A U.S. Navy veteran of the Iraq War, Todd Connor launched an incubator for veteran entrepreneurs out of 1871 in October 2014. A month later, it expanded to seven other cities in North America.
“We’ve built a model that we’re replicating in other cities almost like a franchise to enable veterans to tap the veteran entrepreneurial community where they live,” he told Blue Sky.
Connor was named to the 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholars Program along with 61 other promising leaders from around the country.
He’s also co-founder of Flank 5 Academy, a professional-development incubator and coaching firm. His career includes stints as executive director of military programs for Chicago Public Schools and as a management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Connor earned his BA in American Studies from Northwestern University and his MBA from the University of Chicago.
Find him on social: @ToddConnor Todd Connor Todd Connor
Age: 40 •Website: bunkerincubator.com
More on Todd Connor
Chicago tech leaders come out swinging on Trump’s immigration ban – Jan. 30, 2017
Bunker Labs recruits veterans beyond Chicago with 12-city tour – May 13, 2016
Bunker in a Box to train veterans to be entrepreneurs– June 15, 2015
Fund Conference: Howard Tullman on time and the sharing economy – Oct. 7, 2015
2014: A big year in Chicago for exits, initiatives and Kristi Ross – Dec. 30, 2014
Rauner pledges support for incubators, U.S. veteran entrepreneurs – Nov. 10, 2014
Bunker CEO Todd Connor on veterans’ ‘distinctive and special’ shared experience – Oct. 28, 2014
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Todd Connor, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Navy veteran, speaks at an event at 1871.
(1871 / Oct. 14, 2014)
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Todd Connor is photographed at 1871.
(Andrew A. Nelles / for Blue Sky / Jan. 16, 2015)
