1871 Chicago, the largest business and technology incubator in North America, names AE Marketing Group a Member Company. Membership in Chicago’s premier business tech incubator is another step forward for our rapidly growing company, which in 2015 enjoyed its 20th consecutive quarter of profitability and was named a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business. AE Marketing Group is excited to announce our official move this week into 1871 Chicago, the city’s premier business tech incubator located inside the famed Merchandise Mart.
Through our CoCreation Lab Series™, we help companies connect with consumers to design the right mix of products, services and delivery models to improve customer experiences and revenue, and 1871 is an ideal home base for us to continue growing – and giving.
“Beyond our shared community missions, 1871’s entrepreneur mentality is a natural fit for us,” says Brian Walker, CEO of AE Marketing Group. “We see brand as a business function and digital at the intersection of technology and customer experience. And not only will the incubator help spur the development of AE’s Lab Series platforms, but it’s also a place for us to give back. As a founder myself, I understand what it’s like to bootstrap a startup and grow a company.”
At 1871, Walker has served as a mentor for The Bunker Labs, which provides education for military veteran entrepreneurs.
“We’re thrilled to have Brian and his team at AE Marketing Group join 1871,” says Todd Connor, CEO of The Bunker. “They have been a valuable resource for our community, both locally in Chicago and for The Bunker Lab in Wisconsin.”