41 Companies in Downtown Chicago You Should Know

Downtown Chicago is home to some of the world’s top tech companies. Here are a few.

Written by Alyssa Schroer
Published on Apr. 05, 2024
41 Companies in Downtown Chicago You Should Know

Chicago is an expansive city with dozens of neighborhoods, all known for their quirks, watering holes, landmarks and events. Downtown Chicago is no different. Chicago’s bustling downtown boasts many beacons like The Chicago Theater, The Art Institute, Millennium Park and hundreds of companies and organizations who set up shop there. With an eclectic mix of culture and business and the best access to public transportation in the city, downtown Chicago has become home to some of the world’s top tech companies. 

Top Companies in Downtown Chicago

  • Sprout Social
  • Enova
  • Grubhub
  • Morningstar
  • Peapod
  • Digital Labs Stats
  • Perform
  • Vivid Seats

 

OCC, or The Options Clearing Corporation, is a financial institution specializing in “clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions.” Through its clearinghouse services, OCC enables institutions to effectively assess and mitigate potential risks associated with their customers' portfolios. The organization has had its headquarters in Chicago since it was founded in 1973.

 

Iconic food and beverage retail company McDonald's maintains a global headquarters, known as “MHQ,” in Chicago. The space is located in the West Loop, an area that was once home to the meatpacking industry. The office boasts an award-winning building that incorporates indoor and outdoor workspaces, an elite fitness center and of course an in-house McDonald’s with a rotating global menu.

 

Applied Systems develops software solutions tailored for the insurance industry, serving professionals in health, property and casualty insurance as well as benefits administration.With a focus on efficiency and competitiveness, Applied Systems equips thousands of insurance professionals with tools like marketing automation and business intelligence to enhance operations. 

 

Motorola Solutions is a telecommunications company known for developing technology used in critical communication sectors such as law enforcement, healthcare and transportation. Its product lineup includes communication antennas, radio remote speakers,and tactical headsets. It also offers cybersecurity services, including patch updates, network monitoring and cyber risk assessment, to defend network infrastructures against threats.

 

Pangea’s international money transfers are facilitated by its fintech platform, which users can access to send funds from country to country. Funds, which are received in the recipient’s local currency, are available in less than a minute as cash or a bank deposit. The company’s headquarters is located in downtown Chicago.

 

Donnelley Financial Solutions, or DFIN, is a fintech company that offers SaaS products for the management of financial compliance. Its products handle regulatory compliance, ESG reporting and other areas of risk management. It builds solutions for private companies, public corporations, government entities, investment funds and law firms. Its Chicago office is in the heart of the downtown financial district.

 

UL Solutions is a global company with a large Chicago presence. It provides safety science solutions to customers in over 100 countries. Some of its offerings include certification services, product testing and facility inspections. With its comprehensive services, UL Solutions helps its clients expand into new markets.

 

Evive is an IT company that offers a platform for employee engagement in healthcare benefits communications. By centralizing and streamlining the user experience of navigating the labyrinth of benefits information, the platform allows employees to better utilize their healthcare options. Driven by data, Evive gathers information from a variety of sources to create personalized experiences for each user. 

 

Global snack food giant Mondelez International makes many of the best-known brands of cookies, crackers and chocolate — think Oreo, Toblerone, and Cadbury eggs. It focuses on snack foods and holds the No. 1 and No. 2 positions in global sales for specific snack food categories. The company’s global headquarters in Chicago is located in the Fulton Market neighborhood, a fast-developing area that serves as a hub for creative and culinary work.

 

Reverb is an e-commerce company offering an online marketplace musicians across the globe use to buy and sell vintage instruments. Listing instruments on Reverb is simple and free through the company’s online seller hub, and its pricing system is set up so that sellers keep 91.8 percent of the final selling price while the rest covers Reverb’s selling and payment processing fees.

 

Grindr is a software company with a single name-recognized product: a free location-based dating and social networking app for the LGBTQ+ community. In use around the world, Grindr was the first big and long-lasting entry into the flood of hookup apps, and it’s stood the test of time by innovating its software and staying ahead of market trends. 

 


OpenX is an ad tech company that focuses on programmatic ads, which it sells on its own marketplace and dedicated server. Its proprietary technology homes in on audience, data and identity targeting, which it scales to serve enterprise clients. The company is Net-Zero verified, certified carbon neutral and maintains a Chicago office.

 

Specializing in work management and productivity solutions, monday.com produces a cloud-based platform that’s used by more than 186,000 global customers. Its features include automations, customizable forms for gathering and managing work requests, Kanban views for simplifying complex workflows and customizable data dashboards.

 

IMC Trading is an international firm that’s active in more than 100 trading venues. Its 1,500-plus employees include technologists who build tools and solutions to ensure efficient trading operations. The company also has a venture capital arm known as IMC Investments aiming to provide financing as well as expertise to a variety of start-ups and scale-ups worldwide.

 

Supernova Technology makes cloud-based software for securities-based lending, which automates the process, starting with its origination and extending for the lifespan of the loan. Serving banks, insurance companies, financial advisors and wealth managers, the company’s digital wealth management tools are built to do more than facilitate transactions — they also provide holistic guidance on how to navigate the SBL space.  

 

SRAM makes bicycle components. Over the years it has been in business, it’s introduced and innovated bicycle tech, with products like twist shift gear-change technology, drivetrain components, derailleurs and suspensions. Driven by passion for cycling and for the environment, the company is headquartered in downtown Chicago where its founders bike around the in-house test track. 

 

Attain provides companies with commerce data to inform targeted ad campaigns. It also operates mobile apps Klover and Frisbee, which connect consumers with financial tools and rewards. In exchange, those users give Attain permission to use their data to power the strategic research and real-time insights it brings to client businesses.

 

Home Chef’s meal kit delivery subscription bridges the gap between time-crunched customers and home cooked meals by providing pre-measured and prepped ingredients, along with recipes so that customers can prepare their own fresh meals at home. With over a decade in business, the Chicago-based company says its service is more cost effective than getting takeout.

 

Fyllo is an adtech company that was founded to solve the problem of compliance for fast-emerging industries, like commercial cannabis. Since its founding, the company has grown into a marketing and regulatory consultancy, catering to fast-growing companies. It offers software products for audience targeting, contextual targeting and brand fit, as well as strategic media services.

 

Provi is a B2B wholesale marketplace for alcoholic beverages, catering to liquor buyers from bars and restaurants. The Provi platform offers access to a huge repository of beverage retailers and distributors and allows users to research products and order them from the same window. The company brings together the three tiers of beverage distribution: retailers, distributors and suppliers.  

 

Tegus’ platform is built to simplify investment research processes and bring together a curated selection of documents, data, tools and expertise that covers approximately 36,000 public and private companies. Founded in 2017, Tegus has grown to serve more than 2,500 investment managers and businesses.

 

Morningstar, a Chicago-based investment research firm, works with companies to analyze stock, fund and general market data using tools built in-house. The Morningstar headquarters sits in the heart of downtown, just blocks from some of the city’s most beautiful destinations including Millenium Park, the Art Institute and the Chicago Riverwalk. 

 

PatientPoint provides point-of-care content for patients and calls itself “the patient engagement platform for every point of care.” PatientPoint’s Chicago office is located in the Accenture Tower and offers a two-level fitness center, a high-tech conference center and a tenant lounge with private wine lockers.

 

Industry: Adtech and software

Basis Technologies provides software solutions for companies in the advertising industry. Their technology focuses on programmatic media buying and automating workflows, helping organizations enhance business performance across marketing channels.

 

Industry: Software 

Busy schedules may lead employees to overlook the maintenance of equipment, so CMMS Data Group is helping businesses focus on caring for their most valuable tools. The company has developed software that makes monitoring components more convenient while professionals offer further training. This way, organizations can keep their equipment in peak condition for when they need it most.  

 

Industry: Finance

Enova is a technology and analytics company providing financial resources to credit-seeking customers. Their variety of services evaluate data and help both individuals and businesses gain access to the right amount of credit and financing information. Its underwriting technology also powers decision-making for other companies.

 

Industry: Legal tech and software

Envoy Global provides proprietary technology enabling companies to hire and manage international talent. From implementing hiring processes to managing budgets and reports, Envoy simplifies navigating global work authorizations and management. 

 

Industry: E-commerce and food

Grubhub is a leading online food ordering and delivery platform. Whether users are craving Indian cuisine, Mediterranean food or pizza, Grubhub connects users to over 80,000 takeout restaurants across 1,600 cities.

 

Industry: Information technology and professional services

Inspire11 revamps a company’s technology, operations, and structure to create a more versatile and efficient outcome. Businesses can leverage cloud architecture, machine learning, and AI solutions to speed up various processes. In addition, Inspire11 provides the resources to tap into valuable data sets, allowing companies to make more informed decisions moving forward. 

 

Industry: E-commerce and logistics

As companies revamp their logistics efforts to meet the accelerating demands of customers, Logiwa has developed the ideal cloud technology for the age of modern commerce. Businesses can leverage Logiwa’s platform to track inventory across warehouses, complete more sales, and select affordable shipping options. Handling orders of all sizes in a timely manner becomes simplified with the thoughtful solutions of Logiwa. 

 

Industry: E-commerce

With the number of stores and services now delivering food and groceries, Peapod has been ahead of its time for nearly three decades. Founded in 1989, Peapod enables users to shop online or through their app, schedule delivery times and have everything they need brought right to their doors.

 

Industry: Consumer web and transportation

SpotHero ensures there is parking wherever users are going around the city. Whether on the go or reserved in advance, SpotHero works with facilities and parking space owners to make parking available and affordable.

 

Industry: Social Media

What they do: Sprout Social produces an all-in-one social media platform designed for teams to unlock the full potential of their marketing strategy. For enterprises, agencies and small businesses alike, Sprout Social presents a seamless solution to organizing social management, customer care, employee advocacy and data intelligence needs within one platform and includes industry-leading listening, publishing, engagement and analytics tools for social media success.

 

Industry: E-commerce and events

What they do: Vivid Seats is the go-to online destination for sports, concert and theater tickets. Whether users are looking to attend an MLB game or seeking coveted Bruno Mars tickets, the Vivid Seats marketplace provides a secure place for fans to find their next live experiences.

 

Industry: Recruitment, Professional Development

Built In is a home for people who see working in tech as a way of life: We help them live it with purpose. Millions of professionals rely on us to learn, network and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Headquartered in Chicago, we serve vibrant tech hubs across the U.S.

 

Industry: Digital media and software

Phenix enables a wider audience to share a single moment, thanks to its investment in real-time video technology. Whether it’s sports or betting games, entertainment organizations can offer faster and more secure connections to their viewers. Phenix’s real-time video systems can self-correct any flaw, providing viewers with reliable streaming and a stronger relationship to what they’re watching. 

 

Industry: Enterprise Web

PowerReviews makes software that collects reviews and ratings, boosting exposure and sales for brands and retailers around the world. In addition to ratings and reviews, the platform provides a variety of services, including helping brands produce more genuine content for their audiences.

 

Industry: Software and sports

STATS is a leading sports data and analytics company that has been operating in the industry for over 35 years. The company provides trusted sports coverage across six continents, that is, until penguin football receives the fan exposure it deserves. STATS analyzes data from over 100,000 games annually and is trusted by millions of fans and companies like ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Google and Telemundo.

 

Industry: Cloud and marketing tech

seoClarity is an enterprise platform providing artificial intelligence driven, SEO tools and solutions. The platform enables companies to supply more relevant content to customers, provides performance analytics and prevents site errors for better user experience.

 

Industry: Security

Trustwave brings security solutions to a variety of industries, including finance, health care, payment services, education, legal and retail. Their comprehensive security services include management solutions for data vulnerabilities, threats and compliance.

a</li> <li>Grubhub</li> <li>Morningstar</li> <li>Peapod</li> <li>Digital Labs Stats</li> <li>Perform</li> <li>Vivid Seats</li> </ul> " data-embed-builtin-boxes-format="html" data-embed-builtin-boxes-title="Top Companies in Downtown Chicago">

 

Attain provides companies with commerce data to inform targeted ad campaigns. It also operates mobile apps Klover and Frisbee, which connect users with financial tools and rewards. In exchange, those users give Attain permission to use their data to power the strategic research and real-time insights it brings to client businesses.

 

Home Chef’s meal kit delivery subscription bridges the gap between time-crunched customers and home cooked meals by providing pre-measured and prepped ingredients, along with recipes so that customers can prepare their own fresh meals at home. With over a decade in business, the Chicago-based company says its service is more cost effective than getting takeout.

 

Fyllo is an adtech company that was founded to solve the problem of compliance for fast-emerging industries, like commercial cannabis. Since its founding, the company has grown into a marketing and regulatory consultancy, catering to fast-growing companies. It offers software products for audience targeting, contextual targeting and brand fit, as well as strategic media services.

 

Provi is a B2B wholesale marketplace for alcoholic beverages, catering to liquor buyers from bars and restaurants. The Provi platform offers access to a huge repository of beverage retailers and distributors and allows users to research products and order them from the same window. The company brings together the three tiers of beverage distribution: retailers, distributors and suppliers.  

 

Tegus’ platform is built to simplify investment research processes and bring together a curated selection of documents, data, tools and expertise that covers approximately 36,000 public and private companies. Founded in 2017, Tegus has grown to serve more than 2,500 investment managers and businesses.

 

Morningstar, a Chicago-based investment research firm, works with companies to analyze stock, fund and general market data using tools built in-house. The Morningstar headquarters sits in the heart of downtown, just blocks from some of the city’s most beautiful destinations including Millenium Park, the Art Institute and the Chicago Riverwalk. 

 

PatientPoint provides point-of-care content for patients and calls itself “the patient engagement platform for every point of care.” PatientPoint’s Chicago office is located in the Accenture Tower and offers a two-level fitness center, a high-tech conference center and a tenant lounge with private wine lockers.

 

Industry: Adtech and software

Basis Technologies provides software solutions for companies in the advertising industry. Their technology focuses on programmatic media buying and automating workflows, helping organizations enhance business performance across marketing channels.

 

Industry: Software 

Busy schedules may lead employees to overlook the maintenance of equipment, so CMMS Data Group is helping businesses focus on caring for their most valuable tools. The company has developed software that makes monitoring components more convenient while professionals offer further training. This way, organizations can keep their equipment in peak condition for when they need it most.  

 

Industry: Finance

Enova is a technology and analytics company providing financial resources to credit-seeking customers. Their variety of services evaluate data and help both individuals and businesses gain access to the right amount of credit and financing information. Its underwriting technology also powers decision-making for other companies.

 

Industry: Legal tech and software

Envoy Global provides proprietary technology enabling companies to hire and manage international talent. From implementing hiring processes to managing budgets and reports, Envoy simplifies navigating global work authorizations and management. 

 

Industry: E-commerce and food

Grubhub is a leading online food ordering and delivery platform. Whether users are craving Indian cuisine, Mediterranean food or pizza, Grubhub connects users to over 80,000 takeout restaurants across 1,600 cities.

 

Industry: Information technology and professional services

Inspire11 revamps a company’s technology, operations, and structure to create a more versatile and efficient outcome. Businesses can leverage cloud architecture, machine learning, and AI solutions to speed up various processes. In addition, Inspire11 provides the resources to tap into valuable data sets, allowing companies to make more informed decisions moving forward. 

 

Industry: E-commerce and logistics

As companies revamp their logistics efforts to meet the accelerating demands of customers, Logiwa has developed the ideal cloud technology for the age of modern commerce. Businesses can leverage Logiwa’s platform to track inventory across warehouses, complete more sales, and select affordable shipping options. Handling orders of all sizes in a timely manner becomes simplified with the thoughtful solutions of Logiwa. 

 

Industry: E-commerce

With the number of stores and services now delivering food and groceries, Peapod has been ahead of its time for nearly three decades. Founded in 1989, Peapod enables users to shop online or through their app, schedule delivery times and have everything they need brought right to their doors.

 

Industry: Consumer web and transportation

SpotHero ensures there is parking wherever users are going around the city. Whether on the go or reserved in advance, SpotHero works with facilities and parking space owners to make parking available and affordable.

 

Industry: Social Media

What they do: Sprout Social produces an all-in-one social media platform designed for teams to unlock the full potential of their marketing strategy. For enterprises, agencies and small businesses alike, Sprout Social presents a seamless solution to organizing social management, customer care, employee advocacy and data intelligence needs within one platform and includes industry-leading listening, publishing, engagement and analytics tools for social media success.

 

Industry: E-commerce and events

What they do: Vivid Seats is the go-to online destination for sports, concert and theater tickets. Whether users are looking to attend an MLB game or seeking coveted Bruno Mars tickets, the Vivid Seats marketplace provides a secure place for fans to find their next live experiences.

 

Industry: Recruitment, Professional Development

Built In is a home for people who see working in tech as a way of life: We help them live it with purpose. Millions of professionals rely on us to learn, network and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Headquartered in Chicago, we serve vibrant tech hubs across the U.S.

 

Industry: Digital media and software

Phenix enables a wider audience to share a single moment, thanks to its investment in real-time video technology. Whether it’s sports or betting games, entertainment organizations can offer faster and more secure connections to their viewers. Phenix’s real-time video systems can self-correct any flaw, providing viewers with reliable streaming and a stronger relationship to what they’re watching. 

 

Industry: Enterprise Web

PowerReviews makes software that collects reviews and ratings, boosting exposure and sales for brands and retailers around the world. In addition to ratings and reviews, the platform provides a variety of services, including helping brands produce more genuine content for their audiences.

 

Industry: Software and sports

STATS is a leading sports data and analytics company that has been operating in the industry for over 35 years. The company provides trusted sports coverage across six continents, that is, until penguin football receives the fan exposure it deserves. STATS analyzes data from over 100,000 games annually and is trusted by millions of fans and companies like ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Google and Telemundo.

 

Industry: Cloud and marketing tech

seoClarity is an enterprise platform providing artificial intelligence driven, SEO tools and solutions. The platform enables companies to supply more relevant content to customers, provides performance analytics and prevents site errors for better user experience.

 

Industry: Security

Trustwave brings security solutions to a variety of industries, including finance, health care, payment services, education, legal and retail. Their comprehensive security services include management solutions for data vulnerabilities, threats and compliance.

This article was originally published in 2018. Margo Steines, Sara B.T. Thiel and Rose Velazquez contributed reporting to this story.

Hiring Now
Digital Turbine
AdTech • Information Technology • Marketing Tech • Mobile • Software