Tech roundup: 1871 announces second WiSTEM class, Techweek transitions, & more

by Andreas Rekdal
March 10, 2016

1871 announces second class in WiSTEM program

1871’s WiSTEM initiative — a 16-week curriculum program that connects woman-led businesses to capital, media, and advisory resources — announced the 13 member companies of its second class this week. The list includes a publisher of digital children’s books with emphasis on diversity, a networking wearables company and an app that improves the museum experience — to mention a few.
 

Morningstar CEO donates $35M for UChicago urban institute

On Wednesday, the University of Chicago announced its plan for the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation — a center for the study of the unique challenges urbanization poses in fields like healthcare, housing and violence prevention. The institute is named for

CEO Joe Mansueto and his wife, Rika, who donated $35 million for the project. [Chicago Tribune]
 

Techweek to become benefit corporation, hires new CEO

On Wednesday morning,

announced its intention to transition into a public benefit corporation. The company also announced that Amanda Signorelli will take over as its new CEO, with departing CEO Katy Lynch staying on as chair of the company’s Chicago Executive Advisory Board. In the statement, Lynch said she is starting a new company in the edtech space.
 

Applications open for Women Mentoring Co-op

The Chicago Innovation Awards Women Mentoring Co-op is now taking applications. The co-op consists of over 20 mentors from Chicago’s business community including co-founder and president Shradha Agarwal and

Where you work...and play: Situated in the heart of Chicago and convenient to major mass transit hubs.
founder and CEO Taliah Mashiach (see infographic for more names). The program is taking applications until March 28.
 

Tovala announces Y Combinator backing

We have a large, open-plan office in the West Loop but we're a flexible, hybrid workplace so you can determine with your manager and team how often to come in.
— the Chicago company behind “the Keurig for food,” announced on Tuesday it is part of Y Combinator’s class of 2016. The company also launched a Kickstarter campaign, which reached its target goal of $100,000 in less than a day. [Built In Chicago]
 

cleverbridge co-founder named Illini of the Year

We have swanky penthouse digs in River North, just blocks from both Merchandise Mart and Grand station. Plus plenty of places to grab lunch or a beer!
co-founder Craig W. Vodnik was named one of three recipients of the University of Illinois’ “Chicago Illini of the Year Award.” Vodnik received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the university in 1992, and has since become a leader in the Chicago tech community. The Illini of the Year award has been presented to alumni who make major contributions to the Chicago community annually since 1997.
 

Where to find Chicago companies at SXSW

Chicago companies are invading Austin for SXSW. In case you’re going, here’s where and when to find them.

Images via Shutterstock and listed companies.

Have a tip for us or know of a company that deserves coverage? Shoot us an email or follow us on Twitter @BuiltInChicago.

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