I have often referred to Santa Cruz as a hub for innovation. This year, our local companies have lived up to this reputation, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable operations and technological advancement, all while championing meaningful social impact. While you are likely familiar with the household names on this list, let us review some of the major milestones they accomplished in 2024. Whether that be welcoming new leadership, acquiring new partnerships, ranking high on nationally recognized lists, or winning prestigious awards, these companies have truly made a splash in the Santa Cruz business sphere, setting a high standard for excellence and innovation in their industries.

While this spotlight highlights just five of these standout companies, Santa Cruz is home to dozens of other innovative businesses making remarkable contributions across various fields. Who knows what these powerhouses can accomplish in the new year?

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz’s beloved Joby Aviation has had an exceptionally productive year. For those unfamiliar, Joby is a California-based transportation company pioneering the development of an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi. The company aims to revolutionize transportation by offering a quieter, more sustainable, and convenient alternative to traditional taxi services. Let’s take a closer look at some of the groundbreaking milestones they achieved this year!

• January 2024: Joby marked a major step forward by revealing its plans to install the first electric air taxi charger in the Greater New York City region, paving the way for an electrified urban air mobility network. (Contributor: Matthew Swinnerton)

• April 2024: Expanding its global footprint, Joby partnered with Abu Dhabi to establish a cutting-edge electric air taxi ecosystem in the UAE, demonstrating its commitment to international innovation. (Contributor: Matthew Swinnerton)

• July 2024: Founder JoeBen Bevirt received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 Bay Area Award, a testament to his vision and leadership. That same month, Joby showcased its technological prowess by completing a groundbreaking 523-mile hydrogen-electric flight, setting new records in aviation. (Contributors: Malina Long, Doug Erickson)

• October 2024: In a resounding vote of confidence, Toyota deepened its partnership with Joby by investing an additional $500 million in the company, solidifying its role as a key partner in advancing sustainable air travel. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• November 2024: Joby celebrated two significant milestones this month: completing its first air taxi flight in Japan in collaboration with Toyota and beginning work on the first vertiport in Dubai—a critical step toward building a global eVTOL network. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• December 2024: Wrapping up the year with another leap forward, Joby completed FAA testing on a major aircraft aerostructure, demonstrating its readiness for future commercial operations. (Contributor: Malina Long)

Paystand

Paystand is a leader in Business-to-Business (B2B) blockchain payments, eliminating transaction fees and streamlining the process for businesses to receive payments automatically. This year, the company made significant strides in innovating its systems, enhancing accessibility for marginalized groups, and solidifying its position as a top player in the financial technology (fintech) industry. Let’s take a closer look at Paystand’s successes in 2024!

• February 2024: Paystand.org launched a groundbreaking blockchain and Bitcoin initiatives designed to empower underserved communities, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and social impact. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• April 2024: Expanding its reach and capabilities, Paystand acquired Teampay, a leading provider of advanced spend management software, growing its network to over 1 million businesses. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• May 2024: Strengthening its leadership team, Paystand welcomed Allison Grieb, a top billing software executive, as Chief Sales Officer, marking a pivotal step in scaling its operations. (Contributor: Matthew Swinnerton)

• August 2024: Paystand earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list for the fifth consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as a consistent innovator. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• November 2024: The company was recognized on Deloitte Technology’s prestigious Fastest-Growing U.S. Companies list, further underscoring its impact in the fintech sector. (Contributor: Serena Ramirez)

Climatize

Climatize is an innovative, SEC-registered impact investing platform designed to democratize access to sustainable investing. The platform enables individuals to invest directly in renewable energy projects, providing an opportunity to support clean energy initiatives while earning competitive returns of up to 10% annually. Here’s what this company achieved in 2024!

• January 2024: Climatize was honored with a nomination for The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global environmental award launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• April 2024: The platform hit an extraordinary milestone, channeling over $3 Million into solar energy initiatives within just one year of its launch. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• May 2024: Climatize garnered recognition by winning awards from Fast Company and the Nexties 2024, further affirming its leadership in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• August 2024: The company secured $1.75 million in pre-seed funding, expanding its global climate investor network and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy worldwide. (Contributor: Doug Erickson)

CruzFoam

Cruz Foam is an award-winning company that creates sustainable, biodegradable packaging for various corporations, including Sony, Whirlpool, and Verve Coffee Roasters. In addition to introducing new leadership, CruzFoam was awarded multiple accolades for its prowess and advancement in sustainable packaging solutions. Here are some of the most notable achievements CruzFoam accomplished this year!

• March 2024: Cruz Foam was honored by being named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, highlighting its cutting-edge approach to sustainable solutions. (Contributor: Doug Erickson)

• June 2024: The company continued to garner accolades, earning a spot on the prestigious 2024 Food & Wine Game Changers List for its transformative impact on eco-friendly packaging in the food and beverage industry. (Contributor: Malina Long)

• October 2024: Cruz Foam’s CEO, John Felts, joined other visionary leaders in business and politics at Climate Week NYC. During this event, Felts introduced a significant addition to the Cruz Foam team, Tom Chi, in his new role as Executive Chair. (Contributor: Serena Ramirez)

Zero Motorcycles

Founded in Santa Cruz, California, Zero Motorcycles is a company that designs and manufactures high-performance electric motorcycles. Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and sleek design, Zero Motorcycles is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, setting a new standard for motorcycles that are as thrilling as they are eco-friendly. Let us “zero in” on some of their notable accomplishments from 2024!

• January 2024: Zero Motorcycles unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 product line. The MY24 lineup expanded the company’s impressive range of products by featuring several new models, including new mid-power options. These additions further cement Zero’s position as the preferred choice for electric motorcycles among riders worldwide. (Contributor: Matthew Swinnerton)

• October 2024: Zero Motorcycles secured a significant financial achievement by successfully closing a $120 million funding round. This new capital marks a major win for the company, providing the resources to accelerate its mission of revolutionizing the motorcycle industry with cutting-edge electric technology. (Contributor: Serena Ramirez)