1871 WELCOMES GERMAN
AMBASSADOR TO THE
UNITED STATES PETER WITTIG
Ambassador Wittig tours
1871, meets with several early-stage technology companies
CHICAGO (January 30, 2015)—1871 CEO Howard A. Tullman welcomed
German Ambassador to the United States Peter Wittig to 1871 yesterday to showcase
Chicago’s technology and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ambassador Wittig toured
1871’s 75,000 square foot facility before meeting with several 1871 startups
from a variety of industries.
“We are excited to welcome Ambassador Wittig as he
experiences Chicago’s unique startup environment,” said 1871 CEO Howard A.
Tullman. “Cities like Chicago and Berlin are leading the way in supporting entrepreneurs
who are creating successful, sustainable businesses, and these new businesses are
making important social and economic contributions on a global scale. It is a
great pleasure to showcase the exciting things happening at 1871 and we are
hopeful this visit leads to increased partnership opportunities.”
“Working out of 1871 provides access not only to a
productive community of like-minded international entrepreneurs, but also to a
significant set of resources that have helped our company succeed,” said
Gerhard Boiciuc, VP Business Development for 1871 member company Parknav, one
of the companies that met with Ambassador Wittig. “From meeting with top
technology companies to discussing our business with foreign dignitaries, 1871
continues to provide amazing support and great opportunities to further develop
and grow our business.”
Since
its opening, 1871 has
hosted thousands of foreign dignitaries and entrepreneurs seeking to explore
the entrepreneurial and technology industries in Chicago. 1871 has in its history hosted Ambassadors from Colombia, Mexico and
Morocco, and recently co-hosted an event in Toronto with the U.S. Ambassador
to Canada Bruce Heyman. In June of 2014, 1871 hosted twelve international
startups for the US Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science and
Technology Initiative (GIST), and more recently hosted groups of companies from
Colombia and Turkey that are interested in expanding to the United States.
1871 also has formalized
agreements with incubators and co-working spaces in London, Tel Aviv and Mexico
City. This international involvement not only highlights
Chicago’s growing ecosystem for digital entrepreneurs, but also provides 1871
members with an expanding set of tools and resources so that they can remain
globally competitive as they develop their businesses.
About 1871
1871 is the home of more
than 325 early-stage, high-growth startups. Located in The Merchandise Mart,
this 75,000 square foot facility is also the headquarters of nationally
recognized accelerators, Techstars Chicago and Impact Engine; half a dozen
industry-specific incubators in key areas such as real estate, education
technology and the Internet of Everything; several emerging tech talent schools
(The Starter League and the Startup Institute), and the state's leading
technology advocate, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. It is the
second home to Chicago-based VCs, Pritzker Group, MATH Ventures, Hyde Park
Angels, OurCrowd and Chicago Ventures, as well as satellite offices for
Northwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Chicago,
Illinois Institute of Technology, Loyola and DeVry. 1871 has fast become recognized as
the hub for the city’s entrepreneurial/technology ecosystem and has been
featured in TechCrunch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune
and Crain’s Chicago Business among other top media.
