Time Magazine released its list today of the 50 most "genius companies" of 2018, and two Chicago startups cracked the list.
In a list that includes names like Nike, Netflix, Apple, Airbnb and Disney, Chicago startups SpotHero and Cameo were also named to the exclusive list.
SpotHero, one of Chicago's most well-known consumer apps, provides off street parking options to drivers at a discount compared to regular garage parking rates. Founded in 2011, SpotHero has raised $68 million to date, including $10 million just last month.
The startup has had a busy 2018. This year it outfitted 500 Chicago parking facilities with new driverless car-enabled technology, announced a partnership with Waze to install bluetooth beacons on Lower Wacker Drive, and is in talks with electric scooter companies to potentially use SpotHero garages as places to park e-scooters when not in use.
SpotHero employs more than 200 people and says it has helped park more than 20 million cars to date.
Cameo, on the other hand, is one of Chicago's hot up-and-coming startups. Founded in 2017, Cameo lets you request and pay for video shout-out messages from celebrities. Via the startup’s website and app, users can browse a list of celebrities ranging from Dennis Rodman to Lance Bass, and request personalized video messages for themselves or loved ones.
Cameo's platform has grown to more than 4,000 celebrities, and it's been featured in publications like the New York Times and Elle Magazine.
