4 Companies Making Waves in Chicago’s Tech Scene

Learn about the growth and innovation taking place at Carrum Health, Neighborhoods.com, NowSecure and CraftJack.

Written by Olivia McClure
Published on Apr. 25, 2022
4 Companies Making Waves in Chicago’s Tech Scene
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This year has already been a big one for growth in the Chicago tech scene. Built In Chicago reported that, in March alone, local companies secured a combined $223 million, the majority of which will be used to increase headcounts and expand operational footprints. 

While companies such as CancerIQ and TimeDoc Health may have led the city’s latest capital surge, these organizations aren’t the only ones investing in the local landscape. Medical procedure platform Carrum Health is currently hiring across various departments, including marketing, operations and engineering, in order to enhance its efforts to make surgical care more accessible. 

Yet healthtech isn’t the only sector expanding in Chicago. Hot on the heels of a year of record growth, NowSecure shows no signs of slowing down. The company is currently searching for fresh talent to build up its mobile app security testing automation technology. 

Backed by robust growth plans and innovative technology, these organizations are gearing up for transformation — and they’re not alone. Learn how Carrum Health, NowSecure and two other local companies are leading the city’s tech transformation. 

 

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What they do: By negotiating with top healthcare providers, Carrum Health offers patients access to less expensive, more intentional surgical care. Through the company’s platform, users can connect with a care specialist who will help them navigate the process, from gathering medical records and completing paperwork to planning postoperative physical therapy.

The tech stack: In terms of languages, the company’s engineers rely on several, including SQL, JavaScript, Python and Ruby. When it comes to databases and frameworks, developers leverage various tools, such as Redis, Node.js, React Native and Memcached. 

View from the inside: Late last year, Carrum Health Chief Operating Officer Dan Nardi spoke with Built In Chicago to share his thoughts on attracting and retaining talent amid rapid growth. In the interview, Nardi explained how the company has adapted its culture: “Being proactive with candidates and audiences has really helped ensure we can stand out from the crowd.” 

 

 

Couple carrying boxes into a new home
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What they do: Neighborhoods.com’s platform puts local areas at the forefront of the home search process, offering reviews related to schools, amenities and the local community. Leveraging public records data and research, the company aims to offer accurate and reliable information about industry trends and homes for sale. 

The tech stack: The company’s commonly used languages include Swift, Python, JavaScript and PHP. Engineers also leverage a wide range of libraries and databases, such as PostgreSQL, React, Hive and Redux. 

View from the inside: In an interview with Built In Chicago last year, Neighborhoods.com Director of Customer Success Jessica Sharp discussed how to handle challenges related to sales and customer success: “By incorporating people and input at every stage, the team can be part of molding the change instead of reacting and adapting to a decision that may not fit the bill across the board.” 

 

 

Two people sitting at a table at home looking at their mobile phones

 

 

What they do: NowSecure offers a suite of products designed to handle mobile app security testing automation. The company’s solutions include mobile app vetting for supply chains, mobile digital transformation and API security testing.

The tech stack: Engineers at the company use various languages, such as C++, JavaScript, Ruby and Swift. From a product and sales perspective, team members leverage a wide range of tools, including Marketo, Google Analytics and Salesforce.

What’s new: Earlier this year, NowSecure announced it had experienced record growth during 2021, spurred by a burgeoning mobile app economy. In a statement, CEO Alan Snyder said, “With a mission to save the world from unsafe mobile apps, NowSecure is well positioned for continued growth in 2022 and beyond.”

 

 

Man doing renovation work at home together with his small dog
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What they do: CraftJack’s platform connects homeowners with home improvement service providers. The company aims to make it easier for providers to access leads, keep track of completed jobs, and manage their budget and service areas. 

The tech stack: When it comes to languages, engineers at the company rely on .NET, C# and JavaScript. On the product side of the house, you’ll find employees leveraging various tools, such as InVision, Confluence, Aha! and Basecamp.

View from the inside: Earlier this year, CraftJack Senior Product Manager Mike Figueroa shared his insights on product development with Built In Chicago. He spoke about the importance of maintaining alignment between customer success and product teams, stating, “Challenges must be communicated so everyone is cognitively, emotionally and logistically invested in product success.” 

 

 

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Images via Shutterstock.

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