Top Development Agencies in Chicago for Startups
If you run a startup, chances are you could use some help — particularly in the area of web development. You’ve heard of outsourcing, but you really don’t want to work with someone who speaks a different language and lives in another time zone.
While “outsourcing” often refers to working with people from other countries, it doesn’t have to — it just means working with people from outside of your organization. You can do that by working with a development team here in the US. Here, we’ll look at great development agencies based in Chicago.
Tandem
Tandem has been making a name for itself since launching in 2011. The strategy and design firm is a good fit for startups new to space but they’ve also worked with some of the biggest names in Tech, including Motorola and IBM.
Saritasa
Saritasa was founded in 2005 but have done a lot in that time. They’re a good partner for startups that need a little bit of help with a little bit of everything but that doesn’t mean that they can’t take big jobs. Past clients include Sony and Verizon.
TangoCode
TangoCode stands out as being Women-owned and diversity operated, making them a great fit for other minority-led businesses looking for a friendly hand in a sometimes hospitable world. That doesn’t mean that they only work with under-represented groups. Past clients include Google, and Barnes & Noble.
Intechnic
Intechnic has been around since 2007, offering quality software and web development. They don’t offer some potentially necessary services like app development but they are good enough to have worked with the likes of Disney and Paramount.
Koombea
Koombea launched in 2007 and specialize in hybrid apps, making them a great fit for companies that want to get their content out there without making too big a fuss with the technical details. However, they meet your needs if you do want to get into the details. Past clients include Motorola, Samsung, eBay and Disney.
Mu/DAI
MU/DAI was founded in 2014 and they’ve stayed small. In terms of employee head-count that is. They have offices in Austin and Los Angeles and have taken on some pretty big projects, working with software giant SalesForce, as well as the American Medical Association.
Earlybird
Founded in 2012, Earlybird specializes in custom software and data science. They’ve done lighter projects like mobile games before but most of their heavy lifting has been in the automotive industry and working with the University of Chicago.
Title XI
Title XI is all about usability, making them a good fit for startups that have a tech team but need help making sure that it is put to the best possible use. They’ve put their fifteen years of experience into working with high-profile projects for outfits like JAMA, Accuweather, and NorthWestern University.
Highland Solutions
Highland Solutions specializes in custom software development, but are also experts in usability testing Building software from the ground up would be a great fit for them but things like apps are a little bit far afield. However, they’ve been around for a good twenty years and have worked with big names like McGraw Hill, Thrivent Financial and Dow Chemical.
Projekt202
Projekt202 is all about custom software development and usability testing, though they also do web and app development. They don’t make bricks without clay but if you give them something to work with, they’ll make it work for you. In the last sixteen years, they’ve worked with clients like Samsung, Capital One, and Canon.
Sphere Software
Sphere Software does a little of everything, making them a perfect fit for clients that want to invent or reinvent themselves in a digital world. Their base is in Chicago, but they have centers throughout America and Eastern Europe, making them a great fit for international startups. Past clients include Tumblr, Buzzfeed, and Nokia.
CSW Solutions
CSW Solutions specializes in software, web, and app development and has since they hung up their shingle in 2005. They focus on Microsoft and Cloud solutions, making them a perfect fit for groups that need to update their game plan without starting from square one. They’ve worked with BP and they could work with you.
Armia Systems
Armia Systems Inc. is a development agency focusing on the complex backend programming of web and mobile applications. They have developed several SaaS products, marketplaces and transportation platforms. Past customers include Ford, Redbox, and 8to18. They have a startup studio called CodeVentures specifically to work with early-stage startups. They have offices in Chicagoland and India.
Forte Group
Forte Group has been specializing in IT since its launch almost twenty years ago. They’re a good fit for startups that already have a product but need some maintenance or other additional support. Past clients include Redbox and Kohls.
Dom & Tom Inc.
Dom & Tom Inc. is all about cross-platform development. They work in web, mobile, and developing technologies. They’re all about open collaboration so working with them feels more like having an in-house team than outsourcing.
Bounteous
Bounteous is one of the larger development teams in Chicago. Founded all the way back in 1993, they’ve had some time to grow. They keep up with the modern world but also focus on core business concerns to grow your digital brand and move your business into the twenty-first century.
Vokal
Vokal isn’t the biggest team but they’re close-knit, with all of them living in and around Chicago. The company helps its clients research, design, and build digital experience, making them great for anyone who knows their business but needs a hand with the technical side.
Eight Bit Studios
Eight Bit Studios are expert web and app designers. The company was founded in 2008, almost all of their teamwork in and around Chicago, and they’ve honed their craft with big names like Groupon. They’re another good fit for startups that know what they’re doing but need a little help with the coding.
Key Lime Tie
Founded in 2007, Key Lime Tie specializes in online marketing and eCommerce. They’ll also take over the reins on things like content management, so they’re good for companies looking to introduce or reintroduce themselves to customers.
8th Light
8th Light was founded in 2007 and has expanded to have offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London as well as their base in Chicago. They’re looking for long term partnerships with clients, however, so don’t go to them for your one-off job. Past clients include Groupon.
Kohactive
Kohactive is similarly interested in working with startups rather than for them. Founded in 2008, the company is versatile being roughly equal parts design, web, and software development. They’re a solid choice for startups that need a lot of help with a bit of everything.
Caxey Interactive
Caxey Interactive has been around since 1999 and specializes in software and web development for eCommerce websites. They focus on usability and agile web development, making them a perfect fit for startups that know what they want but are still working on getting their product out to their ideal audience. Past clients include the Field Museum and the Rush University Medical Center.
Velvetech LLC
Velvetech LLC opened its doors in 2004 and has been software and app development and CRM consultation ever since. That makes them a good fit for startups that know the service that they want to offer but are still working out the best way to make their solutions available to the public. Past big-name clients include The Apache Corporation and THe American Academy of Family Physicians.
Loadsys
Loadsys Solutions specializes in software, web, and mobile app development, specifically in Ruby and React Native coding languages. Don’t let basic terms fool you — they also work in advanced fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. They’ve worked with big names like The Stanford National Forensics Institute, and they could work with you.
Youtech
Youtech is a jack-of-all-trades company that has worn a lot of hats since it opened its doors in 2012. They’ve worked with a lot of food-based companies, including big names like Coors, but that doesn’t put a limit on their field of expertise.
Outsourcing your software development services doesn’t need to mean working with people half-way around the world. There are a number of world-class development agencies right here in America, right here in Chicago. The list provided above is just a sampling that we hope will inspire you to keep looking for the perfect fit for your outfit and your specific needs.
