Seven Chicago startups were included on the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s most recent 250 Direct Brands to Watch list, which identifies the “most important disruptor consumer brands" in the U.S.
The annual report, which is broken down into 10 categories like wellness and fashion, includes major recognizable brands, such as Halo Top, Stitch Fix, Glossier and Postmates.
“We are in the midst of a seismic change in business practices, enabled by the growth of digital media and driven by a new generation of digitally native entrepreneurs,” said IAB's CEO Randall Rothenberg in a statement. “Collectively, the IAB 250 are models of the best practices and trends that are overturning and revolutionizing consumer markets in the U.S."
Though the majority of the companies on the list hail from New York or California, IAB says nearly 100 of the brands come from a broad range of other states.
The Chicago companies on the list include:
Bucketfeet: Founded in 2011, the startup built a business by selling artist-designed, one-of-a-kind shoes. In 2017, Bucketfeet was acquired by fellow Chicago e-commerce lifestyle brand Threadless, and transitioned its business to producing on-demand footwear.
Doggyloot: The startup operates a deals site for dog owners that includes treats and toys, handpicking products to assemble personalized lists. Founded in 2011, the startup has raised $2.5 million in venture capital funding.
Home Chef: The meal kit delivery service focuses on selling meals that are both easy to make and full of flavor. Home Chef was acquired by Kroger last year for $200 million, and just last week, the grocery giant announced that it is expanding its rollout of Home Chef, bringing the meal kits to 500 additional stores.
Interior Define: Founded in 2013, Interior Define has built a business on making it easier to buy furniture online. Interior Define’s website allows customers to browse and purchase made-to-order furniture by customizing everything from size, cushion type, leg style, and fabric and leather upholstery. Since launching, the startup has raised more than $27 million, according to Crunchbase.
Monica + Andy: The startup, founded in 2014, sells baby clothes that are delivered to customers’ doors in its signature “cuddle boxes.” The startup has raised $12 million to date.
Oars + Alps: Launched in 2015, the startup sells men’s skincare products made from natural and toxin-free ingredients. So far, it has raised $1.3 million in VC funding.
Pre Brands: The startup, founded in 2015, sells grass-fed beef, but is taking a different approach to the business by focusing on the consumer and outsourcing the production. Pre Brands, founded in 2015, buys its beef mainly from New Zealand and Australia, and packages and distributes its product from a factory on Chicago’s South Side. Pre Brands is now in more than 500 retail stores across 20 states, including Mariano’s, Treasure Island and Meijer.
