Chicago tech companies made some big gains this year — especially these 10, which collectively raised over $700M. Tempus topped the list with an impressive $200M, and enterprise software company Vistex took the second slot with its $105M round.
Top Chicago Funding Rounds in 2019
- Tempus: $200 million
- Vistex: $105 million
- VillageMD: $100 million
- LanzaTech: $72 million
- Cameo: $50 million
- FOURKITES: $50 million
- SpotHero: $50 million
- Fast Radius: $48 million
- Clearcover: $43 million
- Catalytic: $30 million
#10, $30 million, February 4
Catalytic’s platform automates time-consuming tasks like approving invoices and creating contracts. Intel Capital led the Series B round, with participation from Redline Capital, NEA and more. The funding went toward the growth of its sales, engineering and operations teams.
#9, $43 million, January 22
Clearcover’s auto insurance features coverage with data analytics and AI to back it up. The Series B went toward hiring and expanding the service to additional states. Investors include Cox Enterprises, American Family Ventures and IA Capital Group.
#8, $48 million, April 2
The startup 3D prints industrial components on demand for manufacturing machines, fixing planes and creating custom medical equipment. UPS led the funding round, which went to expanding Fast Radius’s team and software functionality. Other investors included Drive Capital, Jump Capital and Skydeck.
#5 (tied), $50 million, August 22
SpotHero buys and sells monthly and hourly parking spots via its platform. The Series D round brought its total funding to $118M. The funds went to hiring and creating new partnerships.
#5 (tied), $50 million, February 5
The company uses GPS tracking and predictive analysis to help companies track shipments throughout the supply chain. The Series C round went toward hiring and product development. Investors included August Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, CEAS Investments and Hyde Park Angels.
#5 (tied), $50 million, June 25
Cameo features a list of celebrities that users can hire to record a video message for someone special in their life. The Series B round brought the company’s total raised to over $65M. International expansion is the next goal for Cameo.
#4, $72 million, August 6
The microbial mix that LanzaTech invented turns carbon pollution into useful chemicals. Factories like steel mills could use the invention to drastically reduce their emissions. The Series E funding, led by Nova Holdings, will help accelerate the company’s growth.
#3, $100 million, September 4
Swedish investment company Kinnevik AB led VillageMD’s Series B, with participation from Oak HC/FT, Town Hall Ventures and Adams Street Partners. VillageMD helps doctors negotiate with insurers and navigate clinical data. They’ve raised $216 million in total so far.
#2, $105 million, January 25
The enterprise software company was founded in 1999. Private equity firm Accel-KKR gained a minority stake in Vistex from its investment. The funding allowed for a batch of new hires.
#1, $200 million, May 30
At the top of the list for 2019 is Tempus, which offers a platform that uses gene sequencing and machine learning to help physicians develop treatments plans for cancer, with other clinical specialties soon to come. The Series F brought their total valuation to $3.1 billion. Investors included Baillie Gifford, Franklin Templeton, NEA, Novo Holdings and Revolution Growth.
