The auditorium was filled October 9 for what has become one of of 1871’s signature events -- the WiSTEM Showcase. Thirteen women-led companies took the stage to pitch their businesses and showcase their success after 12 weeks of intense workshops, mentorship and programming.

It was appropriate the 3rd annual Chicago TIMMY Awards were held on a day of record breaking heat. Some of Chicago’s hottest, most talented and innovative companies gathered for the Tech in Motion TIMMY Awards at 1871 September 22, packing an energetic Auditorium. The awards recognize the best places for tech professionals to work in Chicago -- from companies that excel at embracing diversity to businesses with visionary leaders.

On September 13, more than 300 human resources professionals and business leaders gathered at 1871 to witness disruption in motion. DisruptHR Chicago, a non-profit organization which aims to disrupt the human resources event industry and help reimagine the HR function, brought together some of the boldest and most imaginative minds to the stage for a rapid-fire, ignite-style evening of stimulating presentations that challenged the tired and outdated practices HR professionals face on a daily basis.

“The Open Internet exists today, and it is under attack.” That was the dire message Tom Wheeler, former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, had for the audience of the Benton Foundation hosted event at 1871 on September 18.

Intimidated by a term sheet? Scratching your head on SAFE versus convertible notes? Don’t even know where to start when it comes to approaching an investor? It’s not uncommon for bootstrapped startups to be a little lost when it comes to the concept of asking for funding, but luckily, Hyde Park Angels is willing to share their wisdom.

Hundreds gathered at 1871 on August 30th for the second 1871/Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Joint Incubator Showcase, where 13 Latinx-led startups pitched their businesses and celebrated completing an intense 12 week program of mentorship, workshops and support from the greater entrepreneurial community. 

If there were a looking-glass that showed Chicago’s future, it would have been on stage August 16 at 1871. Digi.City Connect -- a multi-city series of discussions with lawmakers, government officials, technologists and corporations -- made a stop in Chicago to discuss the social and economic impact of smart city technologies with several local experts.

1871 held its latest quarterly Fintech Forum, in partnership with Capco, to showcase thought leaders in the fintech space and increase the interactions between startups and corporate partners in this critical and rapidly expanding area. Read on for a few key takeaways and some cybersecurity tips from our experts.

On August 9, 1871 joined more than 75 tech hubs around the world in partnership with 1776 for the Challenge Cup, a global pitching competition where startups pitch world-changing ideas to solve meaningful problems.

There are plenty of challenges and roadblocks faced by entrepreneurs, but five Chicago area startups are proving age isn’t one of them. Meet five of the city's brightest and most promising entrepreneurs and discover how they're shaping the future and leading the way for young businessmen and women everywhere.