Chicago, the Windy City, is not only renowned for its deep-dish pizza and iconic architecture but also for its thriving startup ecosystem. With a rich pool of talent, a robust infrastructure, and a supportive business environment, Chicago has become an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. In this article, we will explore the top 25 startups that are making waves in Chicago's vibrant tech scene, revolutionizing industries, and attracting significant funding.

Startups in Chicago, IL

We've put together a list of some of the most promising and hottest startups in NYC.

• Spothero
• Tempus
• Uptake
• Raise
• ActiveCampaign
• Relativity Space
• Reverb
• 4C Insights
• Avant
• G2
• Relativity
• Cameo
• M1 Finance
• Grubhub
• Tovala
• Sprout Social
• ShipBob
• SMS Assist
• Built In
• HealthJoy
• BenchPrep
• Kin Insurance
• Textio
• FourKites
• Snapsheet 

Spothero‍

Location: New York, New York
Latest funding round: Series D - $50,000,000
Total raised funds: $117,600,000~
Industries: Mobility and Parking Solutions

SpotHero is revolutionizing the way people park in urban areas. Its user-friendly mobile app allows drivers to find and reserve parking spaces in advance, reducing the hassle of searching for parking and saving valuable time.

Tempus

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Debt Financing - $425,000,000
Total raised funds: $1,300,000,000~
Industries: Healthcare and Precision Medicine

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Tempus is on a mission to improve cancer care through data-driven precision medicine. By analyzing clinical and molecular data, Tempus empowers physicians to make more informed treatment decisions for cancer patients.

Uptake

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series D - $117,000,000
Total raised funds: $218,000,000~
Industries: Industrial AI and Predictive Analytics

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Uptake provides industrial businesses with predictive analytics tools that optimize equipment maintenance and performance. Its AI-powered platform helps companies detect potential issues before they escalate, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.

Raise

Location: Chicago, Illinois
‍Latest funding round: Series C - $60,000,000
Total raised funds: $147,200,000~
Industries: FinTech

Raise is disrupting the gift card market with its innovative platform. Users can buy and sell gift cards at discounted prices, providing consumers with savings and retailers with increased customer engagement.

ActiveCampaign

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series C - $240,000,000
Total raised funds: $360,000,000~
Industries: Marketing Automation and CRM

ActiveCampaign offers a comprehensive marketing automation and customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Its intuitive tools enable businesses to create personalized marketing campaigns and nurture customer relationships effectively. 

Relativity Space

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series E - $650,000,000
Total raised funds: $1,300,000,000~
Industries: Aerospace and Space Exploration

Relativity Space is pioneering the future of space travel with its 3D-printed rockets and spacecraft. By utilizing innovative technology, the company aims to reduce the cost and complexity of space missions.

Reverb

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series C - $15,000,000
Total raised funds: $47,000,000~
Industries: Music Technology and E-commerce

Reverb is an online marketplace for buying and selling new, used, and vintage musical instruments. Musicians worldwide can find a vast selection of gear and accessories, making it a go-to platform for the music community. 

4C Insights

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series C - $26,000,000
Total raised funds: $31,000,000~
Industries: Advertising Technology and Data Analytics

4C Insights provides marketers with a comprehensive marketing analytics platform that helps brands plan, execute, and measure advertising campaigns across multiple channels and devices.

Avant

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Debt Financing - $1,400,000,000
Total raised funds: $2,100,000,000~
Industries: Fintech

Avant offers an online lending platform that provides personal loans to individuals seeking to consolidate debt or cover unexpected expenses. Its streamlined process has made credit more accessible to a broader audience.

G2

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series D - $157,000,000
Total raised funds: $257,600,000~
Industries: Software, Business Solutions

G2 operates the world's leading software review platform, allowing users to find and compare business software solutions based on real user reviews. Its platform helps businesses make informed technology decisions. 

Relativity

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Private Equity - $125,000,000
Total raised funds: $138,200,000~
Industries: Manufacturing, 3D Printing

Relativity specializes in large-scale metal 3D printing, aiming to disrupt traditional manufacturing processes. Its technology enables rapid prototyping and production of complex aerospace and defense components.

Cameo

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series C - $100,000,000
Total raised funds: $165,700,000~
Industries: Marketplace, Social Media

Cameo connects fans with their favorite celebrities, allowing users to request personalized video messages for special occasions. It offers a unique and engaging way for fans to connect with their idols.

M1 Holdings

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series E - $150,000,000
Total raised funds: $323,200,000~
Industries: FinTech

M1 Finance is an online robo-advisory platform that offers automated investment and money management services. Its platform combines flexibility with automation to empower investors of all levels.  

Grubhub

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Post-IPO equity - $200,000,000
Total raised funds: $284,100,000~
Industries: Food Delivery and Technology

Grubhub is a leading online food delivery and ordering platform that connects customers with local restaurants. The acquisition by Just Eat Takeaway.com solidifies Grubhub's position in the highly competitive food delivery market.  

Tovala

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Latest funding round: Series C - $30,000,000
Total raised funds: $68,600,000~
Industries: FoodTech

Tovala is an innovative food delivery service that provides customers with chef-crafted meals, which are then prepared using their smart oven technology, ensuring a convenient and delicious dining experience.

Should I start my startup in Chicago?

Chicago's startup scene is thriving, fueled by a dynamic blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to resources. The top 25 startups featured in this article showcase the city's ability to produce cutting-edge companies that are disrupting traditional industries and spearheading technological advancements. With continued support from investors, mentors, and the local community, these startups are poised to make a significant impact not only in Chicago but also on a global scale. As the Windy City continues to foster creativity and innovation, the future looks bright for the next generation of startups ready to take the world by storm.

Raising funds in a city as intensely competitive as this one can be a challenge. Our team of expert writers and designers can help you craft a pitch deck to unlock your company's potential and raise funds from the plethora of VC firms, accelerator programs, grants, and angel investors in Chicago.

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