A fresh generation of startups is rising in San Francisco, born after 2020 and already making major strides. These 20 companies have secured $5M–$10M in funding to scale bold ideas across AI, fintech, SaaS, climate tech, and more. They represent the city’s resilience, creativity, and continued leadership in global innovation.
20 Emerging Startups Powering San Francisco’s Next Tech Chapter
With strong early traction and investor confidence, these startups are poised to shape the next wave of breakthroughs in the Bay Area and beyond.
Let’s take a look at the companies turning post-2020 momentum into real impact.
| Company | Founded | Industry | Employees | Last Funding | Last Amount | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabot | 2021 | Analytics, AI | 11–50 | Aug 15, 2024 | $5.0M | $7.10M |
| Composabl | 2023 | Analytics, AI | 1–10 | May 7, 2024 | $5.7M | $5.70M |
| Abel Police | 2024 | GovTech, Law Enforcement | 1–10 | Oct 17, 2024 | $5.0M | $5.0M |
| Bless | 2021 | Blockchain, Cryptocurrency | 11–50 | May 20, 2024 | $5.0M | $8.05M |
| daydream Labs | 2023 | Content, IT | 1–10 | May 20, 2024 | $6.22M | $6.22M |
| Paragraph | 2021 | Blockchain, Blogging Platforms | 1–10 | May 2, 2024 | $5.0M | $6.70M |
| Third Dimension AI | 2024 | GenAI, Software | 1–10 | Oct 8, 2024 | $7.0M | $7.0M |
| Stellar Sleep | 2021 | Advice, Health Care | 11–50 | Feb 6, 2024 | $6.0M | $6.0M |
| Mermaid Chart | 2021 | Data Viz, IT | 11–50 | Mar 20, 2024 | $7.58M | $9.58M |
| Reshape Automation | 2023 | Industrial Automation, Manufacturing | 1–10 | Sep 10, 2024 | $5.0M | $5.0M |
| Mindy | 2023 | GenAI, Search Engine | 1–10 | Feb 13, 2024 | $6.0M | $6.0M |
| Delightree | 2020 | Franchise, Info Services | 11–50 | May 10, 2024 | $6.60M | $9.60M |
| OrbitShift | 2022 | Software | 11–50 | Jun 20, 2024 | $7.0M | $8.50M |
| Sorella Labs | 2022 | Blockchain, Ethereum | 1–10 | Aug 20, 2024 | $7.50M | $7.50M |
| Granza Bio | 2023 | Biopharma, Biotechnology | 1–10 | Jul 3, 2024 | $7.14M | $7.64M |
| Diagon | 2023 | Industrial Automation | 1–10 | Apr 17, 2024 | $5.1M | $5.85M |
| Foundational | 2022 | Data Management, Software | 11–50 | Mar 25, 2024 | $8.0M | $8.0M |
| Tarsal | 2021 | Cloud Data Services | 1–10 | Mar 21, 2024 | $6.0M | $6.0M |
| Inventive | 2022 | Analytics | 1–10 | Jun 5, 2024 | $6.5M | $6.5M |
| Arch | 2022 | Embedded Software | 1–10 | Feb 15, 2024 | $6.2M | $6.2M |
1. Rabot
- Founded: May 1, 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: Aug 15, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $7.10M
Rabot develops AI-powered analytics tools tailored for industrial and manufacturing environments. Its platform delivers actionable insights to reduce downtime, boost productivity, and streamline workflows. By leveraging real-time data and machine learning, Rabot enables predictive maintenance and process optimization. The solution is designed for scalability across complex factory operations.
2. Composabl
- Founded: Apr 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $5.70M (Latest Round: May 7, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $5.70M
Composabl is building an AI-native analytics platform that helps companies automate insights from their data without writing complex queries. It empowers teams to connect data sources, ask natural language questions, and get immediate, visual answers. By simplifying business intelligence workflows, Composabl accelerates decision-making for startups and enterprises alike.
3. Abel Police
- Founded: May 15, 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: GovTech, Law Enforcement
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: Oct 17, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $5M
Abel Police is developing AI-powered tools designed to modernize law enforcement operations and public safety workflows. Its platform offers real-time situational awareness, automated reporting, and predictive analytics to assist agencies in decision-making. By integrating secure and transparent technologies, Abel Police aims to enhance accountability and effectiveness in policing.
4. Bless
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: May 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $8.05M
Bless is building a decentralized platform that simplifies peer-to-peer crypto payments and donations. With a focus on transparency and low-fee transfers, it empowers users to support causes, creators, and communities across borders. Its blockchain infrastructure ensures trustless transactions and real-time tracking of contributions.
5. daydream Labs
- Founded: 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Content, Information Technology
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $6.22M (Latest Round: May 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6.22M
daydream Labs is reimagining how digital content is created and consumed by leveraging cutting-edge tools for immersive media production. The platform blends creative workflows with smart automation, enabling faster ideation, editing, and publishing. Its solutions cater to brands, creators, and developers looking to produce next-generation interactive experiences.
6. Paragraph
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Blockchain, Blogging Platforms
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: May 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6.70M
Paragraph is a blockchain-powered publishing platform designed to help writers monetize directly through NFTs, subscriptions, and token-gated content. With seamless Web3 integrations, it enables decentralized ownership while maintaining a user-friendly interface. Creators retain control over their audience, content, and revenue in a censorship-resistant ecosystem.
7. Third Dimension AI
- Founded: Feb 1, 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Generative AI, Software
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $7M (Latest Round: Oct 8, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $7M
Third Dimension AI is developing spatially aware generative AI tools that allow users to build and interact with 3D environments using natural language. Designed for industries like gaming, architecture, and simulation, their platform brings real-time rendering and AI-generated assets into immersive workflows. The startup aims to redefine digital creation through intuitive, spatial intelligence.
8. Stellar Sleep
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Advice, Health Care
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $6M (Latest Round: Feb 6, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6M
Stellar Sleep provides personalized health advice focused on improving sleep quality and overall wellness. Using data-driven insights and expert guidance, the platform helps users tackle sleep disorders and enhance rest through tailored programs. Their holistic approach blends technology and health science to support better daily living.
9. Mermaid Chart
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Data Visualization, Information Technology
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $7.58M (Latest Round: Mar 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $9.58M
Mermaid Chart specializes in creating intuitive data visualization tools that simplify complex information for businesses and developers. Their platform enables users to generate diagrams and flowcharts using simple markdown-like syntax, making technical documentation and presentations more accessible. By streamlining visual data communication, Mermaid Chart helps teams collaborate and make informed decisions efficiently.
10. Reshape Automation
- Founded: Sep 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Industrial Automation, Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: Sep 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $5M
Reshape Automation develops advanced robotic and automation solutions designed to optimize manufacturing processes. Their technology focuses on increasing production efficiency while reducing operational costs. By integrating smart automation systems, they help manufacturers accelerate innovation and scale production. Their solutions cater to industries looking to modernize traditional manufacturing workflows.
11. Mindy
- Founded: 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Generative AI, Search Engine
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $6M (Latest Round: Feb 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6M
Mindy is pioneering a next-gen search engine powered by generative AI that delivers highly personalized and context-aware search results. Their platform combines advanced natural language understanding with AI-driven content creation to enhance user experience. Mindy aims to transform how people find and interact with information online by making searches more intuitive and relevant. The company targets both consumers and businesses seeking smarter search solutions.
12. Delightree
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Franchise, Information Services
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $6.60M (Latest Round: May 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $9.60M
Delightree offers a comprehensive franchise management platform designed to streamline operations and enhance communication between franchisors and franchisees. Their technology centralizes business processes such as training, compliance, and marketing to drive efficiency. By leveraging data insights, Delightree helps franchise businesses optimize growth and improve brand consistency. Their solution is widely adopted by growing franchise networks aiming for scalable success.
13. OrbitShift
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Software
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $7M (Latest Round: Jun 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $8.50M
OrbitShift develops innovative software solutions focused on enhancing operational efficiency and workflow automation for enterprises. Their platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, enabling businesses to optimize processes and reduce manual overhead. With a strong emphasis on user experience and scalability, OrbitShift supports organizations in adapting quickly to market changes. The company is gaining traction among mid-sized firms seeking advanced software tools to drive productivity.
14. Sorella Labs
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Blockchain, Ethereum
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $7.50M (Latest Round: Aug 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $7.50M
Sorella Labs specializes in blockchain technology with a focus on Ethereum-based solutions, aiming to revolutionize decentralized applications and smart contracts. Their team is dedicated to enhancing security, scalability, and interoperability within the blockchain ecosystem. By providing developer tools and infrastructure, Sorella Labs empowers businesses to leverage blockchain for transparent and efficient operations. The company is quickly emerging as a key player in the rapidly evolving Ethereum space.
15. Granza Bio
- Founded: 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Biopharma, Biotechnology
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $7.14M (Latest Round: Jul 3, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $7.64M
Granza Bio focuses on innovative biopharmaceutical research and development, aiming to create breakthrough therapies for complex diseases. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, the company strives to accelerate drug discovery and improve patient outcomes. With a lean and expert team, Granza Bio is building promising pipelines targeting unmet medical needs. Their approach blends scientific rigor with advanced technology to drive transformative healthcare solutions.
16. Diagon
- Founded: Jan 6, 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Industrial Automation, Industrial Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $5.1M (Latest Round: Apr 17, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $5.85M
Diagon specializes in cutting-edge industrial automation solutions designed to optimize manufacturing processes. Their innovative technologies enable factories to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve product quality. By combining smart automation with data-driven insights, Diagon empowers industrial manufacturers to scale operations effectively. The company’s agile team is focused on transforming traditional manufacturing through smart, scalable automation systems.
17. Foundational
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Data Management, Software
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $8M (Latest Round: Mar 25, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $8M
Foundational offers advanced data management software designed to help businesses organize, analyze, and leverage their data effectively. Their platform integrates seamlessly with existing workflows to provide real-time insights and improve decision-making. By focusing on usability and scalability, Foundational empowers teams to handle complex data challenges without requiring deep technical expertise. Their growing team is committed to delivering innovative tools that transform how companies manage and use data.
18. Tarsal
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Cloud Data Services
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $6M (Latest Round: Mar 21, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6M
Tarsal specializes in cloud data services that enable businesses to securely store, manage, and analyze large volumes of data with ease. Their solutions focus on scalability and high performance, helping organizations accelerate data-driven initiatives. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, Tarsal ensures reliable access and seamless integration with various enterprise systems. Their small but expert team is dedicated to simplifying complex data challenges in the cloud era.
19. Inventive
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Analytics
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $6.5M (Latest Round: Jun 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6.5M
Inventive develops advanced analytics tools that help businesses uncover actionable insights from complex data sets. Their platform combines intuitive interfaces with powerful algorithms to enable smarter decision-making across industries. Focused on innovation and accuracy, Inventive empowers small and medium enterprises to optimize performance and forecast trends effectively. The company’s agile team is passionate about transforming data into tangible business value.
20. Arch
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Embedded Software
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $6.2M (Latest Round: Feb 15, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $6.2M
Arch specializes in embedded software solutions designed to enhance the performance and reliability of connected devices. Their technology supports IoT, automotive, and industrial applications by delivering secure and efficient firmware integration. With a lean and innovative team, Arch aims to push the boundaries of embedded systems to meet the growing demands of modern hardware ecosystems. Their solutions help clients accelerate product development while maintaining high standards of quality and security.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s startup scene continues to evolve, and these 20 post-2020 companies are leading its latest chapter. With $5M–$10M in fresh capital, they’re scaling bold ideas across sectors like AI, fintech, health tech, and sustainability. Their momentum reflects a new generation of founders building smarter, faster, and more resilient businesses in a post-pandemic world.
FAQs
Q1. What distinguishes these startups from earlier generations?
A. Founded after 2020, they’ve embraced digital-first models, remote teams, and faster go-to-market strategies shaped by a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Q2. What stage are these companies currently in?
A. Most are in early growth phases—typically late seed or Series A—using funding to expand teams, build traction, and scale operations.
Q3. How are these startups contributing to San Francisco’s ecosystem?
A. They bring fresh energy, talent, and innovation to the city’s tech landscape—fueling job growth, collaboration, and industry disruption.