Chicago Launches First Bitcoin and Blockchain Startup Incubator

A group of Chicago entrepreneurs and investors have come together to launch the city’s first incubator for bitcoin and blockchain startups.

The opening ceremony was held at Chicago’s 1871 Entrepreneur Center, which is home to 325 early-stage digital currency companies. The newly launched incubator will provide blockchain startups with a collaborative space, job mentoring, public relations, and government relations services.

Matthew Roszak, co-founder of the Chicago Bitcoin Center and venture capital firm Tally Capital, said in a statement:

“Chicago itself has a rich history of financial technology development, and blockchain has the potential to promote innovation in Chicago’s Internet financial technology.”

The new chain incubator brings together blockchain company Bloq, digital currency service provider Glidera, bitcoin ATM operator Red Leaf, and bitcoin remittance company Oasiscoin.

The center’s advisory board includes prominent entrepreneur and Tally Capital co-founder Andrew Filipowski, DRW Trading founder and CEO Don Wilson, Bitcoin Core developer Jeff Garzik, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers consulting services director Luke Sully.

1871 Entrepreneur Center also announced that it will accept Bitcoin payments, allowing tenants to pay rent using digital currency.

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