Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is home to a thriving tech industry. While big names like Google and Microsoft have a presence in the city, there are many small tech companies that are making a name for themselves in the industry. Here are the top 10 small tech companies in Chicago to watch:
The city's vibrant tech scene is supported by a number of factors, including a strong talent pool, a growing number of incubators and accelerators, and a business-friendly environment. Chicago is also home to a number of top-ranked universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which provide a steady stream of talented engineers and entrepreneurs.
One of the key advantages of Chicago's tech scene is its diversity. The city is home to a wide range of tech companies, from startups working on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, to more established companies that are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries.
Why Chicago is a Great Place for Tech Companies
Chicago's tech scene is booming, and it's easy to see why. The city offers a unique combination of benefits that make it an attractive location for tech companies. Here are just a few reasons why Chicago is a great place for tech companies:
- Talent pool: Chicago is home to a number of top-ranked universities, which provide a steady stream of talented engineers and entrepreneurs.
- Business-friendly environment: Chicago has a business-friendly environment, with a number of programs and initiatives in place to support startups and small businesses.
- Diverse economy: Chicago has a diverse economy, with a wide range of industries represented. This diversity provides a number of opportunities for tech companies to partner with other businesses and organizations.
- Affordable cost of living: Compared to other major tech hubs, Chicago has a relatively affordable cost of living. This makes it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and startups who are looking to stretch their dollars further.
1. Kin Insurance
Kin Insurance is a small tech company that is working to disrupt the insurance industry. The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized insurance quotes to homeowners. Kin Insurance has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to insurance, including being named one of the top 10 most innovative companies in insurance by Fast Company.
2. Avant
Avant is a fintech company that provides personal loans to individuals. The company uses machine learning and data analytics to provide personalized loan offers to its customers. Avant has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to lending, including being named one of the top 10 most innovative companies in finance by Fast Company.
3. ShipBob
ShipBob is a small tech company that is working to disrupt the logistics industry. The company provides a platform for e-commerce businesses to manage their shipping and logistics. ShipBob has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to logistics, including being named one of the top 10 most innovative companies in logistics by Fast Company.
4. ParkWhiz
ParkWhiz is a small tech company that is working to disrupt the parking industry. The company provides a platform for drivers to find and book parking in advance. ParkWhiz has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to parking, including being named one of the top 10 most innovative companies in transportation by Fast Company.
5. VillageMD
VillageMD is a small tech company that is working to disrupt the healthcare industry. The company provides a platform for primary care physicians to manage their practices. VillageMD has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to healthcare, including being named one of the top 10 most innovative companies in healthcare by Fast Company.
Additional Companies to Watch
In addition to the companies listed above, there are a number of other small tech companies in Chicago that are worth watching. Here are a few additional companies to keep an eye on:
6. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a small tech company that provides a platform for businesses to manage their social media presence. The company has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to social media management.
7. G2 Crowd
G2 Crowd is a small tech company that provides a platform for businesses to research and review software products. The company has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to software research.
8. raise
raise is a small tech company that provides a platform for businesses to manage their employee rewards and recognition programs. The company has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to employee rewards.
9. Tango
Tango is a small tech company that provides a platform for businesses to manage their facilities and assets. The company has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to facilities management.
10. UiPath
UiPath is a small tech company that provides a platform for businesses to automate their processes. The company has received a number of awards and recognition for its innovative approach to automation.
Conclusion
Chicago is a great place for small tech companies to grow and thrive. With a strong talent pool, a growing number of incubators and accelerators, and a business-friendly environment, the city provides a number of opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. The companies listed above are just a few examples of the many small tech companies in Chicago that are making a name for themselves in the industry.
FAQs
What is the tech industry like in Chicago?
+Chicago has a thriving tech industry, with a number of startups and small businesses working on cutting-edge technologies.
What are some of the benefits of starting a tech company in Chicago?
+Chicago offers a number of benefits for tech companies, including a strong talent pool, a growing number of incubators and accelerators, and a business-friendly environment.
What are some of the most innovative tech companies in Chicago?
+Some of the most innovative tech companies in Chicago include Kin Insurance, Avant, and ShipBob.