A dozen Chicago companies were just named to a new tech accelerator program based in 1871.
1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday the 12 companies in its first ever accelerator for Hispanic-owned businesses. The 12-week program will provide the companies with educational programming, tech support and other resources toward growing their business and raising funding. They'll also have access to 1871 mentors and content designed specifically for their businesses, 1871 said.
“The incubator will provide the participating businesses and entrepreneurs opportunities to learn, connect and and collaborate with each other, fulfilling IHCC’s mission to help grow companies that will create transformational social change and sustainable economic impact in the future," Omar Duque, President and CEO of IHCC, said in a statement.
Here are the 12 companies:
Women In Comedy: A non-profit organization and platform to empower women in comedy and connect women in the industry.
Paladin: A startup that connects lawyers to pro-bono cases they’re passionate about. Lawyers receive emails with cases matched specifically to their skills, interests and availability.
Licentiam: A healthcare tech platform that connects health professionals, health-systems and government regulators through easy to use communication technology tools.
Fluxee: A virtual reality tool for real estate brokers to engage and connect with likely buyers. By uploading pictures to Fluxee, users can create shareable virtual scenes of a selected property.
Game Seed Inc: An eSports company that's building the first ever eSports Academy for eSport student athletes.
collaborate.biz: A network to help find other businesses that are actively looking for partners, and increasing your referral network by getting introduced to new customers.
Tandlr: A platform that matches students to tutors. The startup allows students to find tutors who can help with college courses or test prep, and meetings can take place face-to-face or online.
Menta TV: This "Kickstarter for branded entertainment" startup connects brands and content and allows brands invest in exchange for sponsorships and/or product placements.
PyroWeb: A company that makes it quicker and cheaper way to be fire code compliant. It allows you order and schedule fire equipment services online or buy fire equipment approved by the city and state.
Tripmate: A travel startup that lets you discover trips made by locals and enjoy with them. The site helps you plan your trip and enjoy your time using its advice and tips.
EngineeringPeople: A company that connects engineers with companies that are hiring. It's a tool for recruiters, job-seeking engineers and the engineering community that brings thousands of qualified engineers in contact with top companies.
VestLo: An equity crowdfunding portal for businesses and investors in Illinois. It lists local investment opportunities and enables investors to purchase an equity or debt stake in those companies.
