Funders include the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust, Walder Foundation and Bank of America 

Guest Author: Lisa Weiss, CEO, Storybeat Studio

If you’re among the hundreds of millions participating in Zoom or other video conference calls while working from home, video is likely a large part of your day. Despite so-called “Zoom fatigue,” more than 25% of the tech sector now wants permanent remote work, and that means more video calls and content in the future.

Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to elevate the quality of their video content while sharing their areas of expertise with a more engaged audience. This blog primarily focuses on inspiring entrepreneurs to create original video content on their own at home, but some of these tips and insights will also help improve the quality and composition of your video conference calls.

Guest Author: Kelly Bertog, Marketing Manager, Future Founders

“Founders often hold too tightly onto solutions and too loosely onto problems.”

-Michael Seibel, CEO of Y Combinator

During these trying times, how can startups ensure they weather the storm? I recommend focusing intensely on solving customer problems, and I argue that your customers' pain-points are more important than ever.

To close out our 8th birthday week, let’s look back on what’s been happening at 1871 over the last 12 months! In short, we’ve created valuable partnerships, won awards, expanded the diversity of our membership, and are now directly supporting in the fight against COVID-19.

Won’t you take a walk down memory lane with us?

Guest Author: Ben Schack, Head of Digital Partnerships at BMO Harris Bank

On April 27th, we announced the launch of WMN•FINtech: A Women in FINtech Initiative by 1871 and BMO Harris Bank. This is the fourth collaboration for BMO Harris and 1871, and the first time we have focused exclusively on US-based companies with a woman founder or cofounder.

Guest Author: Aon

As entrepreneurial and growth-stage business communities grapple with the virtual workplace and remote work styles, connectivity has become necessary lifelines for business to continue in a pandemic environment. The heightened reliance upon technology escalates cyber security considerations and brings increased focus on the scope of cyber insurance and professional liability coverages in a dynamic global insurance market.

ScaleUp Chicago is a spring conference that brings the tech community together to learn, connect, and share stories. This year, 1871 + ITA are virtually hosting the fourth annual ScaleUp Chicago event on Tuesday, May 19th. We’ll be bringing the best professional development resources and networking to you at home!

CONTACTS:

Kathleen Szot, Corporate Communications Manager, BMO Harris Bank, kathleen.Szot@bmo.com

J Blaszczykiewicz, Director of Marketing, 1871, j@1871.com

Women-led fintech startups from across the U.S. can apply through May 11

Guest Author: Travis Claytor, President & Owner, TC Strategic Communications

It’s safe to say that although we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the way that we operate and how we accomplish even the simplest of tasks has been forever changed. Our lives are changing, business is evolving, and the way we connect with people across the globe will never be the same. Most people are working from home, balancing a crazy schedule as personal and professional lines blur.

On Tuesday, March 17th, 1871 hosted its first-ever virtual Policy Forum powered by the Kauffman Foundation. The topic of this Forum was the role of STEM education in building a diverse future workforce. We brought together a panel of leaders with varying perspectives on the education system including: