Mabye it's just the culture of the company, because the company still feels new tech (although it's old). I hesitated to put Braintree on here for the same reason (and because it was acq. by PayPal)
We're Chicago-based startup [1] that helps secure mobile apps and devices and recently completed a 12.5m Series A.
If you're interested in mobile security, you can get an idea about our work in a recently vulnerability we helped Samsung patch impacting 200m+ devices. [2]
Over 50% of our company is remote and we're hiring 30+ people this year. If you're interested in mobile and/or security, would love to hear from you. [3]
Maybe it's just me, but I see sooo many HR/Marketing/Finance startups in Chicago and they are all kinda boring to me because they are all approaching very similar problems.
640 Labs was bought out by Monsanto in December, 2014.
I used to work with one of the founders. A really great guy and his success is well-deserved.
640 Labs is my example of what a real Chicago startup should be. They put their heads down, got to work, and got a product out in the field (literally).
Chicago health tech entrepreneur here: I have so much respect for 640 labs and the others a here that are actually solving real problems, rather than trying to be a copycat. Agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing may not be sexy, but we have those strengths here, and Chicago should be promoting the successes in these areas more frequently.
Some of my favorite Chicago startups:
1. TempoDB - Database for IOT and sensor data
2. 640 Labs - Precision agriculutre platform
3. Opternative - Online Eye Exams
4. ShipBob (YC S14) - Easy shipping for businesses and personal (Disclaimer: Currently work here)
5. Basecamp - Project Managment Software