Upgrading for an AI-Powered 2025: Updates from 8 Chicago Organizations at the Top of the Year

With AI at the forefront, local tech companies are finding new ways to invest in their teams, tools and partnerships to stay ahead of the curve.

Written by Conlan Carter
Published on Jan. 15, 2025
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
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With the year ahead of them, Chicago companies are investing in the technology, skills, culture and partnerships they need to stay innovative in 2025.

Much like the previous year, AI — and other related technologies like AI agents and large language models — is central to the sweeping changes occurring in the tech sector. Deloitte’s 2025 Tech Trends report predicts that AI will continue to be applied to nearly every technology going forward, and as companies find new ways to make their products and services more intelligent and efficient, AI itself will become a far more commonplace and fundamental tool — like HTTP or electricity. 

A continued investment in AI software means more physical hardware, indicating a greater demand for sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, tech professionals are finding new avenues to upskill to meet the needs of a new, AI world.

Looking ahead to 2025, Chicago businesses are paving the way for the new era of technology and work life that is on the horizon. Technology professionals in the Chicago area with their eyes on the future have a lot to look forward to in the local scene. New open-source software initiatives, critical leadership hires, AI skills programs and new product features are just a few of the updates on Built In Chicago’s list this month. 

 

What JPMorgan Chase does: JPMorgan Chase is a global financial firm offering services in investment banking, commercial banking, asset management and more.

Community Benefits at JPMorgan Chase

  • Skills-based volunteer programs
  • Annual volunteering PTO
  • Mentorship initiatives

Engaging developers through open-source products: In a recent feature on Built In Chicago, JPMorgan Chase employees discussed the recent development and launch of the Payments Developer Portal, an integrated platform that allows developers to have direct access to the company’s APIs. This shift was made possible with an investment in building relationships with the greater developer community, and by making its products more accessible, JPMorgan Chase is inviting more innovation in the financial technology arena.

 

What Grainger does: Grainger is a broadline distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies and related services.

Financial Perks at Grainger

  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • $3 match for every $1 of employee charitable contributions
  • 401(k) matching

Investing in new skills for cutting-edge technology: In an effort to harness the latest technology to better serve its customers, Grainer is leaning into employee upskilling and AI applications. Built In Chicago spoke with Director of Product Management David Brenner about the variety of learning opportunities that Grainger provides employees who want to level up their technical skills to meet the needs of the moment, and the various new technologies — like generative AI and machine learning — that the company is investing in currently. Brenner shared that bringing exciting technology to colleagues and customers who are typically less technologically conscious is what makes the work most exciting.

 

What HealthJoy does: HealthJoy’s app simplifies the healthcare experience for customers by offering a guided and unified approach to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

Healthy Perks at HealthJoy

  • Healthcare and telemedicine benefits
  • Matching HSA contribution
  • Virtual wellness activities

Ushering in new product leadership: In September, HealthJoy welcomed new VP of Product Management Lisa Hebert to its recently unified product and tech team. With over 20 years of experience working in the healthtech industry — most recently as SVP of product strategy and management at HealthAxis Group — Hebert’s addition to the team represents HealthJoy’s continued investment in product and tech and enables Chief Product and Technology Officer Jason Williams time to focus on the overall effectiveness of the diverse teams in the organization.

 

What SRAM, LLC does: Founded in Chicago in 1987, SRAM, LLC has grown to be one of the world’s largest bicycle component manufacturers. 

Healthy Lifestyle Perks at SRAM, LLC

  • Medical FSA and HSA
  • Fitness and wellness programs
  • Mental health benefits through wayForward platform

A workplace for passionate cyclists: In a recent conversation on Built In Chicago, SRAM LLC’s Environmental Health and Safety Manager Rachel Shultz gave readers an inside look at the company’s office amenities. Included are a number of cycling-friendly features, like an indoor cycling studio and a bike storage and locker area for easier cycling commute to the office.

 

What Zoro does: Zoro is an e-commerce platform that provides over 10 million business products to companies and consumers alike, with fast and affordable shipping.

Company Culture Perks at Zoro

  • Company-sponsored happy hours and outings
  • Volunteer-based Inclusion Council for diversity, equity and inclusion awareness
  • Team workouts and on-site gym

Investing in women in tech: Built In Chicago recently spoke to Zoro VP of Human Resources Janai Howard about the company’s investment in growing women’s careers in the technology space. Zoro’s women employees make up 50 percent of its workforce and 75 percent of its leadership, boasting a high gender diversity for a company in the tech space. Howard credits Zoro’s robust DEI and employee sponsorship programs as playing pivotal roles in advancing the careers of women.

 

What tasty does: Acquired by London-based IG Group, tasty is a house of brands that empowers traders with a variety of content and software solutions.

Career Growth Perks at tasty

  • Subsidized engineering training program
  • Performance bonuses
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Partnering to bring more value to investing: Recently, tastytrade, inc. announced an integration with the investment analytics platform TradingView. The integration allows tastytrade accounts to connect seamlessly with the platform’s charting and analytical tools, and highlights a greater value for investors and tastytrade clients.

 

What Adage Technologies does: Adage Technologies is a web design and development firm specializing in building digital solutions for arts and nonprofit organizations.

Life Planning Benefits at Adage Technologies

  • Generous parental bonding and maternity leave
  • Job training and mentorship program
  • 401(k) matching

Making AI tools connected and accessible: In an effort to seamlessly integrate AI into the digital tools they create for their customers, the Adage Technologies team has created a “multi-agent response system,” which uses AI “agents” to link between different areas internally, like a company website, CMS, API and other digital tools. The development of this tool will help Adage Technologies customers work more seamlessly on the technical end of their digital tools, including a natural language chatbot that allows users to ask technical questions and receive answers in less technical terms.

 

What Purchasing Platform does: Purchasing Platform is an online spend management, analytics and marketplace tool for the property management industry.

Career Growth Perks at Purchasing Platform

  • Mentorship program
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee recognition program

On the cutting edge of real estate technology: In 2024, Purchasing Platform was listed as one of HousingWire’s Tech 100 Real Estate Award recipients. The announcement recognizes Purchasing Platform as one of several companies showcasing innovation in the real estate and mortgage technology industries in a uniquely transformative time to buy or sell a home.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Images provided by Shutterstock and listed companies.