California is home to some of the most exciting and successful startups in existence today. From Silicon Valley tech giants to Los Angeles-based media startups, this state is delivering big ideas with a big impact every day.
Home to some of the world's most famous companies such as Apple, Google, Intel and more, California is an ideal hub for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark on the tech industry.
The San Francisco Bay Area is still the world's leading startup ecosystem, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023.
With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the top startups in California today and discover what makes them truly stand out from the rest.
Startup Ecosystem in California 2024
California is the hub of startups in the United States, known for its innovative and entrepreneurial environment.
The state boasts of several world-renowned startup ecosystems, such as Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which have become home to some of the most successful startups in the world, including Uber, Airbnb, and SpaceX.
California is home to some of the most valuable startups in the world, including Airbnb, Uber, and DoorDash.
Besides, California's startup ecosystem offers unparalleled access to investors, talent, and resources, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. California's tech-savvy population, diverse economy, and supportive government policies are just some of the reasons that make it a fertile ground for entrepreneurship.
As the startup ecosystem in California continues to thrive and grow, it is no surprise that the state remains the top destination for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build and grow their businesses.
Top Startups in California (2024 - List)
Here are some of the top startups in California:
1. OpenAI
Founders: Ilya Sutskever, Greg Brockman, Trevor Blackwell, Vicki Cheung, Andrej Karpathy, Durk Kingma, Jessica Livingston, John Schulman, Pamela Vagata, Wojciech Zaremba, Sam Altman and Elon Musk
Funding Amount:$11.3B
Founded Year: 2015
OpenAI is a leading AI research and deployment company based in California, USA. The company is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and machine learning that has a positive impact on humanity. OpenAI aims to explore innovative and responsible ways of creating intelligent machines that can solve complex problems across various industries. OpenAI's ground-breaking research has helped it to establish itself as one of the top start-ups in California that continues to attract attention from around the world. Their innovative contributions to the field of AI have the potential to revolutionize the future of technology and benefit society as a whole.
2. Databricks
Founders: Ali Ghodsi, Andy Konwinski, Arsalan Tavakoli-Shiraji, Ion Stoica, Matei Zaharia, Patrick Wendell, Reynold Xin
Funding Amount:$3.5B
Founded Year: 2013
Databricks is a data and AI company that specializes in the interaction of corporate information stored in the public cloud. With a strong focus on simplifying complex data systems and streamlining AI workflows, Databricks has quickly become a go-to choice for businesses looking to enhance their data operations. The company has earned a reputation for its innovative approach to data management and its ability to help companies make sense of their vast amounts of data.
3. Zoom
Founders: Eric Yuan
Funding Amount: $276M
Founded Year: 2011
Zoom has quickly become a household name in the tech industry. Founded in 2011, the software company has revolutionized the way we communicate with one another. Their platform allows people to connect through video, voice, chat, and content sharing, making it an all-inclusive solution for remote work and communication. With offices located all over the world, Zoom has established itself as one of the leaders in the industry, offering a reliable and user-friendly service that can be accessed from anywhere.
4. DoorDash
Founders: Evan Moore, Stanley Tang
Funding Amount: $2.5B
Founded Year: 2013
Founded in 2013, DoorDash has quickly become one of the most popular services for connecting customers with local and national restaurants and businesses. Whether you're craving a classic pizza or something a little more adventurous, DoorDash makes it easy to enjoy your favorite dishes from the comfort of your own home. With a user-friendly platform and a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, it's no wonder why DoorDash has become such a go-to choice for foodies across the country.
5. Miro
Founders: Andrey Khusid
Funding Amount: $476.3M
Founded Year: 2011
Miro, a visual collaboration platform, is one of the top startups in California. As a business tool that intends to enhance teamwork and collaboration, Miro creates a seamless, intuitive, and engaging environment for teams to work together no matter their location. These characteristics have made Miro an increasingly popular choice for companies that value teamwork and creativity. In a business world where remote work is now the norm, Miro has become an essential tool for teams in various fields, from product design and marketing to project management and education.
6. Snap Inc.
Founders: Bobby Murphy, Evan Spiegel, Reggie Brown
Funding Amount: $4.9B
Founded Year: 2011
Snap Inc. is a global camera technology and social media. The company operates as a privately-owned organization, catering to clients worldwide. With a focus on innovative technology and social media, Snap has become one of California's leading startups, constantly pushing boundaries and changing the game. What sets Snap apart is its emphasis on multinational technology, which has helped the company cement itself as a major player in the global market. With its unique approach to camera technology and social media, Snap has caught the attention of the world and continues to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry.
7. Discord
Founders: Jason Citron
Funding Amount: $995.4M
Founded Year: 2015
Discord is an online platform designed to bring people together to create communities through voice, video, and text communication. Whether for gamers, businesses, or social groups, Discord offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to stay connected and engaged with others. With a focus on innovation and creating a space for people to come together, Discord is quickly becoming a go-to resource for building and cultivating online communities. As it continues to expand, there's no doubt that Discord will remain a top startup to watch in California.
8. Plaid
Founders: William Hockey, Zachary Perret
Funding Amount: $734.3M
Founded Year: 2013
Plaid is an innovative company that provides businesses with the essential tools and access needed for developing a digital financial system that's secure, reliable, and efficient. Plaid's platform is trusted by thousands of financial institutions, including some of the best-known companies in the industry. Their software enables easy integration with various financial data sources, allowing businesses to access valuable insights and automation capabilities.
9. Instacart
Founders: Apoorva Mehta, Brandon Leonardo, Max Mullen
Funding Amount: $2.9B
Founded Year: 2012
Instacart has revolutionized the grocery industry by providing consumers with a convenient and efficient way to order groceries online. The platform offers same-day delivery and pickup services for retailers, allowing shoppers to receive their products quickly and efficiently. With Instacart, consumers can easily shop for groceries from their favorite stores without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. This has become particularly valuable during the pandemic, as many people have turned to internet-based shopping to avoid crowded stores. Instacart's technology has also made it possible for retailers to streamline their delivery process and improve their overall customer experience. With its innovative and user-friendly platform, Instacart is quickly becoming a go-to solution for those looking to simplify their grocery shopping experience.
10. Coinbase
Founders: Brian Armstrong, Fred Ehrsam
Funding Amount: $678.7M
Founded Year: 2012
Coinbase is a groundbreaking platform that is changing the way people interact with digital currency. With its easy-to-use interface, Coinbase has opened up the world of cryptocurrency to everyone from traders to everyday consumers. The platform has made the process of buying, selling, and storing digital currency more accessible and secure than ever before. Whether you're just starting out with cryptocurrency or you're a seasoned trader, Coinbase offers a reliable way to transact with digital currency.
11. Faire
Founders: Daniele Perito, Jeffrey Kolovson, Marcelo Cortes, Max Rhodes
Funding Amount: $1.7B
Founded Year: 2017
Faire is more than just a marketplace for retailers to find what they need. With an easy-to-use platform, Faire gives retailers access to a wide variety of wholesale merchandise that can help them meet the demands of their customers. From handmade crafts to seasonal decor, Faire has it all. Retailers can browse categories of products or use search filters to find the specific items they are looking for. With a focus on quality and reliability, Faire ensures that retailers are getting the best products from reputable vendors.
12. Brex
Founders: Henrique Dubugras, Pedro Franceschi
Funding Amount: $1.5B
Founded Year: 2017
Brex is a comprehensive spending platform that helps companies effectively manage their finances. By offering a wide range of services such as corporate cards, cost management, reimbursements, and bill pay, Brex provides a powerful all-in-one solution for businesses of all sizes. With Brex, finance teams and founders gain increased control over global spending, which empowers them to make better financial decisions.
13. Airtable
Founders: Andrew Ofstad, Emmett Nicholas, Howie Liu
Funding Amount: $1.4B
Founded Year: 2013
Airtable is a revolutionary software company that offers an online platform for creating and sharing relational databases. Their cloud-based solution is loved by companies and individuals alike for its flexibility, simplicity, and ease of use. With Airtable, you can create a custom database for any type of information and easily share it with others. Whether you're managing projects, tracking inventory, or organizing client data, Airtable makes it easy to organize your information in a way that makes sense for you.
14. Rippling
Founders: Parker Conrad, Prasanna Sankar
Funding Amount: $1.2B
Founded Year: 2016
Rippling is an innovative HR management company that offers top-of-the-line solutions for businesses to streamline their HR and IT operations. Founded in 2016, Rippling has quickly become a go-to platform for companies looking to simplify their business processes and improve workplace efficiency. With its user-friendly interface, extensive feature set, and unbeatable customer support, Rippling is a smart choice for any business looking to revamp its HR and IT operations. Whether your organization needs help managing payroll, benefits, or employee information, Rippling has you covered.
15. Reddit
Founders: Aaron Swartz, Alexis Ohanian, Steve Huffman
Funding Amount: $1.3B
Founded Year: 2005
Reddit is a popular website that has become a go-to destination for millions of users around the world. It's a platform that allows people to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences about a diverse range of topics, from politics and current events to technology, sports, entertainment, and more. What makes Reddit unique is its community-driven approach, with users able to create their own subreddits or join existing ones that align with their interests. Whether you're looking for the latest news or just want to engage in lively discussions with like-minded individuals, Reddit is the place to be.
16. Notion
Founders: Chris Prucha, Ivan Zhao, Simon Last
Funding Amount: $343.2M
Founded Year: 2016
Notion is the ultimate all-in-one workspace, serving as a hub for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases. Notion combines all the essential everyday work apps you need into one central location, streamlining your workday and saving you time. It's the perfect solution for people looking to simplify their workflow and stay organized. Plus, with the ability to access Notion through most web browsers, you can stay connected and productive no matter where you are.
17. Figma
Founders: Dylan Field, Evan Wallace
Funding Amount: $333.4M
Founded Year: 2012
Figma is a powerful design platform that is revolutionizing the way product teams collaborate and create. Whether you're a designer, developer, or product manager, Figma provides an intuitive and seamless experience that allows you to build and iterate on your designs with ease. Born in the browser, Figma has quickly become a go-to tool for teams looking to streamline their design process and stay ahead of the competition.
18. ServiceTitan
Founders: Ara Mahdessian, Vahe Kuzoyan
Funding Amount: $1.1B
Founded Year: 2007
ServiceTitan is a software that allows home services businesses to streamline their operations and increase their revenue. It offers a variety of features, such as lead generation, sales tracking, and scheduling, all designed to simplify the management of a service business. ServiceTitan is particularly useful for companies that want to grow through the acquisition of new customers, as it provides tools to help generate leads and close sales.
19. Gusto
Founders: Edward Kim, Josh Reeves, Tomer London
Funding Amount: $746.1M
Founded Year: 2011
Gusto is the perfect solution for small- and medium-sized businesses that need a reliable, web-based payroll platform. This online platform offers comprehensive payroll, benefits, human resources, and integration services for both employers and employees in the United States. Gusto provides crucial support to businesses by simplifying complex payroll processes, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, and providing accurate tax filings. With Gusto, employers can focus on growing and expanding their business while rest assured their employees are taken care of.
20. Flexport
Founders: David Petersen, Ryan Petersen
Funding Amount: $2.4B
Founded Year: 2013
Powered by innovative software and a strong team of experts, Flexport handles everything from customs clearance to warehousing and distribution. By leveraging technology, Flexport makes it easy for businesses to manage their freight and track their shipments in real time. In short, Flexport is the solution for any company looking to simplify their international shipping needs and focus on growing their business.
21. Carta
Founders: Henry Ward, Manu Kumar
Funding Amount: $1.2B
Founded Year: 2012
As companies grow and expand, managing equity and ownership becomes increasingly complex. This is where Carta comes in - a powerful platform that enables companies, investors, and employees to easily manage their equity. From tracking ownership and generating financial reports to executing stock transactions and facilitating investor communication, Carta has everything a business needs to stay on top of its equity game.
22. Scale AI
Founders: Alexandr Wang, Lucy Guo
Funding Amount: $602.6M
Founded Year: 2016
Scale AI is at the forefront of the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence, providing a data platform that enables machine learning teams to develop and optimize their algorithmic models. With its extensive training data collection and innovative technology, Scale AI is an indispensable asset for any company or organization looking to take advantage of the incredible potential offered by AI. Whether you are looking to create more powerful natural language processing engines or revolutionize autonomous driving technology, Scale AI can provide the high-quality data you need to succeed.
23. Zapier
Founders: Bryan Helmig, Mike Knoop, Wade Foster
Funding Amount: $1.4M
Founded Year: 2011
Zapier is a powerful automation tool that has revolutionized the way people work. With millions of users worldwide, Zapier allows you to connect your favorite apps seamlessly and automate your workflows. It's incredibly easy to use, even for those without any technical skills. Simply create a "Zap" (a task you want to automate) and let Zapier do the rest. Zapier helps you save time and increase productivity by completing repetitive tasks faster, allowing you to focus on the more important aspects of your work. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or part of a large corporation, Zapier can help streamline your operations and keep your costs down.
Most Asked Questions
1. Is California good for startups in 2024?
The state of California has become a hub for startups in recent years, attracting entrepreneurs from all over the world. With its vibrant tech community, access to capital, and supportive ecosystem, California has proven to be a great place to launch and grow a startup. The state is home to some of the world's most successful companies, such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, all of which started as small startups. California's entrepreneurial spirit has led to the creation of thousands of startups, each with the potential to revolutionize their respective industries. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, California is definitely a great place to start a business and turn your dreams into reality.
The California is creating a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. The state has a number of initiatives in place to support startups.
2. What are the most successful startups in California?
California is undoubtedly the land of startups, with a plethora of innovative companies launching every year. However, some of these startups surpass all others in terms of success. From revolutionizing AI to streamlining food delivery, the most successful startups in California have reshaped industries and captured the imaginations of consumers worldwide. These companies include OpenAI, which is leading the way in artificial intelligence, Databricks, a pioneer in cloud-based big data management solutions, Zoom, the video conferencing titan that boomed during the pandemic, and DoorDash, a food delivery juggernaut that connects hungry customers with their favorite restaurants. With so many cutting-edge startups emerging from California, it's no surprise that the most successful ones are a force to be reckoned with.
3. What are the advantages of starting a business in California?
California is a welcoming state for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business ventures. Despite the high cost of living and operational expenses, there are many advantages of starting a business in California. The state boasts a diverse and highly educated workforce, which allows businesses to tap into a talented pool of potential employees. Additionally, California is home to many prestigious universities, granting businesses access to the latest research, technology, and innovation. The state's central location on the west coast also makes it an ideal location for international trade, as well as shipping goods across the country. Furthermore, California offers a favorable business environment, with tax credits, grants, and other incentives for entrepreneurs and small business owners. All of these factors make California a promising destination for those who want to start their own businesses and make a name for themselves.