The city of Chicago is rapidly becoming a hub for technology and innovation, with a thriving startup scene and a growing number of established tech companies. From artificial intelligence to healthcare technology, Chicago is home to a diverse range of companies that are making a significant impact in their respective industries. Here are the top 10 Chicago tech companies to watch:
Chicago's Thriving Tech Scene
Before we dive into the top 10 Chicago tech companies, it's worth taking a closer look at the city's tech scene as a whole. Chicago is home to a number of accelerators, incubators, and coworking spaces, providing a supportive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs. The city is also home to a number of top-ranked universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which provide a steady pipeline of talented engineers and developers.
Additionally, Chicago has a number of organizations dedicated to promoting the city's tech industry, including the Chicago Tech Association and the Illinois Technology Association. These organizations provide a range of resources and support for tech companies, including networking events, mentorship programs, and advocacy efforts.
Top 10 Chicago Tech Companies
Now that we've taken a closer look at Chicago's tech scene, let's dive into the top 10 Chicago tech companies to watch. These companies are making a significant impact in their respective industries and are helping to put Chicago on the map as a major tech hub.
1. Groupon
Groupon is a Chicago-based e-commerce company that specializes in local deals and discounts. Founded in 2008, Groupon has grown rapidly and is now one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. With over 50 million active customers and a presence in over 500 cities worldwide, Groupon is a major player in the e-commerce space.
2. Braintree
Braintree is a Chicago-based payment gateway company that was acquired by PayPal in 2013. Braintree provides a range of payment solutions for online businesses, including credit card processing and online invoicing. With clients including Airbnb and Uber, Braintree is a major player in the payments space.
3. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a Chicago-based social media management company that provides a range of tools and services for businesses. Founded in 2010, Sprout Social has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading social media management companies in the world. With clients including McDonald's and Nike, Sprout Social is a major player in the social media space.
4. Avant
Avant is a Chicago-based financial technology company that provides a range of financial services, including personal loans and credit cards. Founded in 2012, Avant has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading financial technology companies in the world. With over 1 million customers and a valuation of over $2 billion, Avant is a major player in the fintech space.
5. SpotHero
SpotHero is a Chicago-based parking reservation company that provides a range of parking solutions for drivers. Founded in 2011, SpotHero has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading parking reservation companies in the world. With over 5,000 parking locations and a presence in over 300 cities, SpotHero is a major player in the parking space.
6. Jellyvision
Jellyvision is a Chicago-based software company that provides a range of interactive software solutions for businesses. Founded in 2001, Jellyvision has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading software companies in the world. With clients including NASA and the US Army, Jellyvision is a major player in the software space.
7. Fieldglass
Fieldglass is a Chicago-based software company that provides a range of procurement and supply chain management solutions for businesses. Founded in 1999, Fieldglass has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading procurement and supply chain management companies in the world. With clients including Johnson & Johnson and Cisco Systems, Fieldglass is a major player in the procurement space.
8. Peapod
Peapod is a Chicago-based e-commerce company that specializes in online grocery shopping. Founded in 1989, Peapod has grown rapidly and is now one of the largest online grocery shopping companies in the world. With over 100,000 active customers and a presence in over 20 states, Peapod is a major player in the e-commerce space.
9. Trunk Club
Trunk Club is a Chicago-based e-commerce company that specializes in personalized clothing and accessories for men. Founded in 2009, Trunk Club has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading e-commerce companies in the world. With over 1 million active customers and a presence in over 20 states, Trunk Club is a major player in the e-commerce space.
10. Raise
Raise is a Chicago-based gift card marketplace that provides a range of gift card solutions for businesses and consumers. Founded in 2013, Raise has grown rapidly and is now one of the leading gift card marketplaces in the world. With over 1 million active customers and a presence in over 20 states, Raise is a major player in the gift card space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago is a thriving tech hub with a number of exciting companies making a significant impact in their respective industries. From Groupon to Raise, these companies are helping to put Chicago on the map as a major tech hub. Whether you're a entrepreneur looking to start a new business or an investor looking to invest in the next big thing, Chicago is definitely a city worth keeping an eye on.
What is the Chicago tech industry like?
+The Chicago tech industry is thriving, with a number of exciting companies making a significant impact in their respective industries. From e-commerce to fintech, Chicago is home to a diverse range of tech companies.
What are some of the top Chicago tech companies?
+Some of the top Chicago tech companies include Groupon, Braintree, Sprout Social, Avant, and SpotHero. These companies are making a significant impact in their respective industries and are helping to put Chicago on the map as a major tech hub.
What is the best way to get involved in the Chicago tech scene?
+There are a number of ways to get involved in the Chicago tech scene, including attending industry events, joining tech organizations, and networking with other entrepreneurs and investors. You can also consider starting your own business or investing in a Chicago-based tech company.