Since its founding in 2016, the Latinx Incubator from 1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has worked to increase the number of Latinx tech entrepreneurs in Chicago.
The 12-week program recruits entrepreneurs of Hispanic backgrounds and helps them craft their business ideas into sustainable startups. The program also aims to expose Latinx founders to venture capital opportunities. Data shows that Latinx entrepreneurs receive significantly less VC funding than their white counterparts, and the statistics are even worse for female Latinx entrepreneurs.
Since the program’s inception, it has graduated 72 startups, which have gone on to raise more than $6.5 million in capital and create nearly 200 jobs, according to its website.
Its sixth and latest cohort of entrepreneurs pitched their startups during a demo day at 1871 this week. The nine companies hailed from a range of industries, including healthcare, finance and hospitality.
Attendees include entrepreneurs’ friends and family, 1871 members, investors and Chicago’s tech community at large.
Meet the nine startups below:
BAGLí: The startup is building a platform for travelers to find convenient and short-term luggage storage centers in cities across the country. BAGLí’s co-founder and CEO Ifeanyi Charles said the service launches Dec. 20.
ConnectCareHero: This social activity management platform helps nursing home staff free up their time, and connects families and seniors in real-time with an easy-to-use app using pictures and videos.
Hear Space: This mobile app connects users struggling with mental health conditions to other people enduring similar experiences. The app uses matchmaking technology to make connections, and provides them other resources for managing their day-to-day feelings.
LiveEquipd: The startup empowers people with paralysis-related disabilities and life needs to navigate the equipment and supplies they need to treat their condition. LiveEquipd also helps health professionals better treat paralysis patients.
MadreCare: The maternal health SaaS startup helps new mothers identify postpartum symptoms, and receive care and support from both other mothers and healthcare providers.
OjaExpress: This same-day grocery delivery platform provides easy and convenient access to hard-to-find foods from global cultures and cuisines.
PagoPay: PagoPay is an electronic money transfer platform that allows users to send money abroad and domestically between and within the U.S. and Ecuador.
Pulse: This dating app allows users to meet inside a specific location. For example, if a user is at a concert, conference or bar, they can view other profiles within the vicinity and match with someone instantly to then meet in person.
Ticket Falcon: The startup operates an online event management and ticketing platform that provides instant payouts to hosts.
