Awards impact

Not only is it one of the best places to connect with some of the brightest stars in tech, the Momentum Awards also has a long history of recognizing startups that have become leading disruptors in their industries. You’re sure to recognize many of our past winners, including Cameo, tastytrade, Discover, Rheaply, and ShipBob just to name a few.  In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time one of our award recipients became Chicago’s next unicorn! 

As an attendee, you’ll also see the density and diversity of our community on full display. The Momentum Awards brings together our full community of members, mentors, corporate sponsors, community & university partners, VCs, alumni, & policy makers for an unforgettable night of celebration and highlights what makes 1871 special—the energy that comes from every fortunate collision with supporters that share your passion for innovation!

For any questions about Momentum contact momentum@1871.com

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Want to help us recognize the best in tech but don’t know where to start?

Each year at the Momentum Awards, we honor the innovators & leaders across the business maturity curve with 8 awards representing key areas of achievement—with 6 that are open to public nomination & vote! 

Nominations for the 15th Annual Momentum Awards are open until 6.17! 

We know that it can be hard to know where to start with so many incredible community members, so we put together a helpful list of resources you can reference before you cast your nominations:

Fast 50: Chicago’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2022

By Sophie Rodgers, Crain’s Business Chicago

Meet 30 Companies in Chicago Pushing the City to New Heights

By Matthew Urwin, Built In Chicago

Top Chicago Startups to Watch in 2022

By Lauren Zyber, Purpose Jobs

The 25 Best Tech Companies in Chicago to Work for in 2021

By Tiffany Webb, Flatiron School

Best of SaaS: The Top Tech Companies in Chicago

By Brittany K. King, Learn Hub

These 5 Chicago Companies Ranked on Forbes’ Best Startup Employers List

By Abel Rodriguez, Built In Chicago

Top Startups in Illinois

Startup Ranking

2022 Best Tech Startups in Chicago

The Tech Tribune

230 Illinois Companies Make Fastest-Growing List: Inc. 

By J. Ryne Danielson, Patch

Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, June 1, 9AM CST through Friday, June 17, 11:59PM CST via Reviewr.

Want to learn more? We are hosting two introductory webinars on the categories and process. Register for them here: June 8 @ 10am CST | June 9 @ 1pm CST.

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Cracking the Code: Insider Look into 1871's 15th Annual Student & Graduate Coding Competition

This April 2024, 1871 ignited the coding spirit with their 15th annual Tech Challenge, in partnership with World Business Chicago!  Held on 4.11 & 4.12 at 1871’s vibrant Chicago office, this event was a coder’s paradise, bringing together a dynamic group of university students & recent graduates passionate about coding for a 2-day final round coding competition.

Designed to highlight the brightest emerging talent, this year’s Tech Challenge received over 100 submissions from coders across the nation in the first round, the Qualifying Challenge. This round assessed the participants’ coding skills, accuracy, and problem-solving speed.

After deliberation, the top 44 students and recent graduates advanced to the final coding round. Several students from across the Midwest joined us in person, with coders located across the nation participating virtually, all competing for the opportunity to win cash prizes and other participation awards.

 The atmosphere was electric as participants tackled complex problems and pushed the boundaries of coding innovation. It wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration of creativity, coding, and the future of tech! 

Relive the best moments from the 2024 Tech Challenge in our recap playlist! 

2024 Tech Challenge winners 

1871 is blown away with the incredible skills & coding mastery shown at the event! Congratulations to our 2024 winners: 

 

Virtual winners

  • Peter J., Purdue University
  • Henry B., University of Chicago
  • Andrew P., University of California Los Angeles
  • Kevin S., Georgia Institute of Technology

In-person winners

  • Md A., recent graduate at New York University 
  • Ivan G., University of Chicago
  • Tyler M., Rose-Hulman
  • Grace D., Per Scholas

Thanks to all who participated: 

Aditya R., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Alec K., University of Iowa 

Alexander Y., New York University

Andrew P., University of California, Los Angeles 

Andrew D., University of Chicago 

Anudeep G., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Arnav B., University of Chicago 

Aruv D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bradley H., Georgia Institute of Technology 

Brian Z., Georgia Institute of Technology 

Brian C., University of Chicago 

Chandhu B., University of Illinois at Chicago 

Chris M., Lewis University 

Dean G., Georgia Institute of Technology 

Divya P., University of Chicago 

Eric C., University of California, San Diego 

Haard P., Illinois Institute of Technology

Harold N., Trinity Christian College 

Henry B., University of Chicago 

Ian A., Georgia Institute of Technology 

James L., Stony Brook University 

Jawad D., Carnegie Mellon University 

Jerry S., Oregon State University

Jonathan Z., University of California, San Diego 

Kevin S., Georgia Institute of Technology 

Grace D., Per Scholas 

Leo W., University of Texas at Austin 

Md A., New York University 

Naftali B., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Nikhil D., Northern Illinois University 

Nitish D., University of Illinois at Chicago 

Peter J., Purdue University

Po-Ju C., University of Chicago 

Richie S., DePaul University

Riya B., Northeastern Illinois University 

Sai Ram O., Illinois Institute of Technology

Savar J., University of Connecticut 

Sohini B., University of Chicago 

Thitapa S., DePaul University 

Tyler M., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 

Vanishnavi G., University of Chicago 

William O., Case Western Reserve University 

Yejun P., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Hear from our 2024 Tech Challenge participants on what makes this event so unique!

The Tech Challenge experience

At 1871, we’re all about connecting key players in tech for innovation – and our reach spans to young talent in universities! The competition provides students & recent graduates the opportunity to showcase their coding skills and connect them with 1871’s community of member companies looking for young emerging talent. 

In-person participants also had opportunities to network with other talented coders, tour 1871’s HQ, and hear industry insights from member companies & partner representatives, including Trenton Dun, Director at ThinkChicago, Disha Gulati, CEO and Founder of Here Here Market, and Bazyl Horsey, Chief Technology & Product Officer of Arvist. 

 

Importance of  Tech Challenge Initiatives

The competitions aim to be both fun and intellectually stimulating, encouraging coders to think outside-the-box, come up with innovative solutions, and showcase their talents to potential connections and mentors in the tech field.

“At 1871, these tech challenges are not just about competition; they’re integral to our mission,” said Jessica Prath, Director of Talent Programs at 1871. “They drive innovation and open doors to new opportunities. Connecting emerging talent to our community creates a path for the future of technology.”

Interested in sponsoring this event? Connect with Jessica, jprath@1871.com, or donate to our mission! 

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Memories from 1871's 2024 Career Fair

1871 hosted its 2024 Career Fair on 3.27, bringing together an impressive array of hiring companies for in-person networking and invaluable connections with job seekers eager to enter the job market. 

Over 300 attendees joined this year, spanning from current university students, recent graduates, and career changers alike, to connect, learn about, and explore unparalleled internship & job opportunities. The Career Fair was buzzing with entrepreneurial curiosity and spirit! 

With a diverse range of industries represented, from Cannabis-centered companies to healthcare to airlines, attendees were given a glimpse into the future of work, where technology, innovation, and career growth shine bright! 

Thanks to our member companies & partners who joined us, including representatives from: Arvist, Ashling Partners, Culture City, ETHChicago, Filter Folder, Holos Integrative Healthcare, mHUB, MoveMind, nuEra Cannabis, Perforator, Quality Builders, TexChange Unbrokered Inc., The Green Zone, Tusk Logistics, and United Airlines. 1871, of course, got in on the action too! 

Hear from attendees & recruiters about their experience at 1871’s Career Fair. 

“I received over 100 resumes in person, and engaging with so many talented individuals was not just inspiring, but also a testament to the incredible potential that Chicago holds in the tech industry, whether traditional or non-traditional backgrounds,” said Christian Gaona, Founder & CEO of TexChange Unbrokered Inc. “Thank you to all those who stopped by our table; your passion and curiosity for innovation is what drives Chicago’s tech scene forward. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!” 

Thank you to all who joined us, and we will see you next year for Career Fair 2025! 

Interested in joining Team 1871 this summer? Browse our open 2024 summer internship opportunities. 

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1871 Announces 2024 InsurTech Innovation Lab Cohort

CHICAGO, April 8, 2024 – 1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, announces the 2024 cohort members for its first-ever InsurTech Innovation Lab, supported by Allstate, EX3 Labs, and World Business Chicago. 

Running in parallel with 1871’s second annual AI Innovation Lab, the InsurTech Innovation Lab offers a cutting-edge platform for growth-stage entrepreneurs and innovators in the insurance tech sector. This dedicated space fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth, providing cohort members access to resources and industry-specific expertise from VCs, corporate partners, and industry enthusiasts to drive industry transformation. 

Jeff Chookaszian, Senior Advisor at TPG Capital,  joins the 2024 Lab, playing a vital role as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence. This year’s focus areas are Sales & Distribution Innovation, Risk Management & Underwriting, Emerging/New Data Sources, Climate Risk, and the Future of Mobility. 

The 32 selected cohort participants will collaborate with one another and the entire insurance tech innovation ecosystem through 4 immersive weeks of curated programming, workshops, and problem-solving sessions. 

Connect with the 2024 cohort and discover their innovative startups at our upcoming Career Connect: AI & Insurance Networking event. 

2024 Cohort Members 

Adminix | Oksana Voronova, Co-Founder & CEO

Adminix is AI-enabled workflow automation software that helps insurance companies automate their routine business processes, boosts productivity by 10x and saves up to $250k in development costs.

amplifAIr | Bar Tsoury, CEO  

The amplifAIr™ platform helps financial firms to significantly improve profitability. We provide underwriters with actionable insights that combine risk, marketing, sales, and churn trends to constantly achieve target profitability.

Bonzah | Brandon Rockow, Chief Bonzahn

At Bonzah, our mission is to redefine the way people protect and experience their journeys. We are leading by providing the estimated 30 million otherwise uninsured renters with auto rental insurance, protecting renters, and providing security to owners of auto fleets.

CheckDrive | Eric Hill, CEO 

CheckDrive is a software that helps users navigate the claims process after an accident, determine options, and make a decision on what to do with their vehicle.

Clearbrief | Tara Ghei, CEO

Clearbrief is transforming legal writing by instantly pulling up the facts that best support each sentence, scoring how well the source relates, and displaying legal sources cited all within Microsoft Word. Our AI saves hours on the day of filing by generating the user’s Table of Authorities, Exhibits, and hyperlinks for filing. With our Instant Hyperlinked Timeline, Verified Facts Section, and patented “Add Fact Cite” button, lawyers and judges back up their writing with references to the strongest evidence.

CloudnineAI | Michael Brown, Founder & CEO

CloudnineAI develops AI software that secures sensitive data to enable enterprises’ instant analysis from data silos.   AI-powered software offers instantaneous and actionable intelligence from any data source while ensuring strict compliance with data privacy, data governance, and data compliance standards.

DeNexus | Jose Seara, CEO

DeNexus, the Full-stack Cyber Risk Management Solution for Industrial Enterprises & Physical Critical Infrastructures. Our Mission is to build the global standard of industrial cyber risk quantification and management for shareholders, investors, boards, and risk transfer market.

distriBind | Dave Connors, CEO

distriBind is curing the insurance industry of its spreadsheet addiction with an automated data exchange and digital workbench that delivers unprecedented automation and data visibility, removing 95% of manual tasks in the middle and back office.

Enthea | Sherry Rais, Co-Founder & CEO

Enthea is revolutionizing the way companies approach employee wellness by offering access to groundbreaking mental health treatments, starting with ketamine-assisted therapy. As a licensed administrator of employee benefit plans, Enthea enables businesses to provide their workforce and their families with innovative treatments that have shown remarkable efficacy. The introduction of such therapies has led to significant improvements in workplace productivity, employee retention, and overall engagement while simultaneously reducing medical costs.

Flat Home Care | Brent Hasse, CEO 

Flat is redefining property data management with our advanced middleware solutions, providing a B2B platform to empower the real estate ecosystem. Through our dynamic data pipeline, stakeholders can amplify homeowner interaction and unlock invaluable property intelligence. Homeowners enjoy a seamless home management experience while flattening the cost curve and simplifying property ownership.

ForMotiv | DJ Frank, Director of Sales 

ForMotive uses real-time behavioral data science to predict the intent of consumers and agents as they navigate insurance quotes and applications. ForMotiv works with both Life and P&C carriers to identify medical non-disclosure, premium leakage, and fraud across all digital distribution channels.

Gigaforce Inc. | Sanjeev Chaudhry, Founder & CEO

Gigaforce is dedicated to lowering loss ratios for the Property and Casualty insurance industry with a vision to have straight-through processing across the ecosystem. 

Green Shield Risk | Patrick Blandford, Founder & CEO 

Green Shield serves as both MGA and risk advisor around wildfire risk in the US.  We have constructed the industry’s most comprehensive wildfire platform that goes beyond simple scoring and offers wholistic mitigation recommendations.  We license this platform (Property Guardian) to insurance carriers and use it as the foundation for our own Homeowners’ insurance program.

iPurvey | Abdul Isiaq, CEO 

iPurvey streamlines air or rail travel and freight disruptions through an AI-driven solution, ensuring traveler well-being, sustainability, and reliability for both travelers and businesses.

Joshu | Roy Mill, Co-Founder & CEO 

Joshu is an insurance product development, underwriting, and distribution platform that helps insurance product owners configure, launch, and update their products without coding. It is a new kind of Policy Administration System that is configurable by insurance professionals and can natively power digital distribution channels. Joshu sets insurance product teams free to innovate by introducing and iterating new products to market without waiting on IT.

KarChing | Ramsey Gouda, Founder & CEO

KarChing is a three-stage solution that aims to improve teen driving, lower active rates improve pricing for Insurance for families, as well as save lives.  we are bringing telematics-based pricing for the last sector of insurance that uses NO merit or data-based technologies to rate and price new teen drivers.  we have a unique approach to go to market, where we started Drivers Ed, and we called the whole generation of conscious gamified,  score-conscious drivers.

Kruzr | Pallav Singh, CEO 

​​Kruzr is a 2nd generation mobile-based Telematics platform which adds real-time driving context to significantly improve risk measurement, but more importantly, also guides drivers to avoid predictable risks and make driving safer.

Mitigateway | Paul Okrutny, CEO

Mitigateway is a firm with a deep domain expertise in property claim management, from coverage determination at the onset of a claim to generating subrogation revenue at its end. Mitigateway applies open-source large language models (LLMs) to identify and prevent the most impactful claims leakage issues in property claims.

Parachute | Edwin Campos, CEO 

Parachute is an Insurance Technology company funded by Immigrants to the USA. They leverage data science and meteorology modeling for underwriting and claims. The result is a new risk management solution which allow a client to receive a Hurricane Resiliency grant within just a couple of days or less.

Protosure | Urijah Kaplan, CEO 

Protosure is a no-code platform for the development and distribution of highly complex insurance products.

Proxima | Camilo Cruz, CEO 

Proxima is an invaluable partner for insurance companies striving for success in the digital age. Its integrated approach to technology and operations modernizes insurance practices and drives tangible benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.

Qumis | Dan Schuleman, Co-Founder & CEO 

Qumis is an assistive-AI platform that can quickly analyze insurance policies and pull relevant information for claims, brokering and compliance.

Redkik | Chris Kalinski, CEO

Redkik has created the infrastructure for insurance distributions alongside an original risk management tool to manage policies in real-time. This revolution in insurance technology leads to unilateral benefits across all parties in the supply chain.

ReFocus AI | Colby Tunik, Founder & CEO 

ReFocus AI helps insurance agents, brokers, and carriers improve policyholder retention by identifying which active customers are at risk of canceling.

Riskbly | Lawson Condell, Founder & Risk Advisor 

Riskbly consolidates commercial insurance into a single, fully customizable web application platform.  Riskbly helps agents lower risks, lower costs, and differentiate themselves in a crowded data-siloed market.

SALT | Dustin Parker, Co-Founder 

Our mission is to equip Independent Agents with the advanced tools needed to acquire customers efficiently. By integrating sophisticated data collection & transfer technology, SALT refines the application process to benefit both agents and their prospects. Our innovative approach is tailored to overcome the specific challenges agents encounter when gathering home and auto insurance information from consumers.

SnapRefund | Cody Eddings, Co-Founder & CEO

SnapRefund helps insurers and agents manage payments with automation & analytics to improve operational efficiency and policyholder retention.

Spatial Risk Systems | Ken Zockoll, CEO

Spatial Risk Systems (SRS) offers precision data on Physical Asset Insights and Financial Impact to improve decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

StructureIQ | Gul Agha, CEO 

StructureIQ uses state-of-the-art IoT sensors and AI technologies to dynamically assess the structural health of buildings to inform and improve risk models.  StructureIQ’s technology improves the accuracy of estimated losses due to structural damage caused by faulty design, degradation over time, and catastrophic events.

Urbanico | Elyasaf Moas, CPO

Urbanico is building an urban intelligence platform that looks 150 times closer to the personal-related risks of each written policy. Urbanico’s products enable US carriers to get hyper-localized urban data, refining their risk selection and underwriting guidelines and making price changes to become more efficient.

weav.ai | Peeyush Rai, CEO

weav.ai delivers enterprise-ready Generative AI copilots for Insurance to enable enterprise workflows involving unstructured data and human decision-making. This allows insurance companies to make significant improvements in processes like Underwriting, claims processing, and customer support.

Xcellent Life Inc. | Victor Brown, Founder & CEO 

Xcellent Life provides an AI-powered software platform & mobile app that empowers health by analyzing vitality, uncovering health risks, and determining highly personalized ways of avoiding those risks using our Real-time Human Diagnostics (RtHD) technology, which is like an OnStar system for the human body.

 

About the program 

Cohort members will participate in 4 weeks of hybrid programming, alternating each week for virtual and in-person experiences in April, May, and June 2024. The program culminates with a capstone-like event, the 2024 InsurTech Innovation Summit, open to public participation on 6.27.24. 

Subscribe to stay up-to-date on all InsurTech Innovation Lab  + Summit news. 

For inquiries about involvement in partnering with us or learning more about sponsor options for the InsurTech Innovation Summit, connect with our team. 

 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

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1871 Announces 2024 AI Innovation Lab Cohort

CHICAGO, April 8, 2024 – 1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, announces the list of 2024 cohort members for its second annual AI Innovation Lab, in partnership with Why of AI and Fintech4Good. The 2024 Lab is supported by Microsoft, Discover, EX3 Labs, Molson Coors, Suntory Holdings Limited, Fenwick, and World Business Chicago. 

Running in parallel with 1871’s first-ever InsurTech Innovation Lab, the AI Innovation Lab offers a cutting-edge platform for growth-stage entrepreneurs and innovators with AI-driven solutions. This dedicated space fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth, providing cohort members access to resources and industry-specific expertise from VCs, corporate partners, and industry enthusiasts to drive industry transformation. 

Why of AI’s Founder and CEO, Alex Castrounis, returns for their second year of partnership and plays a vital role as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) for the 2024 Lab. This year’s focus areas are: Efficient & Scalable Data Infrastructure,  Efficient & Scalable AI Infrastructure,  MLOps & ML Workflow, AI Governance & Compliance, Grounded & Trustworthy AI, and Multimodal & Generative AI. 

The 33 selected cohort participants will collaborate with one another and the entire AI innovation ecosystem through 4 immersive weeks of curated programming, workshops, and problem-solving sessions. 

Connect with the 2024 cohort and discover their innovative startups at our upcoming Career Connect: AI & Insurance Networking event. 

2024 Cohort Members 

Agtools Inc | Martha Montoya, CEO 

Agtools’ real-time curation of thousands of supply network, logistical, climate, trade, commercial, and wider industrial variables on multiple continents – procures billions of data records usable by 26 industries across many organizational verticals ranging from agriculture to finance to government regulations. Among our applied solutions are the Advance Sustainability Knowledge System (ASKS), which curates a full value chain prism for each studied commodity, and the Advanced Phase Expert System (APExS), which rigorously reconciles myriad intractable extrinsic facets influencing said commodities to afford thorough resource citations to aid decision making.

Arvist | Nilay Parikh, Founder & CEO 

Arvist improves distribution and warehousing operations by optimizing loading docks for efficiency, quality, and compliance, using data from existing infrastructure like security cameras, cell phone cameras and WMS (Warehouse Management System), and its artificial intelligence platform. Currently in production deployment across the US and Canada, including at logistics operations for the Department of Defense. Data secure on-prem AI solution for practical use cases in warehousing and logistics space. 

Autonoma | Eugenio Scafati, CEO

Technical debt is a huge pain that IT teams from corporations have. Tech debt triggers business issues in the roadmap (worse time-to-market and lack of predictability), team dynamics (attrition and personnel dependencies), and product bugs, which leads to worse customer experience. Within Autonoma, we are solving this by leveraging AI to map the codebase and its interconnections, assess code quality, and identify opportunities for code enhancement. 

CloudnineAI | Michael Brown, Founder 

Cloudnine AI’s innovative solutions aim to save time and resources, presenting a value proposition that extends beyond the typical offerings in the market. Key benefits of Cloudnine AI’s software include advanced data governance capabilities that automate compliance with some of the world’s most complex global requirements. The software also features a 3-tier dynamic encryption system, ensuring high-level security classified as IL6 by the Department of Defense, illustrating the commitment to data protection.

CodeComplete AI | Lydia Ding, Co-Founder

CodeComplete is an AI-powered coding assistant and developer productivity suite built for enterprises. We deploy within your infrastructure so that your IP never leaves your security boundaries. This is the best way to protect against data breaches and IP leaks. We offer models that are trained on permissively licensed code, so you don’t risk adding copyright or copyleft artifacts into your codebase. We fine-tune our model directly on your codebase so it incorporates your libraries, coding patterns, and institutional knowledge. The results are more relevant and effective.

CryptoLegacy.ai | Sree Chintala, CEO

We’re transforming legacy and estate planning through a conversational platform fueled by advanced technologies, catering to consumers and attorneys. Estate planning suffers from obsolescence, inefficiency, high costs, and low adoption rates. Shockingly, in the top 5 world economies alone, over a billion adults lack wills or directives. Misinformation, inadequate education, and misconceptions lead to significant financial losses, denial of crucial medical care, and profound familial distress. Our platform aims to raise awareness, boost adoption rates, and eliminate excuses and financial barriers for consumers. Additionally, we equip attorneys with invaluable insights, qualified leads, and streamlined processes. Our chat engine serves as a pivotal bridge connecting a billion consumers with a quarter million attorneys, facilitating smoother estate planning processes for all involved.

dFarm | Prasanna Kolla, Software Developer Lead 

dFarm is an integrated agricultural supply-chain management software powered by blockchain.

Drip Tech Co. | Karishma Bali, CEO & Founder 

Drip is a b2b saas company building ai for physiological performance. We do this by focusing on core components of human function, such as  strain + perfusion, recovery, and hydration. Our first product is a hydration monitoring wearable and fuel concierge, and our initial target market are d1 universities.

DynamoFL | Vaikkunth Mugunthan, CEO 

DynamoFL products (DynamoEval ad DynamoGuard) are built for enterprise businesses in the financial services, banking, healthcare, insurance, and automotive sectors who are looking to deploy secure, compliant, and safe Generative AI. DynamoEval is our solution for streamlined adversarial testing and red-teaming of LLMs for data leakage and hallucination vulnerabilities. DynamoEval autogenerates compliance documentation that enterprises can leverage to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements around AI. DynamoGuard is our solution for offering fully customized AI guardrails to implement your enterprise’s bespoke AI governance policies. DynamoGuard includes a comprehensive observability platform for recording and auditing every user interaction with your AI system and triages incidents for compliance violations. 

Extend | Hari Anbarasu, Co-Founder & CTO

Extend empowers operations leaders to turn their business-critical unstructured data processes into software. Operations leaders utilize Extend to design and deploy intelligent AI agents to handle the work of a traditional BPO, including data classification, data extraction, and other forms of data intelligence. Extend’s AI-native platform allows operations leaders to build workflows around their unstructured data, allowing them to classify, extract, and transform data that is received from various formats and types much faster than previous technologies. Extend’s proprietary confidence-scoring model also allows enterprises to deploy into production confidently as they know that Extend will identify issues and loop in a person at the right time.

GoCharlie.ai | Brennan Woodruff, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer 

We build cutting-edge AI solutions to augment and automate workflows for the modern professional. 

Graphio | Dmitry Norenko, CEO

Graphio is a powerful “what if” scenario builder for organizational planning. It predicts revenue impact, identifies top performers, and forecasts flight risk by analyzing data from various tools like HR, ERP, payroll, and more. With Graphio, visualize outcomes for reorganization, layoffs, and promotions before making critical decisions.

HydroX AI | Victor Bian, Chief of Staff 

HydroX AI is a VC-backed AI security startup based in Silicon Valley. Our founding team includes former executives and security experts from companies including Bytedance, Meta, and Linkedin. We are building a one-stop solution to help enterprises adopt and deploy GenAI safely and compliantly without the need to build or train a costly in-house AI security team. Our current platform can evaluate and discover risks in both open-source and closed AI models, provide effective mitigations, and subsequently monitor them for success.

Infera AI | Jialian Wu, CEO 

Infera builds data-driven AI platforms to support decision making and optimization for industries. We take a Bayesian approach to machine learning to deliver generative AI models that address the challenges associated with decision-making and optimization under uncertainty. Our team comes from a machine learning and engineering background from the University of Toronto, and we work towards a more efficient and sustainable future together with our industry partners.

InstaEnglish Inc. | Yutaro Nishiyama, Founder & Head of Technology

The InstaEnglish app is a personal coach in English learners’ pocket, which challenges them to translate thoughts in their mother tongue to English, offering instant, tailored feedback on their English from our fine-tuned large language model. One attempt takes only 30 seconds and the repetitive training turns passive vocabulary to active vocabulary efficiently. Alongside a Northwestern University Kellogg full-time MBA program, we developed InstaEnglish 100% in-house in just three months. Since its launch in February, it has quickly garnered over 1,000 downloads and more than 30 paying users within its first month, securing the top spot at the annual Kellogg Venture Competition.

inQuest AI | Dan Brown, CEO & Founder 

InQuest AI is a social platform that empowers individuals and organizations to learn how to use AI tools in meaningful ways, share their knowledge and experiences, and collectively innovate with AI. Our platform provides a space for users to discover and interact with a wide range of AI models and tools, learn from others’ experiences through shared AI conversations, and participate in practical AI challenges and contests. Organizations can use InQuest AI to crowdsource best practices, identify meaningful use cases, and accelerate AI adoption within their workforce. Individuals can use InQuest AI to upskill or reskill in AI, connect with other AI enthusiasts, and showcase their own AI creations and tools. With both public and private settings, InQuest AI offers a platform to enable social learning and personalized education that is tailored to the needs of both individuals and organizations.

Legman | Dan Shaw, CEO

Bid leveling is the biggest deterrent of growth for a general contractor because in order to grow you must win more bids, but currently to do more bids requires a timely manual process. This process is repeatable and shared among all general contractors. It is our thesis we can automate this and save hundreds of hours per project bid and allow for general contractors to put out a significant more amount of bids to grow their business using our solution.

Levee | Al Lagunas, CEO 

Levee is a computer vision AI company that automates housekeeping training & operations for hotels by removing its biggest bottleneck: room inspections. Levee uses proprietary models trained on the hotels’ unique data & quality control requirements to create self-inspection tools for the staff. This unlocks synergies like expedited training & onboarding, reduced manager workload, and streamlined check-in experiences for guests.

Livesitter | Charles Mopur, CEO

Livesitter observes cameras inside schools, pools, and buses and provides real-time alerts to prevent incidents and insights to engage better and grow revenue. 

Lumi AI | Ibrahim Ashqar, CEO

Lumi is an AI-powered enterprise analytics platform. We use generative AI to automate the process of writing the SQL queries needed to extract custom insights and reports from operational databases and data warehouses. This empowers users with the ability to instantly extract insights and generate custom reports using plain language. 

Matrice.ai | Reda Al-Bahrani, Co-Founder 

Matrice.ai is an end-to-end machine learning platform for the rapid development and integration of artificial intelligence into software products and business applications. Matrice.ai is an “AI for Everyone” platform geared towards supporting all kinds of developers – with zero experience to top-level machine learning experts. Developers can effortlessly use our platform for AI development via a Web application for no-code use or a Python SDK for programmatic use. We strive to provide the cheapest computing for AI development by leveraging our multi-cloud integrations such as AWS, GCP, Azure, OCI and Lambda Labs.

Minerva CQ | Cosimo Spera, CEO 

Minerva CQ focuses to provide its solution in three verticals: Healthcare, Telco, and Energy/E-mobility. 

Minerva CQ charges a baseline annual fee for the platform and a monthly fee based on the number of agents/transactions.

NeoLicense | James Keck, Founder 

NeoLicense helps the world’s leading companies understand their contracts. From helping visualize contractual relationships for M&As, identifying key legal terms without counsel, and compliance with software and cloud licenses, to name a few. With NeoLicense, our clients are making their dumb documents smart and gaining real business value. We work with the top Professional Services companies and are live in five Fortune 500 Clients across the energy, financial services, and healthcare industries.

NLX | Andrei Papancea, CEO 

NLX provides an end-to-end enterprise AI platform for creating, managing, deploying and analyzing chat, voice, and multimodal conversational applications. The platform enables brands to manage conversational deployments across their entire enterprise while providing unmatched modularity and access to state-of-the-art AI models from providers like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and the Open Source community.

Nutrād | John Abrams, Founder & CEO 

nutrād is intelligent supply chain software that deeply connects brands, distributors, and retailers – eliminating cumbersome, error-prone manual processes using advanced AI and ML. We provide CPG brands with a co-pilot tool that enables infinite product data distribution, mapping, validation, and improvement while reducing cost, error, and inefficiency. Developed by seasoned global supply chain experts, our platform is constructed on Databricks and AWS infrastructure.

OpenRisk Technologies | Narasimha Kodihalli, CEO 

OpenRisk is a purpose-built AI platform to illuminates dark data from unstructured sources such as legal documents, contracts, scanned images, notices, and financial statements. We digitize unstructured data, contextually connect all related information, and automate business processes. “Understanding Data in Context” is our secret sauce! We have started this journey by creating business solutions for the Corporate & Commercial Lending domain. We have delivered exponential value to a client (a tier-1 Canadian Commercial Bank) across multiple use cases. We have carefully chosen our starting point because of the team’s strength and the fact that Corporate & Commercial Lending is the only domain that has seen under 10% investment and adoption of AI technology. This means the market is very ripe and wide open for innovation. We aim to expand into insurance and healthcare domains in the foreseeable future.

Polygraf AI | Yagub Rahimov, CEO 

Polygraf AI Governance is our flagship on-prem software that enables organizations to detect, monitor, and mitigate potential confidential/business-critical/proprietary data leaks & breaches when engaging with commercial AI systems. Employees can harness the productivity of AI tool, ensuring that data privacy and compliance requirements are adhered to. Our product Integrates with the customers’ existing systems, security stack, and AI tools effortlessly via a Zero Trust, localized architecture.  Integrations into printing and scanning systems are also possible, providing an additional layer of data governance at the point of print and scan.

Salem Cyber | William Schwieder, Product Manager 

Security teams are constantly buried by mountains of cyber alerts, making it difficult to identify genuine threats. Salem is an AI decision intelligence platform that automates cyber alert investigations to escalate the few that require human attention. This allows security teams to focus on genuine threats, improving time to respond to threats by up to 24x and reducing the number of escalated alerts by 98% compared to traditional methods. We have successfully demonstrated our value proposition in the market, including for a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company, and we expect to grow rapidly this year.

SpaceBot.ai | Dave Turner, Co-Founder 

SpaceBot.ai revolutionizes care in aging environments through advanced sensing capabilities and proprietary AI technology. Our platform addresses the critical challenge of labor shortages in assisted living facilities by aggregating diverse data types, from environmental conditions to resident interactions. This enables us to enhance the living experience for residents, offer peace of mind to their families, and empower facility operators to achieve more with less. By focusing on data-driven insights and operational efficiency, SpaceBot.ai ensures high-quality care and optimized resource use in today’s demanding care settings.

SQOR Technologies Inc. | Laz Fuentes, CEO 

SQOR Technologies will offer subscription bundles based on the number of SaaS tools used, encouraging clients to integrate all of their SaaS applications. We will provide unlimited seats across client companies, allowing leadership to not only receive alerts and insights but also to directly engage with the right person associated with each tool, asking pertinent questions as signals emerge, ensuring they are always informed. Initially, SQOR will primarily target Series B/C/D companies and the investors that back them, given that the average 100-person company utilizes over 130 SaaS tools and our Execution Scores offer a low-friction method to monitor the health of portfolio companies for investors.

TexChange Unbrokered | Christian Gaona, CEO 

TexChange Unbrokered is a B2B platform for firms in hard industries to buy and sell materials and services in the global market without brokers. 

xPub | Kalyan Gautham, Co-Founder & CEO

xPub helps publishers accelerate content research and generation through full-stack enterprise LLM platforms with proprietary models and custom workflows. With a network of industry and customer-specific enterprise LLMs and quantized models, their customers get the most desirable and quick outputs, ensuring high levels of accuracy, personalization, and data privacy. xPub is a Techstars portfolio company founded by three alumni of Cornell University.

xBlock | Dena Neek, CEO 

xBlock is a forward-looking startup that melds AI, ML, GenAI, and organizational psychology into voice-activated software, designed to revolutionize work and leadership within the hospitality sector. It streamlines employee development and management tasks, offering insights into operations and team growth. This enables managers to make informed decisions for both immediate and future planning, enhancing staff skills and operational efficiency. Through its innovative web app, xBlock equips hotels and restaurants with the tools needed for a more engaged workforce and effective management, addressing the industry’s dynamic challenges.

About the program 

Cohort members will participate in 4 weeks of hybrid programming, alternating each week for virtual and in-person experiences in April, May, and June 2024. The program culminates with a capstone-like event, the 2024 AI Innovation Summit, open to public participation on 6.27.24. 

Subscribe to stay up-to-date on all AI Innovation Lab  + Summit news. 

For inquiries about involvement in partnering with us or learning more about sponsor options for the AI Innovation Summit, connect with our team. 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

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1871 hosted its WMNtech Pitch Competition 2024 finals on 3.28.24, where the top 5 women early-stage startups were given the opportunity to pitch to secure funding and resources for their businesses. Finalists included ASL Aspire, Blip Energy, IN BOLD PRINT, MabLab, and Partum Health. 

Emceed by Zoe McKee, Comedian and Actor with The Second City, the finalists competed for cash prizes, equity funding, and other opportunities to continue scaling their startups. 

2024 WMNtech Pitch Competition winners

MabLab, taking home $30k dollars & $2.5k in Aloa development credits 

Blip Energy, taking home  $10k in Aloa development credits 

ASL Aspire, taking home  $2.5k in Aloa development credits 

IN BOLD PRINT, taking home  $2.5k in Aloa development credits 

Partum Health, taking home $2.5k in Aloa development credits 

Alongside winning cash & equity prizes and development credits, the finalists received six months of free 1871 membership to access valuable resources, products, and programming to further accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. 

 

Thank you to our 2024 judges: 

 This competition was made possible by our sponsors Aloa and Molson Coors, and investment partners OCA Ventures and Tim and Stephanie Barry. 

 

About WMNtech 

WMNtech Pitch Competition is part of 1871’s umbrella of programming centered around inspiring, equipping, and supporting women founders and leaders through tailored programming and mentorship initiatives, including WMNtech Founders and WMNtech Leaders.

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1871's 7th Annual ScaleUp Returns to Connect Growth & Late-Stage Scalers for Industry Insights and Actionable Takeaways on Growing, Scaling, and Leading Startups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, April 1, 2024 – Global nonprofit innovation hub 1871 announces its 7th annual ScaleUp technology conference; uniting the brightest minds and storytellers from growth and late-stage startups for dedicated growth-scaling content and networking opportunities on May 8, 2024. This event is open to the public, with no cost to 1871 members. View ticket prices, agenda, and more information below. 

ScaleUp 2024 promises to be a pivotal half-day event designed for growth-stage founders, late-stage scalers, corporate innovators, and team leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of scaling, growing, and leading companies in today’s dynamic technical and geo-political landscape.

This event is the go-to destination for making invaluable connections, acquiring tactical insights for future industry growth, and increasing brand awareness within the Chicago tech community. 

“The heart of Chicago’s vibrant tech community is the transformative power of growth-stage startups. These companies are not just expanding; they’re pivotal in injecting innovation, creating jobs, and driving forward our city and economy”, said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Our ScaleUp conference is a celebration of the relentless spirit of Chicago’s entrepreneurs. Join us to catalyze your growth, contribute to our thriving community, and shape the future of our dynamic city together.”

 

ScaleUp 2024 agenda 

Programming will be held in person at 1871, with live streaming available for virtual participants from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM CST. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees in the 1871 space.

Designed for founders and leaders who often operate “heads down” while building and growing their startups, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a series of sessions highlighting the complexities of scaling businesses with actionable insights and tools from peers and guest experts who have faced similar challenges.

The 2024 conference includes founder and leader-focused panel discussions, curated workshops, and breakout sessions highlighting professionals’ stories about scaling businesses and leveling up in careers across all functional areas. Jaron Waldman, CPO of Cohere, joins 1871 as the 2024 keynote speaker. 

 

Panel discussions & workshops 

‘Breaking Through the Messy Middle’, panel discussion featuring Aashish Dalal, General Partner at Venture Studio, David Soto, Chief Investment Strategic Officer at Azelera Capital, Mike Rome, Fractional CMO & CGO, Startup Advisor at Moonwater, and Tessa Flippin, Founder & Managing Partner at Capitalize VC. 

‘Founder Panel: Leading a Startup to A ScaleUp’, featuring Stan Chia, CEO at Vivid Seats, Caroline Vial, PhD, Founder & CEO of Upward Bound Executive Coaching, and Olivia vonNieda, VP Business Operations at McKesson. 

‘Leader Panel: Leading a Startup to A ScaleUp’, featuring Cindy Don, Head of Software Engineering Founder at Pangea Money Transfer, Regan Davis, VP Product Founder at SpotHero, Varvara Alva, COO & CFO Founder at Avid Bots, and Whitney Capps, Principal at ClearSpace. 

‘The Art of Managing Others’ workshop, featuring Kirsten Ramos, President at Elevate. 

‘Maximizing Marketing Budgets’ workshop, featuring Scout Driscoll, Founder & CEO at DesignScout, Amanda Wurzbach, Head of Brand, Design Scout at Design Scout, and Faith Hurley, Co-Founder at Pinpoint Collective. 

‘Finances in Order’ workshop, featuring Rob Pasquesi, Founder at Pasquesi Partners. 

As a reminder, this event is open to public participation, and registration is required. 1871 members will receive complimentary access to the event, with admission costing $75/ticket for non-member attendees. RSVP to secure your spot at this can’t-miss event. 

For information regarding joining ScaleUp as a sponsor or partner, please contact corpinno@1871.com.

Subscribe to stay up-to-date on 1871’s upcoming growth-centered programming & news. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing 

j@1871.com 

press@1871.com 

 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

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Open Internship Opportunities for Summer 2024

Apps are now open for our 2024 Summer internship program!

If you’re looking to gain experience and build your resume while making valuable connections in the Chicago tech & startup community, our internships are for you!

Apply today for your chance to learn & grow among the brightest innovators in our community of early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage founders & Fortune 500 corporate companies. 

Discover our openings down below & apply! Summer 2024 internships will take place Monday – Thursday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST from 06.03.24 – 08.09.24.  

 

2024 Summer internship roles 

Affinity programs intern  

This role will assist the Senior Director of Affinity Programming on a wide range of projects, including: hosting weekly cohort meetings, cleaning up data from past cohorts, including research into individuals for progress reports, etc. 

>Learn more + apply 

Copywriting intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated copywriting intern to support its content creation strategy. This role will assist the Creative Producer and Copywriter in brainstorming, writing, and editing a wide range of 1871 content, including for social media, event promotion, and blog features

> Learn more + apply

 Development intern

This role will assist the Director of Development broad a vast range of responsibilities in support of 1871’s development strategy, including: conducting research on potential sponsors, donors, strategic partners, markets and industries for Annual Fundraising events, drafting correspondence, reports, proposals, and donor appeals, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Digital marketing intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated digital marketing intern to support its web content and delivery strategy. This role will assist the Marketing Director in brainstorming and editing a wide range of 1871 web content, including: Web development for SEO, building lists for LinkedIn Ads & Meta Business Suites, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Entrepreneurial development intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated intern to support our Director of PYROS. This role will assist the Director of PYROS on several projects, including: conducting market research on competitive programs in the tech/entrepreneurial sectors, assist in developing assessment tools & metrics to evaluate program impact and relevance, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Events intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated intern to support our Events Team. This internship will focus on planning and executing hands-on/tactical events. Responsibilities include: fundraising solicitation & raffle assistance, event maintenance, 1871 leadership/event planning, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Hubspot Database integration intern 

This role will assist the Chief Product Officer with a wide range of responsibilities, including: assisting clean up in Hubspot data on our members, building data integrations for up-to-date data through several systems, building reports, etc. 

>Learn more + apply 

Innovation Labs intern

This role will assist the Senior Director and Program Manager of Innovation Labs in supporting program management activities, including: managing calendars and event awareness for key stakeholders, operations assistance for virtual weeks, in-person assistance for hybrid and capstone events, etc. 

>Learn more + apply 

Marketing project manager intern

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated intern to support our Marketing Project Manager. This role will assist the Marketing Project Manager in several projects, including: supporting marketing project management functions at 1871 and related admin projects, collaborating on the comprehensive planning of diverse marketing campaigns, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Public Relations intern 

The 1871 marketing team seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated PR intern to support press functions and related admin projects. This role assists the Marketing Director by: supporting press functions at 1871 and related admin projects, organizing press content and pickups per the 1871 offering, etc. 

> Learn more + apply

Social Media Marketing intern 

This role will assist the Social Media Coordinator in brainstorming, writing, and editing a wide range of 1871 content, including: collaborating with the marketing team to develop social media campaigns and strategies, assisting in creating and scheduling social media content across various platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and more, etc. 

> Learn more + apply 

Video Production intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated video production intern to support its marketing strategy, including social media platforms, an audio library, member spotlight series, and organizing footage.

> Learn more + apply 

UX/UI intern 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated digital marketing intern to support its UI/UX strategy. This role will assist the Marketing Director in brainstorming and editing a wide range of 1871 web content, including: optimizing 1871 landing pages & web experience, build out custom modules and universal elements across the site, URL maintenance, etc. 

> Learn more + apply

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, March 26, 2024 — 1871, global nonprofit innovation hub, is hosting its second annual Cannabis Innovation Summit with execution partner Grown In on April 17, 2024. In this hybrid event, 250+ canna-tech startups, operators, investors, corporate partners, and public attendees will convene for a full day of programming centered around cannabis innovation. 

The 2024 Cannabis Innovation Lab cohort will be highlighted at the event, with founders pitching their startups and showcasing their products and services in an immersive startup alley. Attendees can interact with key players in the cannabis and tech industries for valuable connections and live demos. Hoodie Analytics, Dentons, Illinois Equity Staffing,and World Business Chicago support the 2024 Summit. 

“Our Cannabis Lab is a melting pot of the sharpest minds in technology and cannabis, all dedicated to pioneering the next frontier in canna-tech. We are committed to pioneering the future, leveraging innovation to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. This summit is a confluence of visionaries and industry leaders, all united in their pursuit to shape the cannabis sector for generations to come,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of  1871. “Together, we stand at the forefront of progress. Join us in support of crafting tomorrow’s canna-tech landscape.”

“The 2024 Cannabis Innovation Summit will be an opportunity to showcase the next generation of digital startups focused on providing solutions for the ascending and normalizing industry as well as offer key resources for newly licensed Illinois operators to more quickly and efficiently get their businesses up and rolling,” said Brad Spirrison, CEO of Grown In. 

 

Summit Agenda

The public Summit will have interactive cannabis-centered programming from 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM CST. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to in-person attendees, followed by happy-hour networking and drinks in the final hour of the event. 

Participants at the Cannabis Summit will immerse themselves in a series of sessions that highlight industry trends, engage in interactive breakout sessions, and listen to keynotes on industry transformation. 

Joining 1871 as the 2024 Cannabis Innovation Summit keynote speaker is Jim Belushi, Founder of Belushi’s Farm. Alongside Belushi, several industry disruptors will host breakout sessions surrounding the future of cannabis, including: ‘The Word out of Washington and State Houses Near You’, featuring Joanne Caceres, Cannabis Law Attorney at Dentons, ‘The State of Cannabis Research 2024’, featuring  Christina Sansone, Community Engagement Manager at Discovery Partners Institute, ‘The Science Behind Cannabis Advertising’, featuring  Mika Stambaugh, Co-Founder & Director of Marketing and PR at Acannability, and Cannabis Supply Chain: The Full Spectrum, featuring Tim Schmitt, Chief Technology Officer at 240 Logistics.   

1871’s Web3 Innovation Summit will be held on the same day for Web3-centered programming. The two Summits will congregate in 1871’s space for interactive Startup Expos and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to interact with startups from both industries, fostering knowledge exchange and inspirational discussions on the latest industry trends. 

While attendees can watch virtually, only a select group of events will be live-streamed. In-person participation is highly recommended. Registration is required to participate in this event. RSVP and confirm your attendance by April 15, 2024, as the number of public tickets is limited. 

For information regarding joining the Summit as a sponsor or partner, please contact corpinno@1871.com. Subscribe to stay up-to-date on 1871’s Innovation Labs programming & news. 

About 1871

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

About Grown In 

Grown In is the go-to trusted source for cannabis industry news and compliance training. Their national team of journalists, subject experts, and learning designers transform key market insights into actionable knowledge and applicable skills to ensure employees are not only informed with cutting-edge articles and reports but also equipped to confidently navigate nuanced legal requirements and diverse workplace circumstances through credentialed online courses. They also offer media sponsorship opportunities and interactive product showcases to increase market awareness and product understanding.

For media inquiries, please contact:

J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing 

j@1871.com 

press@1871.com 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, March 26, 2024 — 1871, global nonprofit innovation hub is hosting its first annual Web3 Innovation Summit with execution partners Advanced Technology Cluster, U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC), and Fintech4Good on April 17, 2024. In this hybrid event, 250+ startups, investors, corporate partners, and public attendees will convene for a full day of programming centered around Web3 innovation and critical industry topics.

The 2024 Web3 Innovation Lab cohort will be highlighted at the event, with founders pitching their startups and showcasing their products and services in an immersive Startup Expo. Fenwick, Hyperledger, Global Business Blockchain Council (GBBC), Genesis Block, Wave Digital Assets, Chainlink, EX3 Labs, Decasonic, World Business Chicago, Alphabit.fund, ETHChicago, Global DCA, and T-mobile Wholesale support the 2024 Summit. 

“We stand at the cusp of a revolution, where decentralized systems, blockchain, and digital sovereignty will redefine the fabric of the internet as we know it. Our summit will serve as a crucible for innovation, where the brightest minds in technology, finance, and creative industries converge to forge the pathways of the future,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of  1871.“I invite you to join us in this journey, to explore the unbounded possibilities of Web3, and to shape the future together. Let’s build a digital world that is open, secure, and belongs to us all.”

“I am thrilled to be part of this incredible journey as the Executive-in-Residence for the Web3 Innovation Lab, where we’ve been at the forefront of exploring and shaping the future of blockchain-based decentralized technologies,” said Arry Yu, Co-Founder & Executive Director at U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC), an initiative of GBBC. “This Summit will showcase innovative real ideas and bring together some of the brightest minds in the field, offering a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative potential of Web3. If you’re looking to be a part of a movement setting the stage for a more decentralized and empowered future, this Summit is the place to be. Let’s pave the way for a new digitally native epoch together!”

Summit Agenda

The public Summit will take place in the Worklife space on the second floor of the Merchandise Mart for Web3-centered programming from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM CST, with lunch and Startup Expos taking place in 1871’s space on the twelfth floor. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to in-person attendees, followed by happy-hour networking and drinks in the final hour of the event. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Web3 experts in panel discussions highlighting industry trends, including ‘Web3 in Action – Real-World Web3 Use Cases’, ‘What Is the Real State of Web3 Today’, and ‘What Needs to Be Done for Web3 Mass-Adoption – A Candid Conversation’. Interactive presentations and keynotes on Web3 transformation will also be available. 

While attendees can watch virtually, only a select group of events will be live-streamed. In-person participation is highly recommended. Registration is required to participate in this event. RSVP and confirm your attendance by April 15, 2024, as the number of public tickets is limited. 

For information regarding joining the Summit as a sponsor or partner, please get in touch with corpinno@1871.com. Subscribe to stay up-to-date on 1871’s Innovation Labs programming & news. 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

About The U.S. Blockchain Coalition 

The U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC), an initiative of Global Business Blockchain Council (GBBC.io), is a proactive collaboration of state associations, private entities, and influential individuals that drives a national conversation about emerging technology policy, education, and adoption. The USBC’s mission is to share best practices, lessons learned, improve operational efficiency for each member, improve the purchasing power for the benefit of each member, and to consolidate political influence. The Coalition serves as the convener and the subject matter experts with a multi-state focused collective voice to better advocate for constructive public policy and educate key stakeholders, especially investors.

About WTIA Advanced Technology Cluster

The Advanced Technology Cluster is funded through Washington State’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program, and the focus of the group is to convene stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and the investment community to work together towards ensuring the Pacific Northwest and the broader United States is a leader in emerging technologies. The near term focuses of the Cluster are to promote the growth of web3, quantum information sciences, and artificial intelligence within the Pacific Northwest, while also finding opportunities for partnerships across the United States and the world. The Cluster works on a variety of initiatives including public policy and advocacy, workforce development, startup acceleration, and community building.

For media inquiries, please contact:

J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing 

j@1871.com 

press@1871.com 

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Breaking Barriers: Stories of Inspiration from International Women's Day 2024

1871 hosted its annual International Women’s Day celebration on 3.07.24, bringing together hundreds of women founders, leaders, and community allies for a day of empowerment and striving for inclusivity in the tech realm and beyond. 

This beloved day entailed interactive and educational programming centered around this year’s IWD theme, #InspireInclusion, and let’s just say the content and energy in the room was electrifying! 

Our education partner SANDWINA returned for the second year with custom Founder & Leader workshops to inspire and uplift attendees. To close the afternoon, we had the honor of having Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations at The Chicago Blackhawks as our 2024 keynote speaker. 

These women professionals are inspirational leaders and industry disruptors, shaping the way for a more inclusive and equitable world for founders and leaders from all backgrounds. 

From personal experiences to actionable strategies, discover the best takeaways, quotes, and video content from 1871’s 2024 International Women’s Day event below! 

Check out our IWD 2024 recap playlist for more behind-the-scenes footage! 

International Women’s Day ‘buzz words’

1871’s CEO Betsy Ziegler set the tone for the day with her opening remarks,welcoming all who showed up for a day of celebration, reflection, empowerment, and allyship. 

As our community continues to work towards advocating for a shift where inclusion is not just an added layer but the essence of our community, Ziegler asked the audience to participate in a new exercise, shout out buzz words WE as a community want to see the future become and build towards. The results? 

Abundance, progressive, pride, respectful, impactful, thriving, loving, confidence, intersectional, revolutionary, empowering,prosperous, accessible, diverse, inclusive, equal…. The list goes on. 

“It’s time for all of us in tech innovation and beyond to own a new version of the future, where all people of backgrounds can fund, found, lead, and scale companies,” Ziegler said. “This is not about leveling the playing field, but constructing a world with abundant opportunities for innovation and equality. We must wield this into reality, a future where we all thrive together.”

Shifting the traditional tech ecosystem

Chicago is the #1 metro for VC-backed companies founded by women, with 37% of companies founded/funded having at least one female founder. But, only 15% of total funding raised in Chicago went to female founders. Nationally that number drops, with women-owned businesses receiving less than 2% of total VC funding. The question is, why? 

Tricia Martinez-Saab, Managing Director of Tech Stars, Kasia Bednarz, Co-Founder of FARE, and  Lindsay Knight, Partner at Chicago Ventures delved into the challenges and triumphs of women founders and leaders in ‘The Truth About Funding for Women Founders’.  

From horror stories of general sexism in the funding realm to unfair disadvantages for women entrepreneurs, these professionals dipped into the inequitable side of being a woman founder and leader and the importance of diversity & advocating for yourself. 

“Female founders, data tells us that they actually make greater CEOs; they hit profitability faster, they build stronger companies, they’re more empathetic leaders, yet VCs are not investing in us as much,” said Martinez-Saab. “There’s this problem in the ecosystem where we need to get more wind as female founders to prove to the market that we deserve the money. And I think the most frustrating part is that we can work our asses off and keep proving and proving and proving, but that’s just how the system works. We’re going to have to work ten times harder, and especially if you’re a Black or Brown founder.” 

Diverse leadership teams drive 19% higher revenue, with 53% increase in return on equity, and 66% return on investment capital. Until we get to enough density in the diversity of those making decisions, those numbers won’t change! 

Advice: Network with people and build a strong vision to get people excited about you and your vision to change the world. Asking for help attracts great people into your network. Reach out to individuals who are focused on your specific industry and remember, your network is your best asset!

Is diversity a strong enough antidote to disrupt?

Erica Bauer, Director of Community Relations at Chicago Bulls & Founder of Girl Power Songs gave a comical insight into ‘Why DEI was DOA’. 

Bauer emphasized the importance of acknowledging diversity in spaces,  but its effects are truly felt when change is made for all to feel included and heard.

“What if inclusion came first? If we don’t see people who look like us in positions, it matters. A lot of people fear change. When there’s fear, we need to create conditions that allow for feedback, so someone different than me can walk into the room and call out what doesn’t work for them, so everyone can eat at the table,” Bauer said. 

According to Bauer, the reality is that D.E.I was dead on arrival because it was a response to a moment, not a movement. DEI efforts have traditionally gone into little things rather than fixing the actual systems and structural barriers at play. 

“How are you contributing to this movement? When we’re in a movement together we support one another, we speak up, and we strategize. Opposition is the sincerest form of flattery, and has been here and will be still here. Let’s remember that we are still here, and we got sh*t to do.” 

Reflecting on equal pay & representation today

The Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963 to prohibit discrimination in pay wage on account of sex, yet women STILL make $0.77 on the dollar men earn, these numbers drastically decline for women who are part of other minority groups. 

Bridget Lohrius, Founder & CEO of SANDWINA and Delia Coleman, Deputy Director of Equal Rights Advocates gave insights into the frustrating realm of pay inequity in   ‘Action for Equal Pay’. 

According to Lohrius & Coleman, the pay gap is theft, stealing resources, time, ideas, and more from women who are doing the same job as men. 

With $1.6 trillion dollars in wages stolen from women because of the pay gap annually, the conversation should not be modeled around equal, aka earning what men are paid, but should be around disrupting policies and creating opportunities where women are paid their correct earnings. 

“Pay secrecy allows employers to hide how decision making is made. Leaders should believe in transparency, with work forces working better with trust, empowerment, and authenticity,” said Coleman. “Transparency helps you grow your salary, improves company culture, and leads to innovation. When you’re not worried about how your salary buys [blank], you’re able to think about creativity, innovation, etc. When people start talking, it opens a door for opportunity and change despite the uncomfortableness.”  

Advice: Pay transparency needs to be addressed in companies, so  ask your coworkers what they make. Don’t tell employers your salary history, as you’re negotiating from a deficit which contributes to the ever-widening pay gap. Instead, advocate for your value and skills, ask for the pay range, and stop letting the secrecy shenanigans happen!

“Be bold. The system was not built for women. We have to be bold, scrappy, and inventive. Break some rules. Brag. And stop worrying about being liked,” said Lohrius. 

Jaime Faulker closed our IWD celebration with inspirational stories about her professional journey, her values, and shared advice for negotiating and work/life boundaries, both inside and outside of the sports realm. 

Since her appointment in December 2020 and under her leadership, Jaime has spearheaded the transformation of the Blackhawks, including rebuilding the organization, acquiring two additional sports teams, launching an investment arm, and leading a major estate development project. All while balancing a high-profile career with her family life! 

Jaime’s leadership also implemented maternity leave for women Blackhawk workers, something that she negotiated for staff members and was not addressed before her role. Women are in sports, but the representation is not always there. 

“I get really frustrated because the conversation in sports a lot of time is about how do we get more women in the room, how do we get more representation. I sit in those rooms, and there are women in the rooms. There are women playing sports that are just as talented as the men who play, they’re there,” Faulkner said. “We have to shift the conversation to be about what they’re contributing so that the headline isn’t ‘Blackhawks Hire First Female Team President’… the headline needs to be ‘Blackhawks Hire Seasoned Executive to Lead the Next Generation of the Blackhawks’.’” 

Advice: Role of mentorship – find people who are willing to put you in the room and have you be included and heard. Never compromising your values and character is just as important as competency and confidence. Be consistent in decision-making and always negotiate on things that matter to you the most. 

Our 2024 International Women’s Day celebration was made possible by the support of our community and our sponsors, Kadeya, JustWorks, GET Cities, and Motorola Solutions.  

Thanks to everyone who joined us this year and highlighted women’s achievements with us! We hope you had a great time and continue to #InspireInclusion all year long. We’ll see you next March for IWD 2025! 

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Navigating the Career Fair Landscape: 5 Strategies for Recruiters and Job Seekers to Find the Perfect Match

In today’s rapidly changing job market, whether due to technological advancements, shifting economic landscapes, or even new “norms” of the workplace, finding the right talent for your company’s open roles or finding the perfect job that fits your needs is more crucial than ever for all around satisfaction.  

1871 is hosting its annual Career Fair in person on 3.27 to connect hiring member companies with emerging tech talent, including students, recent graduates, and individuals ready to change careers. 

Before we come together to spark networking & job opportunities, here are 5 tips for recruiters to hire the perfect talent and job seekers to secure an internship or job! 

Resurgence of Career Fairs  

Forbes reported that anywhere from 50 – 80% of all jobs are filled through networking, while 70% of jobs may not even be posted on public sites! 

Career Fairs have become more popular than ever before, emerging as pivotal hybrid networking opportunities where the future of workers can connect with recruiters for meaningful interactions and unique opportunities to recruit employees and secure a job. What does this mean? Network, network, network! 

Attending Career Fairs gives job seekers access to a network of companies eager to find applicants, generally confined to online job searching, and employers gain brand exposure and 1:1 connections with emerging talent to fill their open roles.  

5 strategies for career seekers

Whether you’re a current university student, a recent graduate, or want to change careers, attending career fairs provides opportunities to make impressions beyond a resume or digital profile. Keep these tips in mind before and after attending a Career Fair! 

  1. Emphasize your “soft skills” 

Everyone knows one of the most critical requirements of securing a job is having technical skills that match the job requirements. 

However, employees are increasingly valuing soft skills as much as technical ones as they can be universal outside of the job requirements and benefit the work environment. 

Valuable soft skills include communication, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, etc. 

Including and speaking highly of your soft skills to employers helps convey your passion, versatility, and essential elements often lost in the digital application process. 

 

  1. Showcase your job-type interests 

With the increase in freelance, contract, and temporary positions, job seekers may consider these types of roles as stepping stones into their careers or even long-term paths. 

Candidates who are open to different types of employment can expand their job opportunities and give job recruiters a direct response on who can best fit their available roles. 

Evaluate what jobs interest you (internships, contract, part-time, full-time)and what works best for you. 

 

  1. Continuous learning 

Employers often look for candidates committed to lifelong learning and professional development! 

 Highlight any additional courses, certifications, or projects you’ve completed or are in favor of participating in to enhance your skills and knowledge. 

 

  1. Industry-specific skills 

Depending on your intended field, specific technical skills are in high demand. For tech companies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis skills are often looked for. For business companies, digital marketing and e-commerce skills are highly valuable. 

Research the most in-demand skills in your field of interest and see what qualifications you already have and ways you can add to your resume! 

 

  1. Practice your interviewing skills & personal branding 

Building a solid personal brand through LinkedIn, a website, or industry-specific platforms can make you more marketable to employers. But, knowing how to market yourself in professional settings can be the deciding factor. 

According to Zipdo, 61% of job seekers say the online job search process is time-consuming & frustrating. In an age where personal connections can significantly influence hiring decisions, presenting yourself effectively at a career fair can make all the difference! 

Practice an elevator pitch highlighting yourself, including your professional interests, projects, and accomplishments outside your resume. 

5 strategies for job recruiters

Attending a career fair is not just an event to collect resumes but a strategic opportunity to showcase your company culture, values, and visions for the future! 

  1. Demonstrate how your company is invested in early talent 

Today’s students and graduates want their first or second jobs to be impactful and open to positions in leadership and growth. 

For entry-level positions, showcasing your company’s interest in early talent can be crucial when securing employees. Present your company in a way that resonates with its missions and values of utilizing early talent, setting the stage for future leaders and innovators to envision themselves as part of your team.

 

  1. Develop your recruitment & hiring goals 

At career fairs, you’re more likely to speak with numerous candidates at a time, giving you a broader selection to choose from for your open role(s). 

Know before you attend what you’re looking for in an employee, what requirements are essential to the job position, and what the process is like to hire at your organization. Communication & transparency is key – this will increase the likelihood of finding a high-performing employee. 

 

  1. Market & advertise your attendance at these events 

Before you attend a career fair, showcase that your company is hiring and participating in the event. Post details on your social media pages and emphasize how many jobs are open for applications. Job seekers familiar with your brand or would like to learn about you will know which booth to visit. 

Once at the event, keep your conversations relevant, brief, and engaging so candidates can become excited about your company and open roles. Afterward, follow up with candidates who piqued your interest to keep the relationship going. 

 

  1. Brainstorm specific questions to ask candidates

There’s a chance you’re hiring for more than just one position! Understand what candidates you’re looking for and ask specific questions about the job(s).  

Ask about the candidate’s education, experience, and career goals. If they align with your open roles, ask more in-depth questions about their experience & retrieve their contact information for future networking and conversations. 

 

  1. Network with peers 

Many businesses and recruiters attend the same career fairs and networking events, increasing their presence as leaders and active participants in their specific industry community.  

Build connections with one another for opportunities to refer candidates to one another if the applicant seems better suited for a different company. This increases your brand presence and makes valuable connections for future collaborations. 

How 1871 can help with talent

Whether you’re a job seeker aiming to launch or advance your career or a recruiter seeking top talent, understanding how to present yourself or your organization at a career fair is key. 

Use the tips above and remember:

  • Make connections that count.
  • Share stories that inspire.
  • Forge pathways to professional growth and success in the job market.

Participate in 1871’s 2024 Career Fair! We’ll be in person at 1871 for a full day of networking & career-changing opportunities on 3.27 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST. Sign up today! 

 

Can’t make it? 

Job seekers – explore open roles within 1871’s community & upload your resume to our Job Board. 

Job recruiters – explore 1871’s Talent Referral Network and upload your open roles on our Job Board to find the best fit for you or your organization.

 

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BMO and 1871 Support Progress of Women-Led Startups with Call for New WMNfintech Applications

1871

J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing

press@1871.com 

BMO 

Lucas Seiler

Senior Manager, Media Relations

Lucas.Seiler@bmo.com 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  • WMNfintech is North America’s largest nonprofit financial technology (fintech) accelerator for women-led startups, developed by BMO and 1871.
  • Applications are open from March 1-April 15, 2024.
  • Founders will pitch prospective partners and investors at the world’s largest tech hub in August.

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2024 – BMO and 1871 today announced a call for applications for its annual WMNfintech program, the largest non-profit fintech industry program in North America for women-founded and women-led startups. Designed to help women in fintech make financial progress, the program bridges the gender gap in the startup and tech community by giving entrepreneurs access to a powerful ecosystem focused on helping them grow their businesses and bring innovative technologies and products forward that support the financial sector.

New this year, BMO will host the program’s final showcase at BMO’s Bay Area office in front of various stakeholders, banking partners, regulators, and trade groups. In the past, BMO has brought together organization such as the State of California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the State of Illinois’s Department of Financial & Professional Regulation and The American Bankers Association. To qualify, fintech companies must be women-founded or women-led and have – or soon be launching – a brand presence in the United States. Founders may apply here.

“Now gearing up to launch our fifth cohort, WMNfintech has emerged as the best ecosystem in North America that connects women founders with resources and relationships to grow their businesses, pitch products and services, and create real opportunities to secure capital so they can thrive,” said Andrew Harrison, Head of U.S. Digital Partners at BMO. “I’m so proud of our relationship with 1871 and can confidently say that each year, we are delivering on our commitment to make progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future and inclusive society by supporting women who are transforming financial services.”

Five companies will be selected to participate in the WMNfintech program, which is designed to support the progress of women founders by:

  • Delivering curated fintech-amplified workshops.
  • Offering curriculum focused on enterprise sales cycles, vendor management, information security, risk and regulatory requirements, onboarding, financial management, and media training delivered by BMO.
  • Creating the opportunity to pitch investors and BMO partners for feedback, mentoring, continued connections, as well as potential access to capital and funding.
  • Granting access to 1871’s immersive educational programming, including expert-led workshops and more than 150 mentors. 
  • Providing access to a six-month complimentary membership to 1871, including access to its space, resources, and roadmap of support.

“The fintech sector is undergoing an extraordinary evolution, propelled by women who are boldly pioneering innovative solutions and driving change. It’s crucial for corporations to engage with these dynamic startups to spark innovation and promote the growth and acknowledgment of women in fintech,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Our continued collaboration with BMO has allowed us to support and observe the remarkable influence of women founders in our joint program, and we are excited to continue this journey.”

 

WMNfintech’s impact continues to grow each year

Since launching in 2020, women-led fintechs who have come through the program – who also have a footprint across the globe – have raised more than $35 million in capital and created over 200 jobs.

Additionally, BMO has expanded its national fintech network, developed proofs of concept, partnerships, and investments in both the fintech space and previous WMNfintech participants by:

WMNfintech strongly aligns with BMO’s Zero Barriers to Inclusion strategy that supports equity, equality, and inclusion in and outside the bank. The program is also another example of BMO’s Digital First strategy, focused on building a digitally-enabled, future-ready bank that drives progress for its customers, unlocks the power of its people, and delivers loyalty, growth, and efficiency.

Learn more about the program and apply for WMNfintech 2024 by April 15. 

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.3 trillion as of January 31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

 

About 1871

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporative innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorships, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

 

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1871

J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing

press@1871.com 

BMO 

Lucas Seiler

Senior Manager, Media Relations

Lucas.Seiler@bmo.com 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, February 28, 2024 — Global nonprofit innovation hub 1871 and long-time partner BMO announce their joint participation at Fintech Meetup, one of the fintech industry’s largest meetups in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 3 to March 6, 2024, for the second year in a row. 

At the event, 1871, BMO and Portage will co-host the Women in Fintech Lounge, a pop-up space where attendees can connect with fintech enthusiasts, gain insights into the current fintech ecosystem, discover trends and technologies disrupting fintech, and learn about 1871 and BMO’s joint award-winning program, WMNfintech. 

Additionally, 1871 and Portage will co-host TableTalk sessions to connect peer groups for collaborative discussions addressing current fintech ecosystem issues and to generate actionable takeaways for women founders in fintech. Topics open for discussion surround how women fintech founders can effectively pitch their startups for funding, choose the right investors, and scale their business. These TableTalks will occur during lunch hours on Monday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 5. 

Alongside connecting with key players in the fintech space, 1871 and BMO will showcase the success of WMNfintech, its joint accelerator experience, and North America’s largest nonprofit fintech industry program for women-founded and women-led startups. 

The program aims to bridge the gender gap in the startup and tech community by giving women entrepreneurs access to a robust ecosystem focused on helping them grow their businesses and evolve the financial sector. 

Since its launch, women-led fintechs in the program have raised more than $35MM in capital and created 200+ jobs. Applications for joining the fifth cohort of the WMNfintech program will open on March 4, 2024, coinciding with the second day of the Fintech Meetup. More details can be viewed here. 

“Year after year, incredible women founders are transforming the fintech landscape with their innovative contributions, and we’re honored to lead the charge in celebrating their achievements and elevating their impact,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Partnering with BMO for the Fintech Meetup, we’re thrilled to spotlight the trailblazing women in fintech and underscore the strength of our collaboration in nurturing a more inclusive and forward-thinking tech future.” 

The Women in Fintech Lounge allows attendees to walk through the lounge to connect with 1871, BMO, and WMNfintech alums, as well as learn more about the program and how to get involved in 1871’s fintech community. 1871 also hosts its annual affinity ‘WMNtech’ experiences, WMNtech Founders, WMNtech Pitch Competition, and WMNtech Leaders, focused exclusively on empowering women in tech through women-centric programming, resources, and support. 

1871 will also expand its involvement in the fintech industry as a whole with the launch of the 2024 Fintech Innovation Lab. Starting in October, this Lab will be added to its suite of Labs —AI, Cannabis, Foodtech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, and Web3 —designed to bring critical industry players together to solve leading problems for transformative and innovative solutions. For more information on the Lab, sign up for notifications. 

 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

 

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.3 trillion as of October 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets, and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

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1871
J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing

Press@1871.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, February 14, 2024 – 1871, a global nonprofit technology and innovation hub, is proud to announce the addition of Here Here Market to its vibrant community of innovators existing inside their Chicago office. Here Here Market is an online marketplace for food enthusiasts to discover and incorporate chef-driven and independent food brands, restaurant experiences, and gifts into their pantries and beyond.

 

Expanding the 1871 Community

The inclusion of Here Here Market into 1871’s dynamic ecosystem is a testament to the hub’s ongoing commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Chicago. 

“We are beyond excited to welcome Here Here Market as they bring a unique approach of connecting food enthusiasts with culinary brands and experiences, a perfect match for our community of forward thinkers and disruptors,” said Lisa Laws, COO at 1871. “We are excited to see how they will leverage their storefront inside the 1871 space and open up new avenues for culinary exploration for everyone involved.” 

 

About Here Here Market  

Here Here Market is curating the largest chef-driven and independent food brands community through its online marketplace, connecting consumers and culinary creators nationwide. From James Beard award-winning chefs to emerging food creators, Here Here Markets data-driven launch pad helps brands test, iterate, and benchmark product performance while building a loyal customer base. 

The extensive roster of Here Here Market’s talent includes some of Chicago’s most renowned chefs and rising stars, including Chef Stephanie Izard of Girl & The Goat, Chef Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde, Chef John Manion of El Che, Chef Zubair Mohajir of Coach House, and more, as well as emerging makers like Regina Trillo of Nemi Snacks, Sydney Karp Poll of SydPlayEat, Lan Ho of Fat Miilk, and many more.  

As these creators forge their path into consumers’ pantries and snack cabinets, Here Here Market does more than list their products — its mission is to tell their stories. 

“Each order comes not only with the requested product but also a write-up about the creator and suggested ways to use the product,” said Disha Gulati, Founder and CEO of Here Here Market. “As we share the products and stories of our creators with our audience, we like to think of ourselves as more than just a platform, but also as a cheerleader for these emerging brands.” 

Find them on:

A Hub of Collaboration and Growth

1871 offers an unparalleled platform for startups and established companies to collaborate, innovate, and scale. By joining 1871, Here Here Market will gain access to our extensive network of mentors, investors, and fellow innovators, along with opportunities to participate in various events and programs designed to accelerate business growth.

Since Here Here Markets’ move to 1871, a permanent store location located right inside 1871’s entrance allows local shoppers to explore and purchase an exclusive range of artisanal food brands sourced from Chicago and various regions across the country. 

 

Looking Forward to Collective Success

For more information about becoming an 1871 tenant and what you can bring to the 1871 tech community, please inquire here.

 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital. 

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International Women’s Day stands as a global movement celebrating the remarkable achievements of women while simultaneously spotlighting the ongoing quest for gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. This year’s theme is #Inspire Inclusion. 

As 1871 gears up to host its annual International Women’s Day event on 03.07, a question remains top of mind. How can we as a community come together to break down barriers women continually face, especially in the tech industry, so their contributions are recognized and valued equally?

To move to a solution, we must come together, share experiences, listen, raise questions, and grow.

We’ve asked our 1871 member community of women professionals and allies to comment on 4 topics to help us begin conversations that shape tomorrow.

 

Looking at gender inequality in tech

As women professionals enter the tech ecosystem to build and scale their businesses today, they experience gender-specific barriers, including, but not limited to equity gap, investment gap, and retention. 

International Women’s Day underscores the critical need to break down the barriers that inhibit women professionals from participating and leading in tech — a sector pivotal to shaping our future. 

“In my 20-year journey through the corporate world, I’ve encountered firsthand the challenges of gender and race bias and compensation gaps,” said Grace Frison, Lead Strategist & Innovator at OM Life Compass and current early-stage member. “I’ve come to realize that the root causes of these issues are not tied to my gender or race, but rather from a broader societal lack of consciousness.” 

“The numbers do not lie. In the world of VC funding, women-owned businesses receive just 1.9% of funding. It is absolutely unacceptable. We still face a huge problem with gender equality,” said Olga Burdukovskaya, Co-Founder of perforator.io and 1871 early-stage member. 

“I’ve encountered so many of these obstacles in the course of my career, both to me and to my friends — everything from pregnancy and marriage discrimination to gender bias to wage gaps to sexual harassment,” said Reva Minkoff, Founder and President of Digital4Startups Inc and 1871 mentor in PYROS, WMNtech Founders, and LTNtech Founders. “Encountering these things is obviously not optimal, but the more we talk about it and have events like IWD, the more we know that behavior is not ok or our fault, we’re not alone, and we can help educate allies to prevent the behavior from occurring.” 

To help counteract the investment and inequality gap, 1871 hosts its annual affinity programs, WMNtech Founders and WMNtech Pitch Competition, to elevate women-led and women-founded startups and support them through sponsoring investor funding, resources, and workshops dedicated to each social group’s unique needs and roadblocks.

BLKtech Pitch Competition, LTNtech Pitch Competition, BLKtech Founders, and LTNtech Founders are also available for Black and Latin founders to gain similar resources and support. 

 

Looking at the impact of diversity 

As of 2023, women hold only 26.7% of technology jobs. Compared to entry-level roles, occupations higher in the organization have an even lower representation of women. 

According to CIO, women of color face even more significant challenges in the tech industry — and are significantly underrepresented. Only 3% of technology jobs are held by Black women and 2% by Latin women. 

1871’s community consists of 50% non-white members, with 30% female founders and leaders at every stage in the business curve, ever-so closely mirroring Chicago’s demographics in tech.  

In fact, a study discovered that companies with above-average diversity scores generated 19% higher innovation revenues. 

“In my first workplace, I was the first woman hired on the tech team. While working in the midst of the male gender was great, it made me wonder whether the field was just for a certain gender,” said Amarachi Amaechi, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer at Bitpowr Technologies Inc and 1871 growth-stage member. “Attending International Women’s Day events made a difference in my career and social life; it allowed me to meet women like me who are excelling in their respective careers.” 

“Increasing gender diversity in tech companies fosters innovation, broadens perspectives, and enhances problem-solving,” said Dave Kooi, Senior Account Manager at Digital4Startups and 1871 corporate member. “It strengthens company culture, promoting inclusivity and attracting top talent from all backgrounds. Gender diversity isn’t only a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage that drives better performance and outcomes in the competitive tech landscape.” 

By championing diversity in tech, we honor the spirit of International Women’s Day and catalyze innovation, creativity, and resilience in a field that touches every aspect of our lives. Embracing a diverse community encourages us to reflect, act, and commit to creating a more equitable tech landscape where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead.

 

Looking at mentorship to grow community

In a field that thrives on rapid evolution and complex problem-solving, 1871’s ecosystem continues to expand. Founders, leaders, and innovators alike join us from right here in Chicago to across the globe to network, inspire, and overcome challenges that’ll propel us forward in innovation.

“Community and mentorship has been a key to our success when we first started building Honest Game out of 1871 and making connections via International Women’s Day was a great part of that experience,” said Joyce Anderson, Co-Founder & COO at HonestGame and 1871 growth-stage member. “We started our business in 2019 and, thankfully, were members of the 1871 community right from the start. Without that support and our 1871 mentors, I’m not sure we would’ve clawed our way out of those difficult early days.”

1871’s community-focused initiatives include 170 mentors in our PYROS program and community resource groups, BLKtech Voices, LTNtech Voices, PRDtech Voices, and WMNtech Voices.  

 

Join the equality movement 

This International Women’s Day, celebrate with us on 3.07 for our vibrant half-day event dedicated to honoring women’s accomplishments and advocating for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive tech community—and beyond.

We’ll be in person for networking, keynotes, and Founder & Leader-focused workshops with Sandwina from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM CST, with virtual live streaming available. 

“I have met, connected with, and reconnected with so many amazing women via IWD events. When I first started in my career, the companies I was at didn’t have them, and I’d feel like (or be) the only female leader. Now, from attending these events, I know I am not the only one,” Minkoff said. 

‘Inspire Inclusion’ urges us to actively contribute to shaping a world where all feel unity and community, making real change possible together. Every step you take with us is a leap forward for the entire community. 

 

Get more involved beyond our International Women’s Day celebration 

Engage with Our Community Resource Groups: Connect, learn, and grow with our community and help shape the future for underrepresented groups – WMNtech Voices, BLKtech Voices, LTNtech Voices, PRDtech Voices. 

Participate in Our Affinity & Leadership Programs: Engage in enriching programming designed to help underrepresented groups navigate their entrepreneurial & leadership journey –  WMNtech Founders, BLKtech Founders, LTNtech Founders, and Tech Leaders.

Attend Community Events & Competitions: Celebrate entrepreneurs and gain insights on the current tech topics while connecting with innovators – WMNtech Pitch Competition, BLKtech Pitch Competition, LTNtech Pitch Competition, and upcoming community events. 

 Get Involved in Our Mission: Be a catalyst for change and the driving force behind our mission of inspiring, equipping, and supporting founders and leaders alike. Please contribute to our mission.

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1871’s First-Ever InsurTech Innovation Lab Brings Together Major Players to Harness the Power of Technology to Revolutionize the Future of Insurance.

1871

J Blaszczykiewicz

Sr. Director of Marketing

Press@1871.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, February 6, 2024 — 1871, global innovation hub launches its first-ever InsurTech Innovation Lab, a 4-month experience built to uniquely connect mature startups and corporates in insurance, starting April 2024. Partnering with us for this exciting initiative is Jeff Chookaszian, Insurance and Financial Services Executive at The Boston Consulting Group, as the Lab’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). This year’s supporters include Allstate, World Business Chicago, ForMotiv, and Snapsheet. Applications are now open until March 4, 2024. 

1871’s first-ever InsurTech Innovation Lab unites all the major players across the insurance landscape —Property and Casualty, Life, and Health — in a collaborative effort to tackle critical challenges and break ground on solutions for future transformation. This spring, 1871’s AI Innovation Lab will run in parallel with the InsurTech Innovation Lab.

“Innovation is at the heart of the insurance industry, but many companies struggle to figure out how to scale innovation to add value. Startups are needed to help large companies innovate,” said Jeff Chookaszian, Insurance and Financial Services Executive at The Boston Consulting Group. “I’m excited to be the Entrepreneur in Residence for the 1871 InsurTech Innovation Lab, and I would encourage any startup in the insurance space to sign up for the Lab, which will give access to large corporates, VCs, and investors, and 1871.”

“Innovation is the compass guiding us through the ever-changing landscape of risk, ensuring that current and future uncertainties are met with ingenious solutions,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO at 1871.” This new Lab unites the visionary power of tech innovators with the security of insurance expertise, sparking transformative potential.” 

 

InsurTech Innovation Lab 2024 Highlights

The InsurTech Innovation Lab will operate from 04.01.24 to 06.29.24, focusing on several areas for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve critical issues within the industry. Startups serving domains across the InsurTech focus areas will be considered for the cohort. 

Those eligible to join the Lab:

  • Growth-stage startups with a technology or product focused on the InsurTech space 
  • Late-stage startups as partners seeking to elevate their brand as experts and influence the InsurTech industry
  • Corporations as partners sitting at the forefront of InsurTech innovation or seeking to enhance their capabilities and offerings via partnerships 

A selection process will be utilized to ensure that startups admitted to the program are best suited and have proven readiness for optimal lab outcomes. 

Information sessions will be held on 2.08 and 2.22 to provide attendees with a detailed lab curriculum, key dates, and the benefits of participating in the 2024 lab. 

 

2024 Lab focus areas 

This Lab focuses on several “focus areas” for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve issues in insurance tech. 

High-level focus areas include: 

  • Sales & Distribution Innovation 
  • Risk Management & Underwriting 
  • Emerging / New Data Sources 
  • Climate Risk 
  • Future of Mobility 

Within the Lab, participants are connected to experts, enthusiasts, and investors through an immersive series of workshops and other experiences throughout the program. The lab experience alternates in virtual and in-person sessions, convening for two weeks in April, a whole week in May, and a final week in June 2024. 

The program ends with a capstone-like InsurTech Innovation Summit on 06.27.24, a public event dedicated to a full day of immersive programming surrounding insurance tech innovation. 

About 1871 Innovation Labs

The Innovation Labs are a dynamic hub for fostering cutting-edge solutions, collaboration, and technological advancement. These labs offer a platform for startups, industry leaders, investors, and venture capitalists to pioneer the future of various industries, including artificial intelligence, cannabis, supply chain, and beyond. 

Typically running for three or four months, the labs are at the forefront of innovation, connecting key players in the tech ecosystem to drive transformative change and accelerate the development of groundbreaking solutions for today’s challenges,

For inquiries about partnerships or sponsorship options for the InsurTech Innovation Lab or Summit, connect with our team. 

To stay updated on all InsurTech Innovation Lab news, subscribe here. 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

About Jeff Chookaszian  

Jeff Chookaszian has over 30 years of experience in the Insurance and Financial Services industry, focusing on commercial and personal P&C insurance, life and annuities, and brokerage. Chookaszian has been at BCG for thirteen years as Managing Director and Senior Partner in the Insurance and Financial Services Practice. In addition, Chookaszian leads BCG’s Insurance Private Equity Practice. Prior to BCG, Chookaszian had an operating role in Zurich’s North America Commercial P&C business as an SVP running Underwriting Operations and Technology and Strategy.  

1871 looks forward to a groundbreaking year of collaboration and innovation at the 2024 InsurTech Innovation Lab. We invite the press and the public to join us in exploring the future of the insurance tech industry.

by

1871’s Second Annual AI Innovation Lab Built with Why of AI Brings Together Major Players to Unlock the Full Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Transform Industries.

1871

J Blaszczykiewicz

Sr. Director of Marketing

Press@1871.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, February 6, 2024 — 1871, global innovation hub launches its second annual AI Innovation Lab, a 4-month experience built to uniquely connect mature startups and corporates in artificial intelligence, starting April 2024. We’re excited to have Why of AI, an industry leader helping organizations design customized AI strategies, as a returning partner for this year’s AI lab and Why of AI’s CEO and NU Kellogg MBAi Professor, Alex Castrounis, as the Lab’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). Other supporters this year include Microsoft, Discover, and World Business Chicago. Applications are now open until March 4, 2024. 

The AI Innovation Lab unites growth and late-stage startups with corporate partners, investors, and AI operators to collaborate on tackling critical challenges and breaking ground on solutions for future transformational use of artificial intelligence across industries. This spring, 1871’s InsurTech Innovation Lab will run in parallel with the AI Innovation Lab. 

“AI is not just buzz. It’s revolutionizing industries, outcomes, and productivity for organizations and people worldwide. Trustworthy AI has massive potential to benefit humanity and our planet if used responsibly,” said Alex Castrounis, CEO of Why of AI. “That’s why launching our second AI Innovation Lab is so thrilling. I can’t wait to see how our new cohort’s AI-focused business leaders and solutions are solving real-world problems and making the world a better place.”

“AI is transforming problem-solving and innovation, rapidly changing team dynamics and product development in every industry, companies small to big,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “More than a tool, AI marks a significant shift, empowering those who embrace it with a super-powered asset. Our AI Innovation Lab ensures you’re not just adapting but leading in this new technological era.”

 

AI Innovation Lab 2024 Highlights

The AI Innovation Lab will operate from 04.01.24 to 06.29.24, focusing on several areas for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve real-world problems and innovate with AI and machine learning tech. Startups serving domains across the 2024 focus areas will be considered for the cohort. 

Those eligible to join the Lab:

  • Growth-stage startups with an AI-focused technology or product 
  • Late-stage startups as partners seeking to elevate their brand as experts and influence the AI industry
  • Corporations as partners sitting at the forefront of AI innovation or seeking to enhance their capabilities and offerings via partnerships 

A selection process will be utilized to ensure that startups admitted to the program are best suited and have proven readiness for optimal lab outcomes. 

Information sessions will be held on 2.08 and 2.22 to provide attendees with a detailed lab curriculum, key dates, and the benefits of participating in the 2024 lab. 

 

2024 Lab focus areas 

This Lab focuses on several “focus areas” for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve real-world problems and innovate responsibly with AI. 

High-level focus areas include: 

  • Efficient & Scalable Data Infrastructure
  • Efficient & Scalable AI Infrastructure 
  • MLOps & ML Workflow
  • AI Governance & Compliance
  • Grounded & Trustworthy AI
  • Multimodal & Generative AI

As our go-to execution partner, Why of AI contributes extensive real-world AI experience and expertise across industries to help design every aspect of the Lab. 

Within the Lab, participants are connected to experts, enthusiasts, and investors through an immersive series of workshops and other experiences throughout the program. The lab experience alternates between virtual and in-person sessions, convening for two weeks in April, a week in May, and a final week in June 2024. 

The program ends with a capstone-like AI Innovation Summit on 06.27.24, a public event dedicated to a full day of immersive programming centered on AI innovation. 

About 1871 Innovation Labs

The Innovation Labs are a dynamic hub for fostering cutting-edge solutions, collaboration, and technological advancement. These labs offer a platform for startups, industry leaders, investors, and venture capitalists to pioneer the future of various industries, including artificial intelligence, cannabis, supply chain, and beyond. 

Typically running for three or four months, the labs are at the forefront of innovation, connecting key players in the tech ecosystem to drive transformative change and accelerate the development of groundbreaking solutions for today’s challenges,

For inquiries about partnerships or sponsorship options for the AI Innovation Lab or Summit, connect with our team. 

To stay updated on all AI Innovation Lab news, subscribe here. 

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.

About Why of AI 

Why of AI specializes in helping organizations quickly gain clarity and confidence by designing customized AI strategies, use cases, and prioritized roadmaps.

 

About Alex Castrounis 

Alex Castrounis is the founder and CEO of Why of AI, a book author on AI, and a professor of AI for Northwestern University’s Kellogg & McCormick MBAi program. He has over two decades of experience advising startups to Fortune 100 companies on using data, analytics, and AI models to drive business growth and customer success. He is also a former INDYCAR engineer, race strategist, and data scientist who drove winning results for teams such as Andretti Autosport in world-renowned races, including the Indy 500.

1871 and Why of AI are looking forward to a groundbreaking year of collaboration and innovation at the 2024 AI Innovation Lab. We invite the press and the public to join us in exploring the future of the AI industry.

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