A new headquarters, fresh VC activity and more are just some of the Chicago tech news bringing in the new year. Keep reading to see what you might have missed. This is the Built In Chicago weekly refresh.
EeroQ is moving its HQ to Chicago. The quantum computing company is moving its headquarters to Chicago, specifically The Terminal development in Humboldt Park. The company signed a lease for a 9,600-square-foot engineering lab and office, continuing the momentum for Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West initiative. [Built In Chicago]
John Deere debuts self-driving tractors. John Deere announced at the company’s CES 2022 press conference the launch of a fully autonomous tractor that can be controlled on your phone. While John Deere’s tractors have been capable for steering themselves for two decades, this milestone will no longer require a physical driver behind the wheel. The company announced last month that it is opening a large tech-focused office in the Fulton Market District. [CNET]
CHICAGO TECH QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ESpark raised $25M. The Chicago-based edtech company offers personalized online learning software that is used by one out of every four U.S. schools. The company raised a $25 million funding round led by Quad Partners. ESpark is currently hiring for several remote positions. [Built In Chicago]
Higi acquired by Babylon. Higi is the Chicago-based maker of “smart health stations” that allow users in places like grocery stores and pharmacies to measure health indicators like blood pressure, weight, BMI and hydration. Babylon, an investor since 2020, is aiming to expand its offerings to a wider user base and accelerate its mission. [MobiHealthNews]
These 11 Chicago companies raised 2021’s largest rounds. Last year, just 11 Chicago tech companies brought in over $7 billion in combined outside capital. The total completely blew 2020’s amount out of the water. Among this year’s top of the crop were Enfusion, G2 and project44. [Built In Chicago]
JLL acquired Hank. Chicago-based JLL is a professional services firm focused on real estate and investment management, while Sacramento-based Hank offers a virtual engineering platform for optimizing commercial building management. JLL acquired Hank to help its clients operate more sustainably. [PR Newswire]
