A bold wave of U.S.-based AI startups is rising to redefine the future of technology. With $ 100 M+ in funding, these 20 companies are scaling cutting-edge solutions in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and more. Their breakthroughs are driving progress across sectors—from healthcare and finance to robotics and enterprise software.
20 AI Leaders Driving the Revolution with $ 100 M+ in Backing
Armed with deep tech expertise and major investor backing, these startups are positioned to become the next generation of industry-defining tech leaders.
Let’s take a look at the AI innovators setting the pace for the future.
| Company | Founded | Location | Employees | Last Funding | Last Amount | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | 2015 | San Francisco, California | 251–500 | Oct 3, 2024 | $4B | $21.9B |
| SandboxAQ | 2016 | Palo Alto, California | 101–250 | Dec 18, 2024 | $300M | $825M |
| CoreWeave | 2017 | Roseland, New Jersey | 501–1,000 | Nov 13, 2024 | $650M | $13.42B |
| Abnormal Security | 2018 | San Francisco, California | 501–1,000 | Aug 6, 2024 | $250M | $534M |
| Speak | 2016 | San Francisco, California | 101–250 | Dec 10, 2024 | $78M | $152M |
| BigID | 2016 | New York, New York | 251–500 | Mar 18, 2024 | $60M | $306.1M |
| Glean | 2019 | Palo Alto, California | 501–1,000 | Sep 10, 2024 | $260M | $618.2M |
| Suki | 2016 | Redwood City, California | 101–250 | Oct 10, 2024 | $70M | $165M |
| ZeroEyes | 2018 | Conshohocken, Pennsylvania | 101–250 | Jun 26, 2024 | $53.35M | $105.45M |
| KoBold Metals | 2018 | Berkeley, California | 101–250 | Oct 4, 2024 | $537M | $944.5M |
| EliseAI | 2017 | New York, New York | 101–250 | Aug 14, 2024 | $75M | $141.93M |
| Iambic Therapeutics | 2019 | San Diego, California | 51–100 | Apr 24, 2024 | $50M | $203M |
| Tractian | 2019 | Atlanta, Georgia | 251–500 | Dec 5, 2024 | $120M | $183.7M |
| Spring Health | 2016 | New York, New York | 1,001–5,000 | Jul 31, 2024 | $100M | $466.5M |
| Enfabrica | 2019 | Mountain View, California | 51–100 | Nov 19, 2024 | $115M | $240M |
| Sword Health | 2015 | New York, New York | 501–1,000 | Jun 4, 2024 | $100M | $453.47M |
| AMP | 2015 | Louisville, Colorado | 501–1,000 | Dec 5, 2024 | $91M | $266.07M |
| Strider Technologies | 2019 | Salt Lake City, Utah | 101–250 | Sep 12, 2024 | $55M | $112M |
| SiMa.ai | 2018 | San Jose, California | 101–250 | Apr 4, 2024 | $70M | $270M |
| Cowbell | 2019 | Pleasanton, California | 101–250 | Jul 26, 2024 | $60M | $208.3M |
1. OpenAI
- Founded: December 11, 2015
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI
- Number of Employees: 251–500
- Last Funding Amount: $4B (Latest Round: October 3, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $21.9B
OpenAI is a pioneering artificial intelligence research and deployment company focused on developing safe and beneficial AI. Based in San Francisco, OpenAI is known for breakthroughs in generative AI, including large language models and multimodal systems. Its mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. Backed by billions in funding, OpenAI delivers cutting-edge technologies like ChatGPT and DALL·E, empowering individuals and businesses to solve complex problems, create content, and automate tasks responsibly and efficiently.
2. SandboxAQ
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $300M (Latest Round: December 18, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $825M
SandboxAQ is a technology company combining artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to address complex challenges in cybersecurity, simulation, and advanced computation. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SandboxAQ empowers governments, enterprises, and healthcare institutions with cutting-edge solutions like quantum-resistant cryptography and AI-driven threat detection. With significant backing and a highly skilled team, the company plays a key role in preparing critical infrastructure for a post-quantum future.
3. CoreWeave
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Roseland, New Jersey, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing
- Number of Employees: 501–1,000
- Last Funding Amount: $650M (Latest Round: November 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $13.42B
CoreWeave is a specialized cloud infrastructure company optimized for GPU-accelerated workloads such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, visual effects, and rendering. Based in Roseland, New Jersey, CoreWeave offers highly flexible and scalable compute solutions that significantly outperform traditional cloud providers in cost and performance. With over $13B in total funding, the company supports leading-edge innovation for enterprises pushing the boundaries of AI and high-performance computing.
4. Abnormal Security
- Founded: April 2018
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security
- Number of Employees: 501–1,000
- Last Funding Amount: $250M (Latest Round: August 6, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $534M
Abnormal Security is an AI-driven cybersecurity company that specializes in email security and fraud prevention. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Abnormal Security uses machine learning to detect and prevent sophisticated threats like phishing, impersonation attacks, and account takeovers. With its innovative approach to security, the company helps organizations protect their employees and customers from emerging cyber threats, securing billions of messages each day across various industries.
5. Speak
- Founded: 2016
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), E-Learning
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $78M (Latest Round: December 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $152M
Speak is an AI-powered e-learning platform focused on helping users improve their language skills. Based in San Francisco, California, Speak leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized language lessons, enabling learners to practice speaking, listening, and writing in real-time. With a commitment to making language learning more accessible and engaging, Speak’s solutions are used by individuals, educational institutions, and enterprises around the world.
6. BigID
- Founded: February 2016
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data
- Number of Employees: 251–500
- Last Funding Amount: $60M (Latest Round: March 18, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $306.1M
BigID is a leading AI-driven data privacy and protection company. Based in New York, BigID helps organizations discover, manage, and secure sensitive data across their networks with advanced machine learning and big data analytics. Their solutions are designed to support compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, while also enhancing data governance practices, helping businesses mitigate risk and protect customer data.
7. Glean
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI
- Number of Employees: 501–1,000
- Last Funding Amount: $260M (Latest Round: September 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $618.2M
Glean is an AI-powered knowledge management platform that uses generative AI to help organizations harness their internal data and streamline workflows. Based in Palo Alto, California, Glean’s platform allows users to find, share, and collaborate on company information more efficiently. With a focus on improving productivity and decision-making, Glean empowers teams to access and utilize organizational knowledge, leveraging cutting-edge AI to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
8. Suki
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Redwood City, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health Care
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $70M (Latest Round: October 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $165M
Suki is an AI-powered healthcare technology company focused on transforming the way clinicians interact with electronic health records (EHRs). Based in Redwood City, California, Suki uses advanced speech recognition and machine learning to help doctors and medical professionals reduce administrative burdens, allowing them to spend more time with patients. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of clinical documentation, Suki enhances the overall quality of care while streamlining healthcare workflows.
9. ZeroEyes
- Founded: March 2018
- Location: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Vision
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $53.35M (Latest Round: June 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $105.45M
ZeroEyes is an AI-powered computer vision company specializing in real-time threat detection for public safety. Based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, ZeroEyes uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze security camera footage and detect firearms, alerting authorities to potential threats instantly. Their innovative technology is used to protect schools, workplaces, and public spaces, enhancing security and enabling rapid response to emergencies.
10. KoBold Metals
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Berkeley, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mineral
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $537M (Latest Round: October 4, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $944.5M
KoBold Metals is an AI-driven company focused on revolutionizing the mineral exploration industry. Based in Berkeley, California, KoBold Metals uses machine learning, data science, and advanced algorithms to identify and predict valuable mineral deposits more efficiently. By leveraging vast amounts of geological data, the company accelerates the discovery of critical metals needed for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy, playing a key role in shaping the future of sustainable mining.
11. EliseAI
- Founded: 2017
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Intelligence
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $75M (Latest Round: August 14, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $141.93M
EliseAI is an AI-powered business intelligence company that enables organizations to make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy and speed. Based in New York, EliseAI’s platform leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze business data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. By automating complex data analysis, the company helps businesses enhance their strategies, optimize operations, and improve performance in a rapidly changing market.
12. Iambic Therapeutics
- Founded: 2019
- Location: San Diego, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: April 24, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $203M
Iambic Therapeutics is an AI-driven biotechnology company focused on leveraging machine learning to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics. Based in San Diego, California, Iambic uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets in biology and medicine, enabling the identification of promising drug candidates for various diseases. Their innovative approach to drug discovery aims to streamline the development process and bring life-saving treatments to market faster.
13. Tractian
- Founded: September 15, 2019
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), B2B
- Number of Employees: 251–500
- Last Funding Amount: $120M (Latest Round: December 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $183.7M
Tractian is an AI-powered asset management platform that helps businesses optimize their industrial operations. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Tractian uses advanced machine learning and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors to monitor, analyze, and predict equipment performance, allowing companies to reduce downtime, improve maintenance, and lower operational costs. With its smart, data-driven approach, Tractian is transforming the way industrial companies manage their assets and ensure the longevity of their operations.
14. Spring Health
- Founded: 2016
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health Care
- Number of Employees: 1,001–5,000
- Last Funding Amount: $100M (Latest Round: July 31, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $466.5M
Spring Health is a mental health and wellness company that uses AI to provide personalized care to employees. Based in New York, Spring Health offers comprehensive mental health solutions that leverage machine learning to tailor treatment plans for individuals, making care more effective and accessible. Its platform helps organizations improve employee well-being by providing a wide range of services, from therapy and counseling to self-care tools, supporting a healthier, more productive workforce.
15. Enfabrica
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Mountain View, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $115M (Latest Round: November 19, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $240M
Enfabrica is a cutting-edge AI company that focuses on developing next-generation hardware and software solutions for data centers. Based in Mountain View, California, Enfabrica designs technologies that accelerate data processing, optimize computing efficiency, and improve overall IT infrastructure performance. With a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, Enfabrica helps organizations handle the growing demand for data processing in industries like cloud computing, big data, and high-performance computing.
16. Sword Health
- Founded: 2015
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health Care
- Number of Employees: 501–1,000
- Last Funding Amount: $100M (Latest Round: June 4, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $453.47M
Sword Health is an AI-powered health technology company that focuses on providing digital physical therapy solutions. Based in New York, Sword Health combines advanced AI and virtual care to deliver personalized, at-home rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from musculoskeletal conditions. The company’s platform helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and lower healthcare costs, empowering patients to take control of their recovery with remote, on-demand care and real-time progress tracking.
17. AMP
- Founded: January 1, 2015
- Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning
- Number of Employees: 501–1,000
- Last Funding Amount: $91M (Latest Round: December 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $266.07M
AMP is a machine learning and AI technology company that specializes in building advanced solutions for energy management. Based in Louisville, Colorado, AMP develops cutting-edge software and hardware solutions that optimize energy consumption and improve operational efficiency. By leveraging AI and machine learning, AMP helps industries reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more efficient future.
18. Strider Technologies
- Founded: May 2019
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $55M (Latest Round: September 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $112M
Strider Technologies is an AI-driven company focused on providing big data solutions for intelligence and national security. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Strider uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze and synthesize large datasets to uncover trends, patterns, and threats in global geopolitical and economic environments. The company’s platform empowers organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions with a particular focus on combating security risks and managing critical global operations.
19. SiMa.ai
- Founded: November 2018
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Embedded Systems
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $70M (Latest Round: April 4, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $270M
SiMa.ai is an AI company specializing in embedded systems, focusing on building efficient machine learning solutions for edge devices. Based in San Jose, California, SiMa.ai develops hardware and software technologies that empower companies to deploy AI applications directly on embedded systems, enabling faster processing and lower latency in real-time applications. Their solutions are ideal for industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and robotics, offering high-performance AI at the edge.
20. Cowbell
- Founded: January 3, 2019
- Location: Pleasanton, California, USA
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), FinTech
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $60M (Latest Round: July 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $208.3M
Cowbell is an AI-powered cyber insurance provider that leverages machine learning to offer tailored coverage for small and medium-sized enterprises. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Cowbell’s platform continuously assesses cyber risks and adapts insurance policies in real time. By combining advanced data analytics with automated underwriting, Cowbell improves risk management and helps businesses stay protected in an increasingly digital landscape.
Conclusion
With over $100M in funding, these 20 U.S.-based AI startups are leading the charge into a new era of technological transformation. From machine learning and NLP to computer vision and robotics, they’re applying deep AI expertise to real-world problems across industries. Their scale, speed, and ambition signal the rise of the next generation of global AI powerhouses.
FAQs
Q1. Which industries are being disrupted by their technologies?
A. Healthcare, finance, robotics, logistics, cybersecurity, and enterprise software are seeing major shifts thanks to these AI innovations.
Q2. How do these companies compare to Big Tech?
A. They often focus on specialized solutions and move with agility, allowing them to innovate faster and compete effectively in niche markets.
Q3. What’s the long-term impact of these startups?
A. They are shaping the foundational infrastructure of the AI-powered future, poised to become industry leaders that define the next chapter of global tech innovation.