MATTER: price, who can join and alternatives
MATTER is a healthcare startup hub at the Merchandise Mart that supports startups at all stages with memberships, accelerator programmes and events. Its Flex membership is free, while Select, at $400 a month (currency not named), adds personalised mentorship and hands-on support. In October 2026 it launched Groundwork, an 11-week programme for early healthcare founders that ends with an in-person showcase in Chicago.
MATTER at a glance
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Healthcare startups at all stages of growth | matter.health |
| Where | 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228 | matter.health |
| Recent activity | Launched the Groundwork programme on 15 October 2026 | matter.health |
| Groundwork | 11 weeks of virtual learning ending with an in-person showcase at MATTER in Chicago | matter.health |
| Price (Select) | Select membership, with personalised mentorship and hands-on support, is $400 a month (currency not named) | matter.health |
| Price (Flex) | Flex membership for idea-stage founders is free | matter.health |
| Events | Large events, forums and workshops | matter.health |
| Accelerator | Paratus digital health accelerator ran from May to July 2026 | matter.health |
| Track record | Says it has supported 1,000+ startups since 2015 | matter.health |
Who it suits
- Healthcare founders who want personalised mentorship
- Idea-stage healthcare founders who want a free membership first
- Early healthcare founders looking for a structured programme
Who it doesn't suit
- Founders outside healthcare
- Anyone wanting a casual peer meetup
- Founders who need fully free in-person support, since Select is paid
Alternatives to MATTER
| Community | Price | Entry rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Million Cups Chicago | Not published | Open; register on Luma, apply to present |
| 1871 | Individual $200 a month or $2000 a year (currency not named) | Fill out an application form |
| Chicago Founders Club | Free | Open; register on Sweatpals |
| Chicago Indie Hackers | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| Chicago Startup Events | Not published | Varies; dinner seats need host approval |
| Chicago Women Visionary Entrepreneurs | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| Founder's Therapy Chicago | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| LaFamilia Chicago | Pay what you want; $25 suggested at its October 2026 event (currency not named) | Request to join each event; some by application |
Compare all 471 founder communities, each row dated.
Questions about MATTER
- How much is MATTER membership?
- Flex is free and Select is $400 a month (currency not named).
- Where is MATTER?
- 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, Chicago.
- What is Groundwork?
- An 11-week programme for early healthcare founders, launched on 15 October 2026, ending with an in-person showcase at MATTER in Chicago.
- Website
- matter.health
- Price
- Flex free; Select $400 a month (currency not named)
- Entry rule
- Sign up for Flex; apply for Select
- Format
- Healthcare startup hub with memberships, accelerator programmes and events
- Checked
MATTER isn't connected to Remote Builders. Prices and entry rules change, so check matter.health before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.