Organization · Incubator
1871
1871 is a nonprofit innovation hub located in Chicago, Illinois, supporting technology entrepreneurs with resources and programs tailored for various stages of business development.
Overview
What 1871 does
What 1871 is
1871 is a nonprofit innovation hub located in Chicago, Illinois, supporting technology entrepreneurs with resources and programs tailored for various stages of business development.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and program host and community and event host and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Incubator
- Founded
- Founded in 2012
- Approximate age
- About 14 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Program host · Community · Event host · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
What Incubator means
An incubator is a support environment for turning a nascent idea or early company into a startup that is more ready for customers, funding, or an accelerator.
Open the glossary entryOfficial channels
Find 1871 elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
1871 as a funder
Investment thesis
1871 is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting technology startups through a variety of programs and resources tailored to different sectors.
Focus narrative
1871 focuses on supporting technology startups and entrepreneurs at various stages of development, including early-stage and growth-stage companies. It offers a range of programs and resources tailored to different sectors, including AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech, food tech, and more.
Value beyond capital
1871 provides a structured guide for startups, access to innovation labs, and programs for founders and tech leaders from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their growth and success.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Series B · Growth Equity
- Sectors
- Artificial IntelligenceFintechHealthcareClimate & SustainabilityFood & AgricultureInsurance TechnologyWeb3 & Blockchain
- Regions
- United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Not published
Portfolio and track record
Portfolio context
The organization has a diverse portfolio of member companies, including notable startups and innovators across various technology sectors. Specific names and descriptions of portfolio companies were not provided.
Capability profile
1871 as a program host
Program thesis
1871 is a nonprofit organization serving as a global innovation hub for technology entrepreneurs, providing resources, programs, and a community designed to support the growth of tech businesses.
Focus narrative
1871 focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector. It offers various programs and resources tailored to different stages of business development, including early-stage startups and growth-stage companies. The organization emphasizes sectors such as AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech, and more.
Availability
- Application state
- Not published
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Series A · Series B
- Regions
- United States
Capability profile
1871 as a community
Community overview
1871 is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It serves as a global innovation hub for entrepreneurs, providing resources and support to foster a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Community focus
1871 focuses on supporting technology startups and entrepreneurs at various stages of development, including early-stage and growth-stage companies. It offers a range of programs and resources tailored to different sectors, including AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech, food tech, and more.
Member value
Members gain access to a variety of resources, including structured programs, networking opportunities, and events designed to foster growth and innovation in the tech sector.
Membership
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- in-person
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Investors · Operators · Students
- Benefits
- network-access and mentorship
- Program types
- incubator and community
- Selection criteria
- open
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Series B
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Events and activity
1871 hosts a variety of events, including the Momentum Awards, International Women’s Day celebrations, a Career Fair, ScaleUp programs, Tech Challenges, Innovation Summits, and Pitch Competitions for various tech sectors.
Notable members
Key team members include Betsy Ziegler, CEO.
Capability profile
1871 as an event host
Event focus
1871 focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector. It offers various programs and resources tailored to different stages of business development, including early-stage startups and growth-stage companies. The organization emphasizes sectors such as AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech, and more.
Format narrative
1871 hosts a variety of events, including awards, summits, competitions, and fairs aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs and fostering community engagement.
Participant value
1871 provides resources, programs, and a community designed to support the growth of tech businesses, making it a vital hub for entrepreneurs.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- awards-ceremony, summit, pitch-night, and meetup
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Growth Equity
- Audience
- Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
- Regions
- United States
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Key team member Betsy Ziegler serves as the CEO of 1871.
Past editions
1871 has reported significant achievements, including the creation of over 14,500 jobs and raising $3.5 billion in venture capital.
Capability profile
1871 as a publisher
Editorial focus
1871 focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector. It offers various programs and resources tailored to different stages of business development, including early-stage startups and growth-stage companies. The organization emphasizes sectors such as AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech, and more.
Audience value
1871 provides resources, programs, and a community designed to support the growth of tech businesses, making it an essential hub for technology entrepreneurs.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- blog and video-series
- Primary platform
- YouTube
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
- Audience
- Founders
- Regions
- United States
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
1871 maintains a blog and a Member Spotlight Vlog on YouTube, showcasing the achievements and stories of its members.
Notable coverage
The organization has reported significant achievements, including the creation of over 14,500 jobs and raising $3.5 billion in venture capital.
Upcoming events
Events directly connected to 1871
Events appear only when the source contains a direct organization relationship. Each card opens on Luma.
Common questions
What to know about 1871
Upseed classifies 1871 under the Incubator organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, program host, community, event host, and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.