The Moxie Awards
Finalists for Startup of the Year
We are pleased to announce the following outstanding Chicago startups as our finalists for The Moxie Awards' Startup of the Year.
Belly is a universal loyalty program that customers can take with them anywhere they go. Comprised of a mobile app and QR tags, Belly customers can check in at local business via iPads to earn customized rewards. Belly recently raised $10M in funding and is expanding to over 10 US markets.
BrightTag is a venture-backed start-up in the digital advertising industry that specializes in assisting websites control, protect, and monetize their valuable data. As a result, BrightTag reduces website latency, protects consumer privacy, and drives revenue through improved data collection and distribution methods. BrightTag receieved $15M in funding in April 2012.
Code Academy is an intensive 12-week program that teaches people how to build web applications with structured curriculum, plus ongoing support and guidance. Code Academy provides expert instruction and mentorship in the immersive environment of 1871. In less than a year, Code Academy has bootstrapped its way to over $1M in revenue. Over 170 students have completed Code Academy in less than 9 months, from over 20 states and 8 countries around the world. We're now averaging 80 students a quarter spread across 4 different course offerings and are on pace to teach 300+ beginners web design and development this year alone. Today we have alumni working as apprentices and entry-level developers with companies such as Groupon, Enova, 8th Light, DevMynd, Braintree, Kohactive, Doejo, and Trunk Club to name a few. Many Code Academy alumni are also joining and launching startups (most of which are Chicago-based) such as Eveningflow, SchoolSparrow, StyleSeek, Furnishly, Obaz, LeaseMaid, and SimpleRelevance. 
Sprout Social builds powerful social media management tools used by thousands of businesses across the globe. Sprout Social’s web and mobile applications integrate with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other networks where consumers engage with businesses and brands. In addition, Sprout Social offers contact management, competitive information, lead generation, reporting, analytics and more – all in a package that's intuitive and easy to use. Sprout Social has 36 Chicago employees and most recently raised $10M in funding in Janurary 2011.
Trunk Club is an unique clothing service for men. Guys discover awesome clothes that are perfect for them without ever having to go shopping. Trunk Club combines designer brands, superb service, and unparalleled convenience to deliver a highly personalized experience that helps guys look their best and saves them time. Trunk Club was founded in Chicago in 2009 and currently has 90 employees. They raised $11M in funding in September 2011.Congratulations to our finalists and please remember to vote!
