Music tech startups from across the country drawn to 2112, which now supports 75 companies

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and World Business Chicago (WBC) recently joined music and tech companies, and community members to celebrate the recent growth of 2112, Chicago’s incubator for music, film, and creative technology. Located within Fort Knox Studios, a 160,000-square-foot music rehearsal and recording facility for musicians on Chicago’s Northwest side, 2112 has become a hub for creative startups from across the country.

“Chicago has deep musical roots and a reputation for cultivating talented artists,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We look forward to 2112’s continued growth in supporting the next generation of Chicago’s artists. Whether we’re talking about education, finance or music technology, tapping into the true potential of Chicago means supporting the talent in Chicago.”

“This is one of the few places in the world with the proper resources and community to support the development of a startup in music technology,” said Scott Fetters, Director of 2112.

Since its inception a year ago, 2112 has added 75 member companies, and Fort Knox Studios has 1,500 people working out of the complex. In addition to co-working space and conference rooms, members have access to business mentors, investors, and educational programming. The facility includes 92 practice rooms, six recording studios, instrument repair services, and a fabrication shop for building out studio furniture, cabinetry, and sound proofing.

This month Mayor Emanuel joined Fort Knox and 2112 to open The Hangar, a 7,200 square-foot facility for film, video, and photo production. 2112 will also add a 30-seat classroom  along with a coding boot camp offered by Mobile Makers Academy, and a formal partnership with Iceland’s Music Export Office. National expansion is expected in the years ahead.

“2112 has built a comprehensive ecosystem that connects creative industry startups with community, education, capital, artists, and established businesses within Fort Knox Studios,” said World Business Chicago President & CEO Jeff Malehorn. “This provides music, film, and technology startups with industry relationships and real-time feedback to further develop their businesses and grow.”

The business incubator was created by Kent Nielsen and Dan Mahoney to unite Chicago’s music industry under one roof, while developing businesses at the intersection of music and technology. Music entrepreneurs and companies from across the country have flocked to 2112 for events like Who’s Who in Music Tech for the chance to introduce themselves to others in the industry, and several members have relocated or expanded from other cities to be a part of 2112.

For more information, visit 2112inc.com.