The Top Startups to Watch in 2025
Every year we share a fresh list of startups and companies based in Santa Cruz County or along the Central California Coast who we anticipate will share some big news or make major progress in 2025. Our past heavy hitters have included companies and startups like: Joby Aviation, Climatize, Immergo Labs, Ambient Photonics, OneWheel, Paystand, SupplyShift, and more which have—without a doubt—made incredible progress in 2024. This list includes startups who have not yet been featured in past lists that we expect to make waves in 2025. Check out our full list from last year and the years prior. And keep an eye out for a seperate list of companies to keep an eye on. Let us know below if we missed any startups!
EvenRecharge
EvenRecharge is a company that provides sustainable EV charging solutions. They focus on developing innovative technologies to make EV charging more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. They have started delivering EV hubs throughout California and were also at our Blue Innovation event this year!
Light Links Inc.
Light Links Inc. offers technology that users can plug into any power outlet in their home, enabling their light sources to transmit data to devices swiftly and securely. As an alternative to Wi-Fi, this technology resolves the challenge of delivering high-quality internet to devices and could be the future of indoor, bandwidth-free, high-speed wireless communication.
OpenRoad
OpenRoad creating a modular, low-cost smart battery and software platform to bring true Level 3 DC fast-charging (150 kW+) to "grid edge" locations where this is currently impossible, as well as portable applications in the field, using a proprietary system of high-voltage packs with cutting-edge power electronics.
SwellCycle
SwellCycle is revolutionizing the surf industry by 3D printing sustainable surfboards using recycled materials. Their core mission:d minimizing environmental waste, slashing production and shipping expenses, and enhancing the buying experience for surf enthusiasts. And in 2025, they are adding whale bones, promotional plaques, and table tops!
TerraNova Bio
TerraNova Bio is using nature’s mushrooms from the coastal hills to biodegrade plastics in only days - not hundreds of years - to create sustainable recycling processes, one material at a time.
Treeswax
Treeswax is a brand of eco-friendly surfboard wax made from responsibly sourced rocks and trees and is designed to perform well in various water temperatures. Treeswax won People’s Choice, and first place at our Demo Day event so naturally, we had to include them on this list!
Wonderfil
Wonderfil is a women-led start-up founded in 2020 by childhood friends Amelia Eichel, CEO, and Shiloh Sacks, CTO that aims to create bulk distribution infrastructure for liquid and cream products that is as reliable as single-use plastic bottles, preventing plastics from being made in the first place. They partnered with Dr. Bronner's and Whole Foods Market to launch refill stations this October.