Two New Tech Expansions in Chicago

Chicago traditionally is known for its strength in industrial verticals such as logistics/transportation and manufacturing, but today technology and innovation is now Chicago’s fastest growing industry sector, employing more than 341,600 across all industries at more than over 14,000 technology companies, according to Downers Grove tech association, CompTIA. This accounts for one of the largest tech talent pools in the United States due to Chicago and Illinois being the nation’s second largest producer of computer science degrees and the fourth largest producer of MBA degrees. According to Andrea Zopp, President and CEO of World Business Chicago, “Chicago continues to foster an environment of innovation where homegrown tech companies can thrive.”

Beyond its rich talent pool, Chicago is ranked number one for corporate relocations and foreign direct investment because of its connectivity, quality of life, educational systems and diversity. This month, digital innovation firm Solstice expanded its North American headquarters to an impressive 60,000-square-foot space in the West Loop. The company is on pace to double their 150-person team in 2018.

According to the City of Chicago’s press release, this move is no surprise, “Chicago is home to one of the strongest, fastest-growing and most innovative tech hubs anywhere in the world,” Mayor Emanuel said.  Solstice has no plans to stop growth anytime soon.

“Chicago continues to foster an environment of innovation where homegrown tech companies can thrive.”

Andrea Zopp, President and CEO of World Business Chicago

Another company that joined the ranks of other tech firms based in Chicago is Yello, a talent acquisition technology firm whose platform enables the world’s leading brands to deliver personalized candidate to every job seeker.  Led by CEO and co-founder Jason Weingarten, Yello is a prime example of a high-growth startup that began in Chicago and that chose to remain in Chicago as its scales. “As we continue to grow, we are actively investing in the teams and technology that our clients count on to hire faster. Chicago has been our home for the last 10 years and will continue to be our headquarters as we grow globally.” he said.

Today, Yello has 200 employees and plans to add another 100 employees by the end of 2019. “Yello demonstrates why Chicago is a city where tech entrepreneurs can create and succeed” add Andrea Zopp.

To learn more about business opportunities in Chicago please contact Lori Bush at World Business Chicago at lbush@worldbusinesschicago.com.