Rachael Feuerborn

About Rachael Feuerborn

I build systems that turn ambitious, mission-driven visions into real-world impact. As Chief Product Officer at 1871 — Chicago’s largest innovation hub — I architect and scale innovation engines that enable founders, capital providers, and strategic partners to turn ideas into impact across sectors.Over a decade, I’ve designed and launched proprietary frameworks and platforms — including a venture-building startup roadmap used by 1,500+ companies — and led innovation programs that align diverse stakeholders, deepen collaboration, and advance equity in opportunity. I partner with capital partners and corporate innovation teams to source, vet, and advance emerging ventures, and I’ve run competitive pitch processes where founders connect directly with investors and grant makers.I lead teams to connect strategy and execution, drive learning cycles with data, and build systems that scale. I regularly communicate big vision and measurable results to boards, funders, and ecosystem leaders. I’m passionate about work that moves beyond ideas to create durable mechanisms for positive change.In a previous life, I worked an office job during the day and dreamed of something bigger at night. Therefore, I decided to pursue a JD/MBA from Northwestern University and fell in love with tech startups shortly after. I stepped into 1871, Chicago\'s hub for tech startups, for the first time in August of 2014 and have been passionate about helping entrepreneurs get out of their own way ever since. In my spare time, I shamelessly tinker with AI, read and learn as much as I can in between my weekend cook-a-thons, world travels, and new ventures into parenthood.

Experience

1. Chief Product Officer

   1871

   Jan 2022 — Present

   I build content and connections to support those with big visions to make a big impact.I\'m currently the Chief Product Officer of 1871, the largest tech hub in the Midwest with over 1500 members.

Education

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  BA, Dual Degree in Business & International Studies

• Northwestern University

  JD/MBA, Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurial Law

Skills

• Big Data Analytics
• New Venture Development
• Event Management
• Import/Export Operations
• Operational Efficiency
• Supply Chain
• Digital Marketing
• Customer Service
• Design Research
• Goal Oriented
• R
• Transactional Law
• Ear
• Strategic Leadership
• Negotiation
• Search Engine Marketing (Sem)
• Entrepreneurial Law
• Inco Terms
• Marketing Strategy
• Success Driven
• Trade Compliance
• Rapid Prototyping
• Tableau
• Itar
• Innovation
• Operations Management
• Competitive
• Account Management
• International Trade
• Lean Startup
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• C-Tpat
• Export
• Speed Reading
• Google Adwords
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Google Analytics
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Customs Regulations
• Multitasking Skills