Founders know that equity is a powerful commodity for a startup; used effectively, it allows you to attract top talent and save on cash. But, simply giving employees equity isn’t enough. Your equity compensation needs to be a part of a broader strategy that fits with your company culture and goals. 1871 workshop leader Iman Malik of Carta gives us the low-down on equity trends. 

The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and 1871 are thrilled to announce that 1871 will be one of three Chicago institutions to partner with global apparel retailer UNIQLO, with visual displays from five innovative and design-forward 1871 member companies to launch inside the brand’s three-story, 60,000 square-foot flagship store on Michigan Avenue.

What did you have for breakfast? Photographer and creator behind Instagram account “What Was Breakfast” Alan Epstein bets that he can get to know you through your first meal of the day. He sat down with Social Media Associate Lewis McKinney to talk inspiration, improv and what he learned by taking over our Instagram account.

The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and 1871 will present the third annual Chicagoness Award to Lupe Fiasco at the 10th Annual Merrick Momentum Awards Dinner, to be held November 2 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago. The award honors individuals and businesses that exemplify the values and unique traits of the Chicago entrepreneur, which include hard work, commitment to community, inclusion and a vision that fosters collective opportunity.

In Part 2 of the Hacking IRL series, Jim Holcomb - Associate Security Consultant at Evolve Security Academy - clears up terms we've all heard but may not have completely understand, such as the Deep Web, Dark Web, and even The Internet. Minor Mr. Robot spoilers ahead!

1871 is proud to name McDonald’s as the 2017 Corporate Champion due to the company's outstanding community impact in Chicago. This award celebrates McDonald's decision to open their state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown Chicago, bringing more than 2,000 jobs and the iconic brand to the city. 

Marketing your startup in social media is something you should begin on day one —but there’s a right and wrong way to go about it. 1871 member and social media pro Carol Fowler, CEO and Co-Founder of TheSocReports, provides a checklist of steps to lay the foundation for growing your social audience.

Every entrepreneur has a story of what inspired them to build their dream, and for some, the passion is in their bloodlines. For our final Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight, meet Manny Ozaeta, Director of the 1871/IHCC Hispanic Technology Incubator.

Jim Holcomb, an Associate Security Consultant at Evolve Security, breaks down Mr. Robot's (surprisingly accurate!) portrayal of hacking in this three part series for the 1871 blog. Be warned, there's spoilers, and some crazy surprising information about real-life cybersecurity in here. 

1871 hosted the Chicago Loop Alliance's panel on what a city’s brand actually represents, 1 Million Cups came to network and support entrepreneurs seeking to refine their pitches and our COO Tom Alexander hosted his favorite workshop on how to have difficult conversations—“How to Say F**K You With a Smile on Your Face”.