Chicago-based tech companies to add 1,000 jobs

Chronicle Media
Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO of Built In.

Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO of Built In.

More than a dozen of Chicago’s fast-growing technology companies have collectively committed to hiring nearly 1,000 new employees by the end of 2015.

“The commitment by these companies speaks to Chicago’s growing strength as a hub for the high-paying, high-skilled jobs of the 21st century and will help to ensure that residents in every neighborhood can participate in our growing tech economy,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “These companies see the educated workforce we have today, but also the investments we are making in STEM education, to build a great tech workforce for tomorrow.”

The companies cross multiple industries including marketing, ecommerce, healthcare and the service industry and are hiring for all level of jobs – from artists and account executives to software engineers and client service providers.

The event took place at Michele Clark High School, which has partnered with Cisco to be one of the city’s five Early College STEM schools. At the event, Mayor Emanuel also announced that for the first time, Cisco will offer paid summer internships for rising seniors at Michele Clark. As part of the curriculum at Michele Clark, every student is required to enroll in at least one computer science class each year.

“Over the past three years, Chicago has become a global technology hub as technology companies continue to be one of the most important drivers of the city’s economic growth. Chicago technology companies in 2014 raised more than $1.5B in capital from investors, and generated more than $7B in exits,” said Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO Built In. “It is no coincidence this enormous growth in the tech sector corresponds with Mayor Emanuel taking office. He is directly responsible for creating a city which attracts employees who want to work in the tech sector, investors who want to invest in tech and companies who want to build the next billion dollar business in this great city.”

The full list of companies and jobs they have committed to are:

  • 10th Magnitude was founded in Chicago in 2010 and is one of the top Microsoft Azure services firms in the US. It provides customers with a suite of cloud services that includes Microsoft Azure Migration, Cloud-Scale Custom Application Development, DevOps & Chef, Azure-Enabled Infrastructure Automation, and Managed Cloud Services. 20-25 jobs.
  • ÄKTA is an Experience Design agency with a focus on mobile application development and digital innovation strategy, and one of Chicago’s fastest growing firms (Inc 500). 50 jobs, doubling its current workforce in Chicago.
  • BucketFeet is a footwear company on a mission to connect people through art. BucketFeet taps a global network of over 12,000 artists in more than 100 countries to create unique pieces of wearable art. 50 jobs.
  • Digital Factory has developed a mobile platform for content and messaging delivery based on geolocation, near field communication and barcode scanning. 70 jobs.
  • Emmi Solution’s proprietary, interactive communication methodology delivers health information to patients via multiple modalities – including computers, mobile phones and tablets – at key moments across the continuum of care. 30 jobs.
  • Fruition Partners is a global technology-enabled services firm dedicated to helping organizations improve efficiency and lower costs by elevating service management to the cloud. In 2014, Fruition Partners was ranked #1 by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and FORTUNE for the 2014 Inner City 100 and ranked by Inc. Magazine in the 33rd annual Inc. 500|5000. 20 jobs.
  • Iris Mobile’s marketing platform makes human behavior understandable and predictable for retailers so they can increase the lifetime value of their customers. The company’s revenue has grown 6x year-over-year supported by a team that has tripled year-to-date. 80-100 jobs.
  • Jellyvision is an interactive communications company that creates engaging and interactive virtual advisors who present important (but maybe complex) information and difficult (but maybe boring) choices in a clear, delightful way. 100 jobs.
  • Kapow Events is an online marketplace creating unique corporate events with more than 1200 venue partners across the country. After launching offices in 11 cities over the past year, Kapow will continue into international markets in 2016 by tapping into 3 new cities every 60 days. 85 jobs.
  • ParkWhiz is an app that makes it easy for drivers to find a guaranteed a parking spot in advance. With the lowest possible price, unparalleled coverage and directions that get you from your door to the front door of your final destination, ParkWhiz gets you where you want to be for less. 38 jobs.
  • Shiftgig is a digital marketplace connecting hourly workers to jobs in the service industry. To power this marketplace, they leverage their online community of 1,250,000 registered members and 27,000 businesses in the restaurant, nightlife, hotel, and retail verticals. 80 jobs.
  • ShopperTrak, the leading global provider of location-based analytics, provides insights into consumer behavior that enable retailers to enhance the shopping experience and improve profitability. 75 jobs.
  • Snapsheet. 40 jobs.
  • Founded a decade ago on the premise that a well-made tie shouldn’t cost a fortune, The Tie Bar has become the #1 e-commerce destination for stylish affordable men’s accessories. 20 jobs.
  • Vokal Interactive is an industry-leading digital experience agency specializing in mobile application development, responsive website development, user experience design, and branding in an interconnected world. 65 jobs, doubling its current workforce in Chicago.
  • WyzAnt is the nation’s largest marketplace for private in-person and online tutoring. 100 jobs.