Sports robotics company Monarc is back in Chicago and looking to supercharge the next phase of its growth.
Founded by Northwestern University grads Igor Karlicic and Bhargav Maganti, Monarc created the world's first robotic quarterback, dubbed the Seeker.
Now used by around 40 Power Four college football programs including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, Texas Christian and Louisiana State, and invested in by NFL stars such as George Kittle, Hunter Henry and Mohamed Sanu, the Seeker helps pass catchers and special teamers increase reps during training without putting additional strain on the quarterback. Users select where they want the ball to go, and the Seeker will hit that location every time.
Karlicic and Maganti started the company in 2015 with a vision of creating a new kind of technology where athletes could train by themselves.
“What we’re looking to do is implement the technology wherever it will have the most impact,” Karlicic told Chicago Inno. “Historically football has been the only sport in which you can’t really do anything by yourself. With basketball, you can shoot hoops.”
Maganti and Karlicic first moved the company to Iowa City to develop and test concepts with the help of the University of Iowa football team. The company then moved to Dallas where they continued to refine the technology and build out the supply chain.
Moving to their next stage of growth, however, the two decided to make Chicago their home, moving the company’s headquarters to a 3,700-square-foot space in Goose Island, where final assembly is now done. The office is also where athletes come through and test out the technology.
Over the last year, the startup tripled its revenue.
“Our focus throughout inception has been building a sustainable business, and part of that has been developing a business model that enables us to self-fund our growth,” Maganti told Chicago Inno. “We’re happy to say that we’re at a point where we are able to do that.”
Sign up for the Business Journal’s free daily newsletter to receive the latest business news impacting Chicago.
