Top 10 Tech Companies In Chicago To Watch

Quick Links :

Chicago, also known as the Windy City, is home to a thriving tech industry. From startups to established companies, the city has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. In recent years, Chicago has seen significant growth in the tech sector, with many companies making a name for themselves in the industry. Here are the top 10 tech companies in Chicago to watch:

1. Groupon

Groupon is a pioneer in the daily deals space and one of the most successful tech companies in Chicago. Founded in 2008, the company has grown exponentially, offering discounts on everything from restaurants to spas. With over 50 million subscribers, Groupon has become a household name.

How Groupon Works

Groupon's business model is simple yet effective. The company partners with local businesses to offer exclusive deals to its subscribers. Users can browse deals by category or location, and purchase vouchers online. Groupon takes a commission on each sale, providing a revenue stream for the company.

2. Braintree

Braintree is a payment gateway company that provides online payment solutions to businesses. Founded in 2007, the company has grown rapidly, processing over $10 billion in payments annually. Braintree was acquired by PayPal in 2013 for $800 million.

How Braintree Works

Braintree's payment gateway allows businesses to accept online payments securely and efficiently. The company provides a suite of tools, including payment processing, recurring billing, and subscription management. Braintree's platform is scalable, making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes.

3. Grubhub

Grubhub is a food delivery and ordering platform that connects users with local restaurants. Founded in 2004, the company has grown rapidly, expanding to over 1,000 cities across the United States. Grubhub went public in 2014, raising $192 million in its initial public offering.

How Grubhub Works

Grubhub's platform allows users to browse local restaurants, view menus, and place orders online. The company partners with restaurants to provide a seamless delivery experience. Grubhub generates revenue through commission-based sales and advertising.

4. HomeChef

HomeChef is a meal kit delivery service that provides users with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes. Founded in 2013, the company has grown rapidly, offering over 40 menu options per week. HomeChef was acquired by Kroger in 2018 for $700 million.

How HomeChef Works

HomeChef's platform allows users to select meal plans and recipes online. The company ships pre-portioned ingredients and cooking instructions to users' homes. HomeChef generates revenue through subscription-based sales.

5. Trunk Club

Trunk Club is a personalized clothing and accessories delivery service for men. Founded in 2009, the company has grown rapidly, offering over 100 brands and 10,000 products. Trunk Club was acquired by Nordstrom in 2014 for $350 million.

How Trunk Club Works

Trunk Club's platform allows users to create a personalized profile, including style preferences and clothing sizes. The company's stylists curate a selection of clothing and accessories, which are shipped to users' homes. Trunk Club generates revenue through commission-based sales.

6. SMS Assist

SMS Assist is a cloud-based property management platform that provides solutions for multi-site properties. Founded in 2003, the company has grown rapidly, serving over 140,000 locations across the United States.

How SMS Assist Works

SMS Assist's platform provides a suite of tools, including work order management, vendor management, and analytics. The company's platform is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for property managers.

7. Avant

Avant is a digital lending platform that provides personal loans to consumers. Founded in 2012, the company has grown rapidly, issuing over $4 billion in loans. Avant has raised over $650 million in funding from investors.

How Avant Works

Avant's platform uses machine learning algorithms to assess creditworthiness and provide loan offers to consumers. The company's platform is designed to provide fast and efficient access to credit.

8. Snapsheet

Snapsheet is a claims management platform that provides solutions for insurance companies. Founded in 2010, the company has grown rapidly, serving over 100 insurance carriers across the United States.

How Snapsheet Works

Snapsheet's platform provides a suite of tools, including claims processing, estimation, and management. The company's platform is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for insurance companies.

9. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a social media management platform that provides solutions for businesses. Founded in 2010, the company has grown rapidly, serving over 20,000 customers across the United States.

How Sprout Social Works

Sprout Social's platform provides a suite of tools, including social media monitoring, publishing, and analytics. The company's platform is designed to help businesses manage their social media presence and engage with customers.

10. Raise

Raise is a gift card marketplace that allows users to buy, sell, and trade gift cards. Founded in 2013, the company has grown rapidly, offering over 1 million gift cards from over 4,000 brands.

How Raise Works

Raise's platform allows users to browse and purchase gift cards at discounted prices. The company also provides a platform for users to sell their unwanted gift cards. Raise generates revenue through commission-based sales.

Chicago's tech industry is thriving, with many companies making a name for themselves in the industry. From Groupon to Raise, these top 10 tech companies in Chicago are worth watching in the coming years.

Gallery of Chicago Tech Companies