Currency Ah Chicago. We at FintekNews have very deep roots in the financial and media community in the Windy City so anytime we see a worthy project 'up' there we just have to bring our readers attention to it. So, fintech startups are going to get a new resource to kick some exciting innovation into high gear. Its a project called Currency and it aims to help "newbies" better navigate regulations (ever changing) and connect with corporate partners. Based on years of experience on all the exchanges I can certainly attest to that's how Chicago works. Good luck.

(Bill Taylor/CEO)

"Financial technology startups in Chicago will get a new resource — and maybe a home — through an initiative announced by a nonprofit group Wednesday.

It's a project called Currency, led by the team that runs industry association FinTEx Chicago.

Currency's partners will share online resources and offer in-person programming that could help fintech startups better understand the regulatory environment and connect with corporate partners, said Jason Henrichs, co-founder of FinTEx Chicago.

The nonprofit initiative plans to launch June 1 with a space in WeWork's 20 W. Kinzie St. office, Henrichs said. The announcement came Wednesday, in the midst of a series of conferences and events for Fintech Week Chicago.

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Currency is separate from the fintech hub that Mark Tebbe ?, chairman of World Business Chicago tech council ChicagoNext, announced plans for last year.

Tebbe told Blue Sky Wednesday that project, which would be similar to 1871 or Matter, is still alive, but its format hinges on finding the right space and assessing the needs of the fintech community. He and Henrichs said that hub, if it comes to be, would be a natural home for Currency in the future.

Currency will be a sort of gathering place for fintech startups, academics, regulators and established firms in Chicago, Henrichs said. Some startups will be able to rent some of its 32-desk space. Non-resident startups will pay annual membership fees based on their revenue. All members' admission will be decided on a rolling basis by an advisory group..."

Source: ChicagoTribune