Nextera Technologies to Open Chicago Headquarters in Fulton Market, Bringing 500 Jobs

Chicago’s technology sector received a major boost Friday as Nextera Technologies, an Austin-based cloud computing and cybersecurity firm, announced plans to establish its Midwest headquarters in the Fulton Market district, bringing 500 jobs to the city over the next three years.

The company has signed a 15-year lease for 85,000 square feet at 1000 W. Fulton Street, the gleaming office tower that has become a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s transformation from meatpacking district to tech hub. Nextera will occupy floors 12 through 16 of the building, with an option to expand into additional space as hiring accelerates.

“Chicago has everything we need to scale our Midwest operations,” said Nextera CEO David Hartwell during a press conference at City Hall. “World-class universities producing exceptional engineering talent, a central location for serving clients across the country, and a cost structure that allows us to be competitive while offering employees a high quality of life.”

A City Hungry for Tech Investment

The announcement comes as Chicago works to cement its position as a major technology hub outside the traditional coastal markets. While the city has seen steady growth in its tech sector over the past decade, it has also lost corporate headquarters to other regions, making Nextera’s arrival particularly welcome news for civic leaders.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has made economic development a priority despite a challenging fiscal environment, called the announcement “a vote of confidence in Chicago’s future.”

“This is what happens when we invest in our workforce, our infrastructure, and our neighborhoods,” Johnson said. “Companies like Nextera recognize that Chicago offers something special—a combination of talent, location, and ambition that you can’t find anywhere else.”

The 500 positions will include software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, product managers, and business development professionals. The company said average salaries will exceed $120,000, with senior technical roles commanding significantly higher compensation.

Fulton Market’s Transformation Continues

Nextera’s arrival adds another high-profile tenant to a neighborhood that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once dominated by meatpacking plants and food distributors, Fulton Market is now home to offices for Google, McDonald’s corporate headquarters, and numerous tech startups.

The 1000 W. Fulton building, developed by Sterling Bay, opened in 2022 and has attracted a roster of technology and creative companies. Nextera will join existing tenants including design firm IDEO and software company Sprout Social.

“Fulton Market has become one of the premier tech corridors in the Midwest,” said Andy Gloor, CEO of Sterling Bay. “When companies like Nextera are looking for a location that will help them attract and retain top talent, this neighborhood checks every box.”

The neighborhood’s appeal extends beyond its modern office buildings. Employees have access to some of Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Girl & the Goat, Avec, and the recently opened rooftop destination at Nobu Hotel. The area’s walkability, proximity to the Blue Line, and abundance of amenities have made it particularly attractive to younger workers.

University Partnerships Seal the Deal

Company executives cited Chicago’s deep pool of engineering talent as a primary factor in their decision. Nextera has already established recruiting partnerships with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology.

“We’ve been quietly recruiting from these schools for years, and the quality of graduates consistently impressed us,” said Nextera Chief Technology Officer Maria Santos. “Having a physical presence here will allow us to deepen those relationships and compete more effectively for top talent.”

The company also announced a $2 million commitment to computer science education programs at Chicago Public Schools, focusing on high schools in underserved communities on the South and West Sides.

“We want to create pathways for Chicago students who might not otherwise have access to careers in technology,” Hartwell said. “This isn’t just about filling positions today—it’s about building the workforce of tomorrow.”

Economic Ripple Effects

State and city officials offered Nextera a package of incentives totaling approximately $15 million over 10 years, contingent on meeting job creation targets. The incentives include tax increment financing assistance and workforce development grants.

Economic development experts say the direct job creation tells only part of the story. Tech companies tend to generate significant spillover effects, supporting jobs at restaurants, retail establishments, and service providers in surrounding areas.

“For every tech job created, research suggests two to three additional jobs are supported in the local economy,” said Joseph Parrish, director of the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago. “A commitment of this size could ultimately mean more than 1,500 jobs when you factor in the multiplier effect.”

Hiring Begins Immediately

Nextera plans to begin hiring Chicago employees immediately, with the first cohort starting work in temporary space in early 2026. The company expects to complete its buildout at 1000 W. Fulton by the summer of 2026, with the full workforce in place by the end of 2028.

The expansion comes as Nextera rides a wave of demand for cloud computing and cybersecurity services. The company reported revenue growth of 45 percent in its most recent fiscal year and is backed by prominent venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital.

For Chicago, the announcement offers a counterpoint to recent headlines about corporate departures. Boeing, Citadel, and Caterpillar have all announced plans to relocate their headquarters elsewhere in recent years, fueling concerns about the city’s business climate.

“This proves that Chicago remains competitive when it comes to attracting cutting-edge companies,” said Jack Lavin, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “We’re seeing a new generation of tech leaders recognize what this city has to offer.”

Current openings are posted on Nextera’s careers page, with the company indicating that Chicago-based roles will be clearly identified beginning next week.