Forget the Oscars. Be part of Chicago tech’s red-carpet moment at the 2017 Moxie Awards, where your vote helps honor the entrepreneurs and companies that push our ecosystem forward.
Built In Chicago, which has presented the awards annually since 2012, tallied thousands of nominations from across the community, narrowing the field to five finalists in each of the competition’s 14 categories.
Now it’s time for you to help us pick the winners, who will be announced at the June 7 celebration at Morgan MFG. Your votes will be weighed equally with those of this year’s judges, including Crain’s Chicago Business technology reporter John Pletz, Forbes contributor John Carpenter and Built In Chicago co-founder and CEO Maria Christopoulos Katris.
“This year’s finalists show just how diverse and dynamic Chicago’s tech ecosystem is,” Katris said. “We look forward to honoring them during one exciting night, where some of our city’s most innovative thinkers and doers gather in one room to celebrate the community’s successes.”
Look below to see who made the final cut for Best New Startup, Best Startup Founder, CEO of the Year and more.
VIP tables and individual tickets for the event are available now. Public voting is open now through May 19.
Startup Awards
OppLoans is the nation’s leading socially-responsible online lender and one of the fastest-growing organizations in the fintech space today.
/* /*]]>*/ In just four years, Reverb has grown into the world’s most popular music gear site. Last year, it doubled sales and saw 700 percent growth in international users.
We make selling cars online an easy, hassle-free and convenient experience. Simply get online, list your car for sale and let us do the rest.
/* /*]]>*/ The Catch Co is changing the way consumers buy fishing gear, creating a fun and affordable way for anglers of all experience levels to discover new products, learn new techniques and catch more fish!
/* /*]]>*/ Tovala is a smart countertop combination oven that is paired with a companion meal delivery service. Tovala Meals are delivered fresh to your doorstep once a week and cook at the scan of a barcode.
/* /*]]>*/
/* /*]]>*/ Esquify uses cutting-edge machine learning legal tech and analytics to enable efficient, supervised legal document review for the on-demand world.
Machinio took on the $400 billion used machinery industry and solved the single biggest pain point facing consumers and suppliers: information discovery.
/* /*]]>*/ Payline provides killer payment experiences and cares about creating sustainable value while providing opportunities for employees and giving to those in need.
/* /*]]>*/ project44 is creating a major technology shift in the shipping industry, one of the largest industries in the world, which has been long resistant to change.
/* /*]]>*/ Combining our tech-friendly dashboard and multi-location fulfillment centers, ShipBob helps e-commerce businesses get to Amazon-scale logistics.
/* /*]]>*/ Catalytic's product, Pushbot, enables organizations to streamline and improve operations by quickly creating enterprise bots that leverage work orchestration, automation and artificial intelligence.
/* /*]]>*/ We are on a mission to teach a BILLION kids to code!
/* /*]]>*/ We're building Jiobit on our own. Everything from industrial design to engineering, embedded software, cloud, UX and marketing is done in house.
Inspiration, beautiful spaces and event pros – all in one place. PartySlate is the first digital platform for party hosts of all kinds to find inspiration, local venues and event professionals.
A team led by former Google and Amazon executives has launched RepIQ — the sales platform with a lead discovery database, real-time engagement analytics, email tracking and unique recommendation engine technology.
FourKites is re-shaping the logistics industry for real-time transparency and efficiency. FourKites provides comprehensive real-time tracking and supply chain visibility solutions across transportation modes and digital platforms.
/* /*]]>*/ Home Chef makes home cooking simple with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered coast to coast. We've grown from two employees to 1,000, and continue to grow each day.
/* /*]]>*/ In the past year, we raised a second round of funding, won several awards highlighting our business growth and expanded our team to double the size. Expect big things from us in the upcoming year.
/* /*]]>*/ In four years, our bootstrapped startup — which started from a kitchen table — has grown from three people to 150. We’re now on six continents, with global hubs in Chicago, Kraków and Manila.
/* /*]]>*/ Tempus is working to cure cancer. As the only company in the country combining DNA sequencing and big data, Tempus will put Chicago on the map.
/* /*]]>*/ At BallotReady we make it easy to vote informed on the entire ballot and never miss an election. We’re making democracy work the way it should.
We are on a mission to teach a BILLION kids to code!
/* /*]]>*/ You can take action on news through Public Good! CNN, Univision, Upworthy and other media leaders have helped 30 million people change the world using our tech.
Consume information, think critically, and express your point of view: skills we help every student learn. With ThinkCERCA, students grow an average of two years in reading and writing.
/* /*]]>*/ We’re passionate about giving back and connecting businesses with the nonprofits that need their help the most. Our technology is a connector; it’s a game changer. And, it gives us moxie!
/* /*]]>*/ /* /*]]>*/ /* /*]]>*/
/* /*]]>*/ CityBase creates technology to make government more personal and responsive. We connect back-office systems and design interfaces to give agencies and utilities a better way to take payments and deliver digital services.
/* /*]]>*/ Civis Analytics pushes the boundaries on what's possible with data science so organizations can uncover the truth hidden in their data.
Procured Health is at the forefront of helping health systems achieve the best clinical outcomes at an optimal cost. Providers across the U.S. rely on Procured Health's technology platform to make better decisions on spend and usage of medical devices, supplies, and drugs.
In just four years, Reverb has grown into the world’s most popular music gear site. Last year, it doubled sales and saw 700 percent growth in international users.
Tempus is working to cure cancer. As the only company in the country combining DNA sequencing and big data, Tempus will put Chicago on the map.
Headline Awards
/* /*]]>*/ Digital Agency of the Year
/* /*]]>*/ Clique is an experience design and technology company. We partner with ambitious teams to create industry-leading digital experiences. We’ve grown organically every year.
echogravity specializes in driving a variety of inbound marketing activities for IT Services companies, contact center ecosystem organizations, software companies and other B2B and B2C businesses looking to increase lead generation and market awareness.
/* /*]]>*/ From brand, digital strategy and creative services, to development and technology support, One North collaboratively delivers digital solutions that make an impact.
Ora Interactive is an award-winning digital product studio with a focus on custom iOS, Android, and Web applications.
/* /*]]>*/ The feeling you get when your teammate wins the game on a buzzer beater. That’s what being on a team of Risers feels like. Our agency takes a data-driven approach to media, CX and analytics to deliver remarkable experiences and superior results for leading brands.
/* /*]]>*/
/* /*]]>*/ Backed by Salesforce Ventures and Insight Venture Partners, CloudCraze powers B2B commerce for a growing list of the world’s most recognizable brands.
/* /*]]>*/ With our platform, Relativity, legal teams can rapidly review and analyze data to uncover the true story behind it during litigation and investigations.
/* /*]]>*/ At Outcome Health, we pursue and deliver better health outcomes by bringing people, data and solutions together.
SpringCM, a Salesforce Platinum Partner, manages contracts, documents and all types of content, accelerating productivity for fast-moving organizations.
/* /*]]>*/ Yello has grown from one million to ten million ARR in less than 10 quarters, attracting investment from multiple prominent venture capital firms. More than 50 percent headcount growth over the past year led Yello to move to an open-concept office with incredible Lake Michigan views.
/* /*]]>*/ Avant already has a base of more than 600,000 customers and has launched a partnership with one of the top banks in the nation, but that's only the beginning.
A leading Chicago-based fintech company driven by advanced tech, analytics and top talent, we've extended 20 billion in credit to nearly 5 million customers.
/* /*]]>*/ The Neighborhoods.com team is completely changing the homebuying game, because we know your home is about much more than just the house itself.
/* /*]]>*/ We're on fire! We doubled our headcount while maintaining our special vibe and winning culture. And drivers love us for making daily life easy in 47 cities.
/* /*]]>*/ At Swap.com, we breathe new life into one-of-a-kind items. Our mission is to be the largest online consignment and thrift store in the world, helping our customers to be environmentally sustainable consumers while saving money on their favorite brands.
/* /*]]>*/ Grubhub’s Chicago office was designed with creativity and collaboration in mind; the result is an authentically fun, productive work space.
/* /*]]>*/ PowerReviews fosters a transparent and accountable culture that values learning and collaboration. And we’re not afraid to have fun along the way.
/* /*]]>*/ Sprout is built on the idea that open communication creates progress. From our new space to collaborative culture, our team reflects that value.
Uptake is a platform of answers built for industry, with industry.
/* /*]]>*/ VelocityEHS is the largest and fastest growing environmental, health and safety software provider, helping more than 12,500 companies keep their workers safe.
/* /*]]>*/ A leading Chicago-based fintech company driven by advanced tech, analytics and top talent, we've extended 20 billion in credit to nearly 5 million customers.
Flexera Software helps application producers and enterprises increase application usage and the value they derive from their software.
PowerReviews works with more than 1,000 global brands and retailers to increase conversion and improve products and the customer experience with ratings and reviews and Q&A software.
Sprout is built on the idea that open communication creates progress. From our new space to collaborative culture, our team reflects that value.
/* /*]]>*/ We're on fire! We doubled our headcount while maintaining our special vibe and winning culture. And drivers love us for making daily life easy in 47 cities.
At Outcome Health, we pursue and deliver better health outcomes by bringing people, data and solutions together.
At Shiftgig, our mission is to connect millions of people with millions of shifts. In 2016, we acquired Booked Out, added six cities, and grew from one to four verticals. To top it off, we started 2017 with $23.5M in Series C funding.
Snapsheet is the pioneering provider of virtual claims technology to personal and commercial auto insurance carriers. The company services major auto insurance carriers through a platform that improves the estimation process for auto repairs from virtual photo submission through final repairs and payment.
/* /*]]>*/ Building on 16 years of profitable growth, Vivid Seats sends 15,000 fans to live events every day. This year, the company has unseated major rivals and secured exclusive new partnerships with iconic brands like ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
Yello has grown from one million to ten million ARR in less than 10 quarters, attracting investment from multiple prominent venture capital firms. More than 50 percent headcount growth over the past year led Yello to move to an open-concept office with incredible Lake Michigan views.
/* /*]]>*/ /* /*]]>*/ /* /*]]>*/
Individual Awards
Talia Mashiach, Founder and CEO
Eved is the story of Talia’s can-do ethic and her relentless pursuit for excellence. A role model for anyone in tech, but specifically for women who may feel there are job titles that don't apply to them.
Zora Senat, President
Kristi Zuhlke, Co-founder and CEO
Shradha Agarwal, President and co-founder
Stephanie Burke, Co-founder and CEO
Jim Ryan, Flexera Software
As chief executive officer, Jim Ryan defines the overall vision and strategy and drives execution for the company’s global operations. Prior to becoming the company’s CEO, Jim was the company’s chief operating officer where he was chartered with leading Flexera Software's worldwide sales team, ensuring operational alignment and driving organizational development and leadership. Jim has been affiliated with the business since 1998. Prior to becoming chief operating officer, Jim was senior vice president of worldwide sales where he led consistent and strong revenue growth.
Phil Hollyer, HS2 Solutions
David Kalt, Reverb.com
David and his team are making the world a more musical place by making it easy and affordable to buy, sell, and learn about music gear on Reverb.
Justyn Howard, Sprout Social
Under Justyn’s vision and leadership, Sprout grew significantly over the past year–adding more than 130 employees and exceeding 17,000 customers.
Jason Weingarten, Yello
Over the last year, Jason has evolved from a hands-on operator, to an enabler of top talent, empowering a talented management team to carry out Yello’s mission.
The Moxie Awards are brought to you by our fabulous sponsors.
