Upcoming for Founders
AUG 20: Grassroots Tech Community Meetup
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
A casual networking event connecting founders, technologists, students, investors, and product builders to build relationships, exchange ideas, and discover collaborators across Chicago's technology ecosystem.
FOUNDER ECOSYSTEM
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
A virtual information session introducing founders to 1871's Startup Roadmap Cohorts, covering the application process, program structure, and support available for startups building and launching their ventures.
Stage 2: Solution Shaping
AUG 26: Jumpstart Demo Day 2026
AUG 26: Startup Roadmap: Cohort Info Session
AUG 26: Jumpstart Demo Day 2026
A demo day showcasing early-stage Northwestern student startups as they pitch to students, faculty, mentors, partners, and judges for non-dilutive funding.
Stage 3: First Traction
STAGES 0-1
Understand the problem, identify who experiences it, and gather evidence that the need is real and worth solving.
STAGES 2-3
Shape and test the solution with real customers. Build evidence through usage, feedback, revenue, and repeatable traction.
STAGE 4
Strengthen the systems, economics, team, and growth engine needed to scale what has already been proven.
