Best Startups in 2024

Artificial Intelligence Startups

SurveyAuto

• Industry: AI
• Funding: Undisclosed
• Investors: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

SurveyAuto is an innovative startup in the AI industry that simplifies the process of collecting survey data through advanced technologies such as geolocation, call records, hyperspectral imagery, and open street maps.

Founded by Dr. Umer Saif, a Pakistani entrepreneur, SurveyAuto has been operational for two years and has recently secured undisclosed funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.According to Dr. Saif, SurveyAuto employs a crowdsourcing model enhanced by machine learning to optimize data collection. This approach determines who reports data, where it is collected, and the frequency of reporting, ultimately reducing costs and minimizing human errors.

The startup’s platform is designed to provide precise and actionable insights, making it particularly beneficial for sectors that require real-time data analysis. As it continues to develop its capabilities, the effectiveness of SurveyAuto in transforming survey methodologies will become clearer over time.

Spacemaker

• Industry: AI
• Funding: $25M
• Investors: Atomico

Spacemaker is a pioneering startup focused on creating sustainable infrastructure that supports business growth while minimizing environmental pollution, aligning with the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. Recently, it secured $25 million in funding from Atomico.

The platform offers infrastructure designers innovative solutions to maximize the value of real estate projects. By leveraging advanced algorithms, Spacemaker can generate and analyze billions of site proposals, selecting the most viable options and providing detailed statistics for each.

This AI-driven approach enables developers to make informed decisions that prioritize eco-friendly designs and optimize resource use.Spacemaker’s mission is to enhance urban planning by integrating machine intelligence into the design process, ensuring that new developments are not only functional but also environmentally responsible. As urban populations continue to grow, Spacemaker’s technology aims to facilitate the creation of livable, sustainable cities that balance economic development with ecological considerations.

Capacity

• Industry: AI
• Funding: $61.5M
• Investors: Equity.com

Capacity is an innovative AI startup that aims to revolutionize the way teams access and utilize information. With $61.5 million in funding from Equity.com, Capacity has developed a powerful platform that seamlessly integrates all the necessary apps and knowledge sources, ensuring that critical information is always at your fingertips.

The platform’s AI-driven technology analyzes user behavior and preferences to proactively surface the most relevant apps and documents at the right time, eliminating the frustration of searching for misplaced files or forgotten assignments. By providing instant access to centralized knowledge, Capacity empowers teams to work more efficiently and focus on strategic priorities.

Capacity’s mission is to transform the modern workplace by automating repetitive tasks, answering questions, and building solutions to any business challenge. By leveraging advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, the platform delivers a personalized experience that adapts to the unique needs of each user and organization.

With Capacity, teams can bid farewell to the days of lost productivity due to scattered information and disjointed systems. The startup’s innovative approach to knowledge management is poised to redefine the future of work, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of their data and talent.

Observe.AI

• Industry: AI
• Funding: $213M
• Investors: Scale Ventures

Operating a call center? Need a coach for your sales and support team? Observe.AI is your go-to platform. It is an AI-powered voice assistant that can turn your contact centers into profit generation machines. How it does that? Well, Observe.

AI uses multiple technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and a list of error checks to ensure that all your voice calls are following the same procedures. It tracks, monitors, and educates the call agents to ensure that each of your calls can generate sales – thereby increasing profitability and decreasing the number of uninterested callers.

Observe.AI is backed by Scale Venture Partners, Nexus Venture Partners, Y Combinator, and Emergent Ventures. In a short period, it has gained the trust of Tripadvisor, Microsoft, ERCBPO, Talkdesk, and other VC firms.

Eyewear tech

• Industry: AI
• Funding: Undisclosed
• Investors: High Tech Grunderfords

Eyeware Tech is an innovative startup in the camera tracking and recognition sector, specializing in gaze monitoring and intention assessment. The company has developed software designed to address real-world challenges such as security, consumer choice, and understanding human intentions.

Utilizing patent-pending computer vision algorithms, Eyeware Tech enhances human-machine interaction. Its 3D eye-tracking software employs consumer-grade 3D cameras to sense depth and enable remote gaze tracking in three dimensions. This technology captures real-world interactions, providing insights into user attention, intentions, motives, and interests. By focusing on these aspects, Eyeware Tech aims to improve engagement between humans and machines in various applications.

Streem

• Industry: AI
• Funding: $10.5M
• Investors: Flying Fish Partners

Streem is transforming customer support by enabling customers to identify issues through their smartphone cameras, allowing support teams to guide them using augmented reality (AR) cues in real time. This innovative platform addresses common frustrations that arise when customers do not receive the assistance they expect.

Equipped with advanced technology, Streem empowers product support engineers to gather essential information using proprietary spatial mapping, optical character recognition (OCR), and object and pose estimation techniques. These features facilitate effective communication and problem-solving, enhancing the overall customer experience.

By integrating AR-powered tools into live video interactions, Streem simplifies the support process, enabling teams to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also streamlines workflows for support agents, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to elevate its customer service capabilities.

Ecommerce Startups

Snackpass

• Industry: Ecommerce
• Funding: $400M+
• Investors: Andreessen Horowitz

Snackpass is revolutionizing the food ordering experience by allowing customers to place their orders via smartphone and pick them up at the restaurant without waiting in line. This model surpasses traditional drive-in concepts, as it eliminates any wait time altogether.

Before Snackpass, restaurant owners often faced concerns about customers not collecting their orders. However, with this app, those worries are alleviated. Once a customer places an order, the payment is automatically deducted from their account, ensuring a seamless transaction.

Currently, Snackpass is gaining popularity across multiple universities in the U.S. and has garnered support from notable figures in the tech industry, making it a go-to solution for convenient and efficient food ordering.

Cazoo

• Industry: Ecommerce
• Funding: $2B
• Investors: DMG Ventures

Cazoo has transformed the online car buying experience, making it as convenient as possible for customers to purchase used cars from the comfort of their homes. With a comprehensive inspection process that includes over 150 individual checks, Cazoo ensures that each vehicle meets high standards before it is listed for sale.Once an order is placed, customers can expect their car to be delivered to their doorstep within 72 hours.

If the vehicle does not meet expectations, Cazoo offers a hassle-free return policy with no additional fees, providing peace of mind for buyers.Despite its innovative approach, Cazoo has faced scrutiny regarding its inspection claims.

A BBC Watchdog investigation raised questions about the transparency and documentation of its purported 300-point inspections. While Cazoo asserts that it conducts thorough checks on all vehicles, critics have pointed out that the company does not provide customers with documentation to verify these inspections.

Nevertheless, Cazoo continues to gain traction in the market, particularly among university students and tech-savvy consumers seeking a modern and efficient way to purchase used cars.

Wheels

• Industry: Ecommerce
• Funding: $96.3M
• Investors: DBL Partners

Wheels is a shared electric mobility platform designed to enhance smart city initiatives globally. The service allows users to rent motor pods for durations ranging from a day to a year, with Wheels managing all maintenance and associated costs. If a motor pod malfunctions, users can easily find a replacement parked nearby.

The company offers hybrid electric vehicles featuring a sleek design, swappable parts, built-in Bluetooth speakers, and multiple charging points, ensuring a safe and convenient commuting experience. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainable transportation but also aligns with the growing trend of electric mobility in urban environments.

Verishop

• Industry: Ecommerce
• Funding: $70M
• Investors: DBL Partners

Verishop is an online lifestyle e-commerce store based in Santa Monica, California, specializing in high-quality fashion and lifestyle products. What sets Verishop apart from its competitors is its commitment to offering only premium items from top brands, aiming to become the go-to destination for customers seeking quality products.

The platform features a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and home decor, ensuring that shoppers can find stylish and reliable options for their daily needs. In its two years of operation, Verishop has experienced significant success, attracting a loyal customer base looking for a seamless shopping experience with an emphasis on quality and brand reputation.

With a total funding of $70 million from investors like DBL Partners, Verishop is well-positioned to continue expanding its offerings and enhancing its services in the competitive e-commerce landscape

Eatigo

• Industry: Ecommerce
• Funding: $25.5M
• Investors: Trip Advisor

Eatigo is recognized as the leading restaurant reservation platform in Asia, backed by TripAdvisor. It offers dining deals and reservations across several countries, including Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.What makes Eatigo stand out is its commitment to quality service. Users can quickly search for restaurants, make reservations online, and enjoy discounts of up to 50%, all within minutes.

The platform provides essential information such as restaurant locations, images, reviews, and menus, allowing users to make informed decisions in real time.Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, Eatigo has successfully seated over 5 million diners at more than 4,000 restaurants in its expanding network.

The company employs a demand-based pricing system that enables restaurants to offer strategic time-based discounts, maximizing off-peak capacity and enhancing revenue potential. With its innovative approach and strong backing, Eatigo is well-positioned for continued growth in the competitive food industry.

EdTech Startups

NutSpace

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: Undisclosed
• Investors: N/A

NutSpace is an innovative educational platform focused on preparing children for the future by equipping them with essential 21st-century skills. Utilizing its proprietary Inventive Thinking™ Methodology, NutSpace teaches children “how to learn,” fostering independent thinking and creativity.The platform offers both in-classroom and after-school programs that emphasize experiential learning, helping students develop critical thinking abilities.

NutSpace’s content is designed to enhance various skills, including imagination, listening, and language proficiency.Through engaging storytelling and interactive lesson plans, NutSpace encourages children to use both sides of their brains, promoting skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and public speaking.

The app also features a measurement system to track children’s learning progress, ensuring that the educational experiences are effective and tailored to individual needs.Founded by Rohini Vij in 2013, NutSpace aims to support parents and educators in delivering engaging learning experiences that build essential life skills and values for every child.

The platform has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to education and is actively contributing to early childhood development across key areas such as social-emotional development, creative exploration, and early literacy.

CoachHub

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: $332.3M
• Investors: N/A

CoachHub is a mobile coaching cloud platform that delivers personalized coaching to employees at all career levels. The platform boasts a diverse pool of certified coaches from around the globe, allowing organizations to enhance their workforce’s skills and leadership capabilities.Key features of CoachHub include:

• Live Coaching Sessions: Employees can engage in real-time coaching through video conferencing, offering flexibility in learning hours to accommodate different schedules.
• Development Focus: The coaching provided aims to transform managers into inspiring leaders, boost team performance, and facilitate employee growth.
• Accessibility for Coaches: Individuals interested in becoming coaches can do so by meeting specific requirements set by the platform.

Operating from Berlin, CoachHub has quickly established itself as a hub for experienced business coaches, personnel development experts, serial entrepreneurs, and leading IT engineers. This innovative approach to coaching not only supports individual development but also drives organizational success by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Coded Minds

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: AED10M
• Investors: Al Arabi Investments

Coded Minds is a technology-education startup founded in 2017 with the mission to revolutionize tech education by addressing the education-skills gap. The company employs a unique approach that begins with real-world problems, utilizing a practical, hands-on project-based curriculum designed to engage students of all ages across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia Pacific, South Asia, and the Americas.

Key Features of Coded Minds

• Inventive Thinking™ Methodology: This proprietary methodology focuses on teaching students “how to learn,” encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
• Project-Based Learning: The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to tackle real-world issues and develop solutions using technology and innovation.
• Diverse Educational Offerings: Coded Minds provides educational programs for children aged 4 to 16, primarily in programming and related fields. It aims to empower learners to become creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, and disruptive thinkers.
• Global Reach: With a presence in countries such as Canada, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UAE, and Malaysia, Coded Minds is committed to making quality tech education accessible worldwide.

Through its innovative approach and focus on practical skills, Coded Minds is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for the challenges of the 21st century.

Springboard

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: $53.2M
• Investors: Reach Capital

Springboard is an innovative online education platform that equips users with in-demand job skills to advance their professional careers. With a focus on flexibility, Springboard offers courses in various fields, including data science, design, analytics, marketing, and security, allowing learners to study at their own pace and convenience.

The company emphasizes that education is no longer a one-time investment but a lifelong pursuit. Its motto, “A new approach to education,” reflects this philosophy as it aims to create programs that help students thrive in their respective fields.Springboard’s unique offerings include mentor-led support, where students receive guidance from industry professionals throughout their learning journey.

This personalized approach not only enhances the educational experience but also increases employability by providing practical skills applicable in real-world scenarios.With a total funding of $53.2 million and backing from investors like Reach Capital, Springboard has positioned itself as a leader in the EdTech space, continually adapting its curriculum to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

Labster

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: $105.5M
• Investors: Owl Ventures

Labster is an online platform that provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct various scientific experiments in a risk-free environment. This innovative solution is particularly beneficial for students in developing countries, where access to modern laboratories for conducting science, physics, and chemistry experiments is often limited.

Key Features of Labster

• Virtual Experiments: Labster allows students to engage in hands-on learning experiences from the comfort of their homes, utilizing advanced technology to simulate real laboratory environments.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The platform includes molecular 3D animations, quiz questions, and theoretical background information, creating an immersive, game-like multimedia experience that enhances student engagement.
• Focus on Real-World Issues: Labster’s curriculum is designed to address real-world challenges, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems through technology and innovation.
• Scalable and Cost-Effective: The company aims to build easily scalable online solutions that significantly improve learning outcomes while reducing costs compared to traditional educational methods.

Labster’s mission is to democratize access to quality science education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their geographical location or resources, can benefit from engaging and effective learning tools. By providing a platform where students can explore cutting-edge technologies and experimental techniques, Labster is paving the way for a new era in science education.

Pleo

• Industry: EdTech
• Funding: $428.1M
• Investors: Stripes

Pleo is a company credit card service that simplifies the way employees manage expenses while providing companies with enhanced tracking capabilities. Instead of waiting for salary transfers to bank accounts, employees can receive funds instantly on their Pleo cards, which can be used at ATMs, service stations, restaurants, and local banks. This approach streamlines financial transactions and enhances convenience for both employees and employers.

Key Features of Pleo

• Instant Access to Funds: Employees can access their funds immediately on their Pleo cards, eliminating delays associated with traditional salary payments.
• Expense Tracking: Companies can monitor how and where employees use their Pleo cards, allowing for better expense management and the creation of tailored discount deals for staff.
• Flexible Spending: Employees can use the cards as needed for various services without the requirement of opening separate bank accounts.
• Revenue Sharing: If employees maintain a balance above a certain threshold, companies can share a portion of the revenue generated from these funds.

Pleo’s model is designed to create a win-win situation for both companies and employees by simplifying expense management while fostering financial transparency. This innovative solution not only enhances employee satisfaction but also provides businesses with valuable insights into spending patterns.

FinTech Startups

Securitize

• ndustry: FinTech
• Funding: $100.2M
• Investors: Stripes

Securitize: Modernizing Capital Markets with Blockchain Technology

Securitize is a blockchain-enabled company revolutionizing the capital markets by providing a secure and trusted platform for trading in privately held businesses. The platform offers a high-quality experience for investors, allowing them to trade with confidence.

Key Features of Securitize

• Blockchain-based Solutions: Securitize leverages blockchain technology to streamline the capital markets and enable reliable, cross-border trading in private companies.
• Secure and Trusted Platform: The platform prioritizes investor security, providing a superior trading experience. Securitize is compatible with multiple US-based exchanges, giving traders peace of mind when investing.
• Funding and Growth: With over $100 million in funding from investors like Stripes, Securitize aims to become one of the largest marketplaces in the United States. The company recently expanded its operations to Europe, becoming the first platform to issue digital asset securities in both the US and Europe.

Securitize’s Impact on Capital Markets

Securitize’s innovative approach is transforming the way private companies raise capital and provide liquidity to investors. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform offers a more efficient, transparent, and accessible alternative to traditional capital markets.Through its primary market offerings, Securitize enables private businesses to raise funds from a broader pool of investors while providing greater liquidity opportunities.

 This democratization of access to alternative investments has the potential to drive growth and innovation in the private markets.As Securitize continues to expand its reach and enhance its platform capabilities, it solidifies its position as a leader in the blockchain-enabled capital markets space. The company’s success underscores the growing adoption of distributed ledger technology in the financial sector and its potential to transform the way businesses and investors interact.

NuovoPay

• Industry: FinTech
• Funding: Bootstrapped
• InvestorsN/A

NuovoPay: Empowering Device Leasing and Hardware-as-a-Service

NuovoPay is a bootstrapped FinTech startup that aims to revolutionize the device leasing and Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) industries. The company has developed a proprietary device locking software that enables financial institutions and telecom carriers to securely offer device financing options to customers, even those with poor or no credit history.

Bridging the Digital Divide through Leasing

Many finance companies and mobile carriers have been hesitant to adopt device leasing, limiting access to smartphones and other technologies for individuals without established credit scores. NuovoPay’s mission is to bridge this digital divide by making device financing more accessible and secure for both providers and consumers.

Protecting Leased Devices with Device Locking Technology

NuovoPay’s non-intrusive software is installed on leased mobile devices, providing several key features:

• Payment Reminders: The software can display on-screen reminders to encourage timely payments from end-users.
• Device Blocking: If a payment is missed, NuovoPay can temporarily block access to the device until the outstanding balance is cleared.
• Seamless Unlocking: Once the final payment is made, the device is automatically unlocked, and the user’s data remains intact, allowing for continued use.

Centralized Device Management

The NuovoPay dashboard serves as a centralized platform for leasing companies to:

• Track Leased Devices: Monitor all devices under their leasing programs.
• Automate Payment Reminders: Schedule automated or manual payment reminders to reduce defaults.
• Block and Unblock Devices: Easily control device access with a single click.

By empowering financial institutions and telecom carriers to offer device leasing with confidence, NuovoPay is playing a crucial role in making technology more accessible and affordable for individuals worldwide, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the digital divide.

Radpay

• Industry: FinTech
• Funding: $78.8M
• Investors: Stripes

Radpay: Revolutionizing Online Payments with Blockchain

Radpay is an innovative online payment solution that helps customers complete transactions more quickly, resulting in fewer abandoned shopping carts. As a leading blockchain startup, Radpay bridges the gap between distributed ledger technology and PCI-compliant card payment and banking systems.

Secure Transactions for Merchants

Radpay ensures secure transactions for merchants by leveraging a combination of mobile apps, browser plugins, APIs, pre-configured ecommerce cart plug-ins, and credit card terminal apps. This comprehensive approach provides merchants with a reliable and secure payment processing solution.

An Alternative to High-Fee Payment Options

For merchants seeking an alternative to current payment solutions that charge excessive fees and deliver subpar service, Radpay offers a compelling solution. Depending on the industry, Radpay can increase profit margins by up to 200%, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

Streamlining the Checkout Process

By enabling faster customer payments, Radpay helps reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts, ultimately leading to increased sales and revenue for merchants. The platform’s user-friendly interface and seamless integration with existing systems make it easy for merchants to adopt and implement.As Radpay continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it solidifies its position as a leader in the blockchain-based payment processing space. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and prioritizing security and efficiency, Radpay is transforming the way businesses and customers engage in online transactions.

BUTTON Wallet

• Industry: FinTech
• Funding: $600K
• Investors: Fulgur Ventures

Button Wallet is a messenger-based cryptocurrency trading solution integrated with the Telegram app, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets seamlessly. This innovative platform is tailored for individuals who prefer to manage their cryptocurrency transactions on the go without relying on third-party exchanges.

Key Features of Button Wallet

• Integration with Telegram: Button Wallet operates directly within the Telegram app, enabling users to conduct transactions using only their Telegram usernames. This eliminates the need for separate applications and simplifies the trading process.
• Fast and Secure Transactions: The platform is designed for speed and security, making it easy for users to trade cryptocurrencies quickly and safely. Users can exchange various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, LTC, and ERC-20 tokens.
• User-Friendly Experience: Button Wallet caters to both experienced traders and newcomers by providing an intuitive interface that simplifies the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. The app also supports fiat purchases for U.S. users, allowing them to buy crypto with debit cards.
• Community and Accessibility: With over 100,000 users since its launch, Button Wallet focuses on building a community around cryptocurrency trading. The platform aims to make digital asset management accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
• Privacy and Control: Unlike many other wallets, Button Wallet does not store user information or passwords, enhancing security and privacy for its users.

Conclusion

Button Wallet represents a significant advancement in the way individuals can engage with cryptocurrency. By leveraging the popularity of Telegram and integrating essential trading features directly into a widely used messaging platform, Button Wallet offers a convenient solution that meets the needs of modern traders. For those interested in exploring cryptocurrency trading without the complexities of traditional platforms, Button Wallet provides an efficient and user-friendly alternative.

Hastee

• Industry: FinTech
• Funding: $257.7
• Investors: Fulgur Ventures

Hastee is an innovative financial wellness platform designed to enhance employee financial health by offering earned wage access (EWA) and various money management tools. The service allows users to access a portion of their earned wages before the official payday, providing immediate financial relief for unexpected expenses.

Key Features

1. Earned Wage Access: Employees can withdraw up to 30% of their earned income before payday, with the ability to make multiple withdrawals within a pay period. This feature aims to alleviate cash flow issues without incurring fees or interest.
2. Financial Education: Hastee provides personalized resources, including videos, podcasts, and written content, to help users understand and manage their finances better. Topics covered range from budgeting and saving to investing and insurance.
3. Holistic Approach: The app focuses on three main steps:
   • Earn: Control your earnings.
   • Learn: Master your money.
   • Grow: Unlock financial potential.
4. User Impact: Statistics indicate that 92% of Hastee users feel more in control of their finances, and 88% are more likely to remain with their employer due to the benefits provided by Hastee.
5. Data Security: Hastee emphasizes data protection, holding certifications like ISO 27001, which reflects its commitment to safeguarding user information.

Accessibility

Hastee is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for employees to manage their finances on the go. The app is typically offered as an employee benefit through participating employers.Overall, Hastee aims to empower employees by providing them with tools and resources that promote financial wellbeing and reduce stress related to money management.