54 Top startups in Santa Cruz for January 2025

We rank Future Motion, MakerDAO and Gooder Foods in Santa Cruz along with 51 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. Santa Cruz ranks #105 globally and #37 in United States.

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Startups

Unicorns

Exits

Coworking Spaces

Accelerators

Top Unicorn Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

Prometheus is the only unicorn in Santa Cruz raising more than USD 1.5B. It is the undefined ranked unicorn in North America.
SB Score:228

Prometheus streamlines enterprise asset optimization by integrating planning, scheduling, work management, and analytics for maintenance, turnarounds, and production. Maximize efficiency and minimize downtime with a unified approach.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software

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Total amount:1

Best Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

SB Score:519

Experience effortless transportation with the self-balancing electric skateboard. Perfect for urban commuters, this innovative board automatically adjusts to your movements for a smooth ride. Say goodbye to cumbersome controls and hello to a fun and easy way to get around town.

Industry:
Hardware & IoT
Subindustry:
Hardware

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SB Score:493

Maker is a decentralized organization on the Ethereum blockchain aiming to stabilize its stable token, Dai, against the IMF's SDR. Founded in 2014 and based in Santa Cruz, Maker seeks to reduce price volatility and provide a reliable digital currency option for users.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

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SB Score:453

Gooder Foods is a manufacturer of innovative processed food products, specializing in veggie-boosted, protein-packed macaroni and cheese. The company empowers customers to enjoy healthier, convenient meal options without sacrificing taste, making nutritious eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Food and Beverage

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SB Score:395

Cruz Foam creates innovative structural foams designed to combat ocean plastic pollution. By offering bio-benign and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional EPS, it empowers industry leaders to drive the movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

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SB Score:363

SupplyShift provides sustainable supply chain solutions for businesses and customers. Streamline your supply chain with our platform for better efficiency and transparency.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Cloud

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SB Score:360

Capstan Medical develops innovative, minimally invasive technologies designed to treat heart valve disorders. By leveraging advanced techniques, the company aims to enhance patient outcomes and streamline procedures, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

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7th

MURJ
SB Score:352

Murj develops innovative digital solutions for cardiac care, ensuring patients receive optimal treatment.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

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SB Score:343

minds.ai is an AI consultancy specializing in deep learning strategy and development. They offer full-service solutions to help businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Artificial Intelligence

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SB Score:342

Unnatural Products combines AI and chemistry to develop new drugs targeting previously inaccessible areas. Their technology creates macrocyclic peptides that can reach hard-to-drug sites, offering innovative treatment solutions.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Artificial Intelligence

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SB Score:333

Emboline revolutionizes percutaneous heart valve repair with a groundbreaking device for complete embolic protection. Its innovative technology ensures safety and efficacy during the procedure, setting a new standard in cardiac care.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

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SB Score:316

Nucleos develops engaging e-learning solutions for individuals in the justice and corrections field. Their user-friendly platform offers tailored courses to enhance learning and development.

Industry:
Edtech
Subindustry:
Edtech

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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Total amount:54

Top 17 Software & Data Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in Santa Cruz have raised more than USD 82.5M. Santa Cruz ranks #115 globally for the Software & Data industry.
SB Score:395

Cruz Foam creates innovative structural foams designed to combat ocean plastic pollution. By offering bio-benign and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional EPS, it empowers industry leaders to drive the movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:363

SupplyShift provides sustainable supply chain solutions for businesses and customers. Streamline your supply chain with our platform for better efficiency and transparency.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Cloud

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:343

minds.ai is an AI consultancy specializing in deep learning strategy and development. They offer full-service solutions to help businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Artificial Intelligence

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:17

Top 5 Social & Leisure Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

The top three Social & Leisure startups in Santa Cruz have raised more than USD 11.5M. Santa Cruz ranks #89 globally for the Social & Leisure industry.
SB Score:313

Introducing a selection of innovative accommodations designed for entrepreneurs and business travelers seeking a blend of work and play. Catering to a growing community, these unique spaces provide a seamless balance between productivity and relaxation.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Communities

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:295

Revolutionize hospitality management with our cloud-based hotel software. Streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance guest experience with our innovative SaaS solution. Embrace cutting-edge technology to elevate your hotel's performance.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Social & Leisure-Other

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:193

Benevolently fosters empathy and kindness worldwide. Our mission is to inspire more compassion through innovative initiatives. Join us in spreading positivity and making a difference in the lives of others.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Social & Leisure-Other

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:5

Top 12 Healthtech Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

The top three Healthtech startups in Santa Cruz have raised more than USD 126M. Santa Cruz ranks #214 globally for the Healthtech industry.
SB Score:360

Capstan Medical develops innovative, minimally invasive technologies designed to treat heart valve disorders. By leveraging advanced techniques, the company aims to enhance patient outcomes and streamline procedures, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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2nd

MURJ
SB Score:352

Murj develops innovative digital solutions for cardiac care, ensuring patients receive optimal treatment.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:333

Emboline revolutionizes percutaneous heart valve repair with a groundbreaking device for complete embolic protection. Its innovative technology ensures safety and efficacy during the procedure, setting a new standard in cardiac care.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

National Rank (United States)

0

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:12

Most Funded Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

The top three most funded startups in Santa Cruz have raised total funding of more than USD 173M. Emboline has 0.47% more funding than MakerDAO.
SB Score:333

Emboline revolutionizes percutaneous heart valve repair with a groundbreaking device for complete embolic protection. Its innovative technology ensures safety and efficacy during the procedure, setting a new standard in cardiac care.

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:493

Maker is a decentralized organization on the Ethereum blockchain aiming to stabilize its stable token, Dai, against the IMF's SDR. Founded in 2014 and based in Santa Cruz, Maker seeks to reduce price volatility and provide a reliable digital currency option for users.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:342

Unnatural Products combines AI and chemistry to develop new drugs targeting previously inaccessible areas. Their technology creates macrocyclic peptides that can reach hard-to-drug sites, offering innovative treatment solutions.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Artificial Intelligence

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:54

Top Hiring Startups in Santa Cruz by Employee Number

The top three hiring startups in Santa Cruz have an median employee size that is between [51-100]
SB Score:519

Experience effortless transportation with the self-balancing electric skateboard. Perfect for urban commuters, this innovative board automatically adjusts to your movements for a smooth ride. Say goodbye to cumbersome controls and hello to a fun and easy way to get around town.

Industry:
Hardware & IoT
Subindustry:
Hardware

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:493

Maker is a decentralized organization on the Ethereum blockchain aiming to stabilize its stable token, Dai, against the IMF's SDR. Founded in 2014 and based in Santa Cruz, Maker seeks to reduce price volatility and provide a reliable digital currency option for users.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:453

Gooder Foods is a manufacturer of innovative processed food products, specializing in veggie-boosted, protein-packed macaroni and cheese. The company empowers customers to enjoy healthier, convenient meal options without sacrificing taste, making nutritious eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Food and Beverage

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:395

Cruz Foam creates innovative structural foams designed to combat ocean plastic pollution. By offering bio-benign and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional EPS, it empowers industry leaders to drive the movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:54

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Santa Cruz

National Rank

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37th

1

Regional Rank

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42nd

1

Global Rank

(WorldWide)

105th

1

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Top Cities for Startups in United States - Ranked by StartupBlink
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Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
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710.966
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2nd
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251.377
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3rd
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4th
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121.937
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4th
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5th
0
109.679
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