55 Top startups in Santa Cruz for April 2025

We rank MakerDAO, Future Motion and Gooder Foods in Santa Cruz along with 52 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. Santa Cruz startup ecosystem ranks #105 globally and #37 in United States.

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Startups

Unicorns

Exits

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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:232

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

National Rank (United States)

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Total amount:1

Best Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

SB Score:476

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

0

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SB Score:465

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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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

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:405

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:399

Cruz Foam is a circular materials company offering certified compostable, protective packaging foam and other solutions.

Industry:
Hardware & IoT
Subindustry:
Manufacturing

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:380

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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7th

MURJ
SB Score:374

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

Industry:
Healthtech
Subindustry:
Health Care

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:341

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:317

Revolutionize stormwater compliance with a cutting-edge science-based SaaS solution for enterprise cloud. Ensure peak performance and meet regulations with ease.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Cloud

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:317

Unnatural Products is a startup pairing AI with chemistry to create treatments for drug targets. Its AI-enhanced technology platform creates entirely new drugs by engineering passively permeable, macrocyclic peptides that access traditionally undruggable targets. Unnatural Products was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Artificial Intelligence

National Rank (United States)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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SB Score:313

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)

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Regional Rank (North America)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:55

Top 17 Software & Data Startups in Santa Cruz for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in Santa Cruz have raised more than USD 106M. Santa Cruz startup ecosystem ranks #115 globally for the Software & Data industry.
SB Score:380

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:341

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)

0

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SB Score:317

Revolutionize stormwater compliance with a cutting-edge science-based SaaS solution for enterprise cloud. Ensure peak performance and meet regulations with ease.

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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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 11.8M. Santa Cruz startup ecosystem ranks #89 globally for the Social & Leisure industry.
SB Score:306

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)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:294

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)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:182

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 236M. Santa Cruz startup ecosystem ranks #214 globally for the Healthtech industry.
SB Score:405

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:374

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:313

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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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 386M. MakerDAO has 0.07% more funding than Capstan Medical.
SB Score:476

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

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SB Score:405

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

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:399

Cruz Foam is a circular materials company offering certified compostable, protective packaging foam and other solutions.

Industry:
Hardware & IoT
Subindustry:
Manufacturing

National Rank (United States)

0

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:55

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:476

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:465

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:405

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

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:380

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

View

Regional Rank (North America)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:55

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Santa Cruz

National Rank

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Regional Rank

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42nd

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Global Rank

(WorldWide)

105th

1

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Top Cities for Startups in United States - Ranked by StartupBlink

StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of more than 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
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2024 National Rank CityGlobal Rank
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Total Score

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Quantity Score
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Quality Score
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Business Score
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1st
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710.966
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2nd
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251.377
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4th
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121.937
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5th
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109.679
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