San Francisco continues to be a launchpad for the next generation of tech leaders. These 20 startups, all founded after 2020, have already raised $50M–$100M to fuel their missions across AI, fintech, healthtech, sustainability, and enterprise software. Their rapid growth and investor traction highlight the city’s enduring edge in innovation.
20 High-Growth Startups Defining the Bay Area’s New Era
Backed by significant funding and visionary teams, these companies are scaling fast and setting the tone for what’s next in tech.
Let’s explore the rising stars shaping San Francisco’s future.
| Company | Founded | Industry | Employees | Last Amount | Last Funding | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bureau | 2020 | Cybersecurity, Fraud Detection, Identity Management | 101–250 | $30M | Dec 18, 2024 | $50.7M |
| Synctera | 2020 | Banking, Finance, Financial Services | 101–250 | $18.6M | Mar 4, 2024 | $79M |
| Succinct | 2022 | Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency | 11–50 | $55M | Mar 21, 2024 | $55M |
| /dev/agents | 2024 | Software Development | 1–10 | $56M | Nov 26, 2024 | $56M |
| Crescendo | 2024 | AI, Customer Service, Outsourcing | 11–50 | $50M | Oct 2, 2024 | $50M |
| Fieldguide | 2020 | AI, Document Management | 51–100 | $30M | Mar 26, 2024 | $50M |
| Relyance AI | 2020 | Compliance, Data Governance, Privacy | 51–100 | $32M | Oct 10, 2024 | $62M |
| SafeBase | 2020 | Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Network Security | 51–100 | $33M | Apr 30, 2024 | $53.13M |
| Rox | 2024 | AI, FinTech, Software | 11–50 | $50M | Nov 20, 2024 | $50M |
| Sentient | 2022 | AI, Content Creators, Software | 11–50 | $85M | Jul 2, 2024 | $85M |
| Daydream | 2023 | Fashion, Generative AI, Shopping | 11–50 | $50M | Jun 20, 2024 | $50M |
| Anrok | 2020 | SaaS, Software, Tax Preparation | 101–250 | $30M | Apr 11, 2024 | $54.3M |
| TruckSmarter | 2021 | Freight Service, Logistics, Transportation | 11–50 | $50M | Jul 9, 2024 | $94M |
| Genmo | 2023 | AI, Content, Digital Entertainment | 11–50 | $28.4M | Oct 22, 2024 | $58.4M |
| Mechanical Orchard | 2022 | Cloud Data Services, Developer APIs, DevOps | 51–100 | $50M | Aug 6, 2024 | $81M |
| Opal | 2020 | Electronics, Hardware, Manufacturing | 1–10 | $60M | Aug 8, 2024 | $77M |
| Lumos | 2020 | Collaboration, Identity Management, IT | 51–100 | $35M | May 23, 2024 | $65M |
| Kivu Bioscience | 2024 | Biotechnology, Health Care, Oncology | 1–10 | $92M | Oct 28, 2024 | $92M |
| Gigs | 2020 | Software, Telecommunications, Wireless | 101–250 | $73M | Dec 12, 2024 | $97M |
| Encord | 2021 | AI, Computer Vision, Machine Learning | 101–250 | $30M | Aug 13, 2024 | $50M |
1. Bureau
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Cybersecurity, Fraud Detection, Identity Management
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $30M (Latest Round: Dec 18, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50.7M
Bureau offers a comprehensive digital identity platform that combines AI, behavioral biometrics, and risk analytics to prevent fraud and ensure secure user verification. Its solution supports seamless onboarding, real-time threat detection, and compliance automation for enterprises across finance, fintech, and e-commerce. Designed for scale, Bureau empowers organizations to build trust and reduce fraud without compromising user experience.
2. Synctera
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Banking, Finance, Financial Services
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $18.6M (Latest Round: Mar 4, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $79M
Synctera provides a platform that connects fintechs with sponsor banks, enabling them to launch compliant financial products quickly and efficiently. Its Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) infrastructure streamlines the development of embedded finance solutions, including cards, accounts, and payments. With robust compliance tools and APIs, Synctera accelerates innovation in the financial ecosystem while minimizing risk.
3. Succinct
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $55M (Latest Round: Mar 21, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $55M
Succinct builds zero-knowledge infrastructure that powers secure, efficient communication between blockchains. Its platform enables developers to integrate zk-proofs and trustless interoperability into decentralized applications, enhancing scalability, privacy, and security. Focused on the next generation of Web3 architecture, Succinct is laying the groundwork for a more connected and efficient blockchain ecosystem.
4. /dev/agents
- Founded: 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Software Development
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $56M (Latest Round: Nov 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $56M
/dev/agents is building autonomous AI software engineers designed to write, debug, and deploy code with minimal human intervention. Its platform leverages large language models and agentic workflows to automate complex software development tasks across the stack. With a vision to dramatically boost developer productivity, /dev/agents is redefining how software gets built in the AI era.
5. Crescendo
- Founded: January 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Customer Service, Outsourcing
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: Oct 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50M
Crescendo uses AI to transform customer service outsourcing by deploying intelligent agents that handle complex queries at scale. Its platform integrates conversational AI, real-time analytics, and automation to deliver fast, personalized support across channels. With a focus on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction, Crescendo enables companies to elevate customer experiences while streamlining operations.
6. Fieldguide
- Founded: April 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Document Management
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $30M (Latest Round: Mar 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50M
Fieldguide offers an AI-powered platform for document and workflow automation tailored to risk and compliance professionals. It streamlines audit, advisory, and assurance engagements by automating data extraction, collaboration, and reporting. Built to enhance accuracy and scalability, Fieldguide empowers firms to deliver faster, higher-quality client service while reducing operational complexity.
7. Relyance AI
- Founded: February 14, 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Compliance, Data Governance, Privacy
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $32M (Latest Round: Oct 10, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $62M
Relyance AI provides a privacy and data governance platform that automates compliance with global regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Using machine learning, it continuously maps and monitors how sensitive data flows through systems, enabling real-time risk detection and policy enforcement. With a focus on transparency and control, Relyance AI helps enterprises build trust through proactive privacy management.
8. SafeBase
- Founded: January 1, 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Network Security
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $33M (Latest Round: Apr 30, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $53.13M
SafeBase streamlines the security review process with a Trust Center platform that allows companies to share real-time security and compliance information. By automating access to security documentation and audit evidence, SafeBase reduces friction in the vendor review cycle and accelerates enterprise sales. With a focus on transparency and trust, the platform helps companies demonstrate strong security postures to customers and partners.
9. Rox
- Founded: 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), FinTech, Software
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: Nov 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50M
Rox is building an AI-powered financial operating system designed to automate and optimize workflows for modern businesses. Its platform integrates real-time data processing, intelligent forecasting, and compliance tools to streamline everything from payments to financial planning. With a focus on speed, accuracy, and automation, Rox empowers finance teams to make smarter, faster decisions.
10. Sentient
- Founded: 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Content Creators, Software
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $85M (Latest Round: Jul 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $85M
Sentient develops AI tools for content creators, enabling the production of high-quality, personalized media at scale. Its platform uses advanced generative models to assist with scripting, editing, animation, and voice synthesis, streamlining the entire creative workflow. Designed to enhance both creativity and efficiency, Sentient empowers creators to produce engaging content faster and more affordably.
11. Daydream
- Founded: 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Fashion, Generative AI, Shopping
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: Jun 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50M
Daydream is a generative AI company reinventing online fashion shopping with immersive, personalized experiences. Its platform enables users to visualize outfits, receive style recommendations, and even co-create fashion designs in real time. By blending creative AI with e-commerce, Daydream is reshaping the future of how consumers discover and engage with fashion.
12. Anrok
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: SaaS, Software, Tax Preparation
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $30M (Latest Round: Apr 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $54.3M
Anrok provides a tax automation platform built specifically for SaaS companies, helping them manage global sales tax and compliance with ease. Its cloud-based solution integrates directly with billing systems to calculate, collect, and remit taxes across jurisdictions. Designed for fast-growing tech firms, Anrok simplifies complex tax workflows and reduces compliance risk at scale.
13. TruckSmarter
- Founded: April 1, 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Freight Service, Logistics, Transportation
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: Jul 9, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $94M
TruckSmarter offers a technology-driven freight brokerage platform designed to simplify trucking logistics. By connecting carriers, shippers, and brokers through real-time data and automation, it optimizes load matching, pricing, and route planning. TruckSmarter’s platform increases efficiency, reduces costs, and improves transparency across the freight transportation ecosystem.
14. Genmo
- Founded: 2023
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Content, Digital Entertainment
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: $28.4M (Latest Round: Oct 22, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $58.4M
Genmo is an AI-driven platform that creates immersive and interactive digital entertainment experiences. By leveraging generative AI technologies, it produces personalized video content and storytelling tailored to audience preferences. Genmo empowers creators and brands to engage users with dynamic, next-generation media formats.
15. Mechanical Orchard
- Founded: October 17, 2022
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Cloud Data Services, Developer APIs, DevOps
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: Aug 6, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $81M
Mechanical Orchard offers a cloud-native platform that simplifies data orchestration and DevOps workflows for developers. Its API-driven tools enable seamless integration, monitoring, and management of complex data pipelines, accelerating development cycles and improving system reliability. Built for scalability and ease of use, Mechanical Orchard empowers engineering teams to innovate faster with confidence.
16. Opal
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Electronics, Hardware, Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $60M (Latest Round: Aug 8, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $77M
Opal specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced electronics hardware, focusing on innovation in materials and modular design. Its solutions cater to both consumer and industrial markets, emphasizing precision engineering and scalable manufacturing processes. Opal is committed to driving the future of connected device technology through cutting-edge hardware development.
17. Lumos
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Collaboration, Identity Management, Information Technology
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: $35M (Latest Round: May 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $65M
Lumos provides a secure collaboration platform that integrates advanced identity management and access controls to protect sensitive information. Designed for enterprises, its technology enables seamless teamwork across distributed teams while ensuring compliance and data privacy. Lumos empowers organizations to collaborate confidently without compromising security or user experience.
18. Kivu Bioscience
- Founded: 2024
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Biotechnology, Health Care, Oncology
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $92M (Latest Round: Oct 28, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $92M
Kivu Bioscience is pioneering targeted oncology therapies by leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology and AI-driven drug discovery. Its research focuses on developing personalized cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. With significant funding and a strong scientific foundation, Kivu Bioscience is positioned to advance precision medicine in oncology.
19. Gigs
- Founded: 2020
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Software, Telecommunications, Wireless
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $73M (Latest Round: Dec 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $97M
Gigs provides a cloud-based telecommunications platform designed to enable flexible wireless services and seamless connectivity for businesses. Its software solutions support network virtualization, advanced billing, and real-time analytics to enhance service delivery and customer experience. With a focus on innovation and scalability, Gigs empowers operators to rapidly launch and manage wireless offerings.
20. Encord
- Founded: 2021
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $30M (Latest Round: Aug 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $50M
Encord offers an AI-driven platform for computer vision data annotation and model training, accelerating the development of machine learning applications. Its tools provide high-quality, scalable labeling with automation features that improve accuracy and reduce time-to-market. Trusted by enterprises across industries, Encord enables teams to build reliable computer vision models efficiently.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s latest generation of startups—founded after 2020—is rising fast, with $50M–$100M in funding fueling their ascent. These 20 companies are leading bold transformations across AI, fintech, healthtech, and climate, combining fresh vision with serious execution. As they scale, they’re not just growing businesses—they’re shaping the future of innovation in the Bay Area and beyond
FAQs
Q1. What defines a “rising star” in this context?
A. Startups founded after 2020 that have achieved significant funding milestones ($50M–$100M), early traction, and clear momentum in competitive industries.
Q2. What industries are most represented?
A. These companies span AI, financial technology, healthcare innovation, sustainability, logistics, and next-gen SaaS platforms.
Q3. What’s next for these rising stars?
A. Continued growth, future funding rounds, potential unicorn status, and the opportunity to become category leaders in their respective fields.