Chicago Bitcoin Centre opened, aiming to provide hub for blockchain innovation
A group of Chicago investors have opened the Chicago Bitcoin Centre, which aims to "foster a new wave of technological innovation on the blockchain", echoing a similar project set up in New York last year. Companies operating in the centre will gain office space, mentorship from bitcoin entrepreneurs, technologists and investors, and an offering of public relations and government affairs services.
A collective of Chicago-based entrepreneurs and investors have opened an incubator for bitcoin- and blockchain-focused startups.

Based at 1871, the city's hub for digital startups, the Chicago Bitcoin Center promises to "foster a new wave of technological innovation on the blockchain". A similar operation launched in New York last year.



Firms joining the centre will get office space, access to mentorship from bitcoin entrepreneurs, technologists and investors, and a full suite of public relations and government affairs services.



"Chicago has a rich history and DNA in financial technology, and the blockchain has the potential to provide a new, open-source rail for FinTech innovation,” says Matthew Roszak, CEO of the new centre and a founding partner of Tally Capital.



The first set of incubator startups includes Bloq, a blockchain technology company; Glidera, a digital currency merchant services provider; Red Leaf, a bitcoin ATM operator; and OasisCoin, a bitcoin remittance provider.



Meanwhile, 1871, which houses some 325 early-stage digital companies, is promising to promote the use of bitcoin, in part by letting members pay their rent in the cryptocurrency.