About the Nonprofit
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1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support founders, growth scalers, and innovators building extraordinary businesses. We are an economic development engine with a goal of supporting people from all backgrounds; everything we do is about driving inclusive economic growth. 1871 incubates, elevates, and energizes economic development through community, resources, and programs.
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 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.
