News Releases

Select group of Chicago-based FinTech startups to participate in a three-month mentorship program 

CHICAGO, April 21, 2017 /CNW/ - BMO Harris Bank today announced a partnership with 1871 – a leading technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem which is currently home to nearly 500 high-growth digital startups in the Merchandise Mart – that will provide a select group of FinTech startups the opportunity to participate in a three-month mentorship program. 

The program, called BMO Harris/1871 FinTech Partnership, will provide six selected startups with:

• A three-month mentorship program with access to mentors and resources from BMO Harris Bank;
• A working space at 1871, a 140,000 square-foot pure innovation space; and
• The potential opportunity to pilot their technology with BMO Harris Bank.

"Innovation is crucial for any business to succeed in today's business environment," said Alexandra Dousmanis-Curtis, Group Head, U.S. Retail and Business Banking, BMO Harris Bank. "We're partnering with 1871 to present new enhancements to our industry with the opportunity to refine our capabilities for our current and prospective customers of tomorrow and beyond."

Fintech companies from across the Chicagoland area are invited to apply before May 15 for one of the six placements. After three months, all of the six startups will present their product to a panel of judges consisting of bank executives for a chance to share in the total cash prize of $50,000. The winners may also be given the opportunity to pilot their product with BMO Harris at the conclusion of the mentorship program.

BMO Harris Bank remains focused on building upon its strong digital foundation, and user experience continues to be a top priority. Recent launches – including Mobile Cash, which allows consumers to withdraw money from an ATM using their smartphone; People Pay, a peer-to-peer money transfer service for mobile app users, and digital wallets for select BMO Harris Bank credit and debit cards – reflect the bank's commitment to offering customers more intuitive digital experiences that allow them to bank in ways that suit their individual preferences.

"Chicago is a rich technology epicenter and 1871 has played a critical role in that transformation," said Darrel Hackett, President, BMO Wealth Management U.S. "Our mentorship program with 1871 will enable us to forge a strong working environment for startups to take advantage of and explore new ideas that resonate in the financial services industry and ultimately with our customers."

"1871's partnership with BMO Harris further enhances our offerings for FinTech startups in Chicago," said 1871 CEO Howard A. Tullman. "We look forward to welcoming the mentors and the startups to our space, and are excited to see the results of the program. The partnership is yet another example of 1871 connecting entrepreneurs to large corporations to accelerate innovation."

Applications to BMO Harris/1871 FinTech Partnership program are due by May 15, 2017. For more information, eligibility and to apply, visit http://1871.com/bmo-harris-1871-fintech-partnership-program/

About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and almost 1,400 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with approximately 1,500 branches, and CDN $692 billion in assets (as of January 31, 2017).

About 1871
1871 is the home of nearly 500 early-stage, high-growth digital startups and more than 1,500 members supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. Visit www.1871.com for more information. Located in a 140,000 square-foot space over three floors in The Merchandise Mart, 1871 has more than 400 current mentors available to its members, as well as more than 80 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and other organizations that make its extensive matrix of resources possible. For more on our partners, visit www.1871.com/partners, or become a partner by reaching out to contact@1871.com.

Media contacts:
Emily Penate, Chicago, Emily.Penate@bmo.com, (312) 461-7956

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank