Future Founders

Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded leaders. Our programs immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful and equipped as they engage the future. Since 2005, we have served over 44,000 youth, and our national 18 to 30-year-old founders have generated $325M in revenue and created 1,700 jobs.

Future Founders was created to foster inclusion in the entrepreneurial community and to seed more diverse founders into the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organization was established in 2011 through the merger of two programs: one created by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (which now runs 1871) in 2005 and another created by Uptake Technologies Founder & Executive Chairman Brad Keywell. For our middle and high school students, Future Founders provides the first meaningful experience with entrepreneurship. And for our 18 to 30-year-olds, Future Founders offers the validation, skill-building, and network young founders need to start and grow profitable businesses. Join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.