3 Companies at the Forefront of Chicago’s Tech Growth

Backed by fresh funding, innovative tech and acquisitions, Ensono, Life Fitness and Thoughtworks are growing quickly and driving transformation.
Written by Olivia McClure
March 25, 2022Updated: March 25, 2022

Across Chicago, well-established companies and rising startups are shaping the local tech landscape, buoyed by promise — and lots of capital. 

According to a recent Built In Chicago report, several local companies, including Science on Call and LandscapeHub, secured a combined $325.6 million in February alone. Additionally, Chicago-based Loadsmart earned its unicorn stripes after raising $200 million earlier this year. 

As Chicago’s tech scene continues to grow, so do many local companies, including Ensono. Hot on the heels of an acquisition, the company is ready to refine its digital transformation offerings. The organization is currently searching for data analysts, engineers, product owners and others to add to its global employee base. 

Yet IT infrastructure isn’t the only local tech sector seeing transformation. Having opened a new global headquarters in Franklin Park, Illinois, last year, the team at Life Fitness is ready to rub shoulders with other exercise equipment brands, leveraging a new mobile app and greater streaming capabilities to bring its fitness game to the next level. 

Thoughtworks also aims to jostle with its competitors, having acquired product development firm Gemini Solutions last year. Fueled by an added $720 million in funding, the company is looking for more talent to fulfill its enterprise software goals. 

For local tech professionals, each of these companies offer opportunities to elevate their careers and help define a global industry. Learn how each organization is driving innovation, and check out their open roles. 

 

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What they offer: Ensono’s technology is designed to help enterprises accelerate digital transformation. The company provides various IT infrastructure management solutions, such as application consolidation and mainframe modernization. 

Inside the tech stack: You’ll find the company’s engineers leveraging various languages, such as JavaScript, R and SQL, as well as a wide range of frameworks, including AWS, Node.js and AngularJS.

What’s new: Last year, the company was acquired by global investment firm KKR. Ensono also earned a spot on Built In Chicago’s “Best Large Companies to Work For in 2022” list.

Parental perks: A bevy of benefits, including generous parental leave, flexible work scheduling, unlimited PTO and time off for employees adopting children, help employees put their families first.

 

 

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What they offer: Operating a family of fitness brands, Life Fitness develops a wide range of exercise equipment and accessories. The organization’s products can be found in various settings, including health clubs, hotels and apartment complexes.

Inside the tech stack: Engineers at the company use a wide range of languages and frameworks, such as Java, Backbone.js, C++ and Node.js. In terms of database systems, developers rely on Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.

What’s new: After relocating its global corporate headquarters from Rosemont to Franklin Park last year, the company unveiled its new mobile app, which enables users to track their workouts and access on-demand classes.

Dedicated to wellness: With ample health-oriented perks, such as generous PTO, team workouts and mental wellness benefits, the organization makes it easy for employees to prioritize their well-being. 

 

 

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What they offer: With employees spanning 17 countries, Thoughtworks is a tech consultancy that leverages strategy, design and software engineering in an effort to help enterprises thrive in the digital space. The company’s services include product design and delivery, cloud modernization, data governance, and portfolio management.

Inside the tech stack: Among the company’s engineers, commonly used languages include Java, Ruby on Rails and C++. When it comes to cloud technologies, developers leverage AWS, Docker and Kubernetes.

What’s new: Last year, the company raised an extra $720 million, bringing its valuation to $4.6 billion. In addition to securing fresh funding, the organization acquired product development firm Gemini Solutions.

Encouragement to grow: The organization empowers employees to stretch their skills, offering a continuing education stipend, lunch and learns, cross-functional training, and more. 

 

 

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