2019 Best Tech Startups in California

January 20, 2019November 3, 2022 thetechtribune

The Tech Tribune staff has compiled the very best tech startups in California. In doing our research, we considered several factors including but not limited to:

Revenue potential
Leadership team
Brand/product traction
Competitive landscape

Additionally, all companies must be independent (unacquired), privately owned, at most 10 years old, and have received at least one round of funding in order to qualify.

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1. Uber

Founded: 2009

Also honored in:

“We believe that by solving some of the biggest problems of our time, we can create a future where there is limitless freedom of movement for people and things all across the world. Just talk to our people — and feel their passion, optimism and curiosity for building solutions every single day on behalf of drivers, riders, couriers, eaters and employees.

While the tough problems we face everyday can be incredibly difficult to figure out, we believe those same problems enable us to personally grow the most. So we welcome people from all backgrounds who have the passion to change the world and also want to help create a supportive and collaborative environment. So that ultimately, we can learn together, solve together, build together, and move the world forward together.”

2. Lyft

Founded: 2012

Also honored in:

“Wherever you’re headed, count on Lyft for rides in minutes. The Lyft app matches you with local drivers at the tap of a button. Just request and go.

Ride by ride, we’re changing the way our world works. We imagine a world where cities feel small again. Where transportation and tech bring people together, instead of apart. We see the future as community-driven — and it starts with you.”

3. Faraday Future

Founded: 2014

Also honored in:

“Faraday Future is a global automotive and technology company, uniting the latest in sustainable transportation and connected digital ecosystems to redefine future mobility – and move humanity forward.”

4. Instacart

Founded: 2012

Also honored in:

“Instacart (YC S12) is building the best way for people everywhere in the world to shop for groceries. Using your phone or the web, you can order groceries and have them delivered to your door in minutes. You can choose from a variety of local stores including Whole Foods, Safeway, Costco, Mariano’s and many more, as well as being able to mix items from multiple stores into one order.

Every day, we solve incredibly hard problems to create an experience for our customers that is nothing short of magical. We are located in San Francisco, and well-funded by some of the greatest investors in the world, like Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, Andreesen Horowitz, SV Angel, and Y Combinator.”

5. Pinterest

Founded: 2009

Also honored in:

“Pinterest helps you discover and do what you love. Find recipes, style inspiration, projects for your home and other ideas to try.”

6. Fair

Founded: 2016

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in California

“Fair is an automotive FinTech company that’s revolutionizing car buying by offering unprecedented freedom, flexibility and an end-to-end mobile experience.

We believe fairness matters. That’s why we’ve created a game-changing new app that lets you shop, get approved and pay for a car all on your phone with just a driver’s license and bank account. Get in-app approval for a monthly payment amount that works for you, then head to the dealership and check-out in minutes. You can drive your car for as long as you want, and return it any time you’re ready. That’s the Fair way to drive!”

7. AppLovin

Founded: 2012

Also honored in:

“AppLovin offers a comprehensive platform where app developers of all sizes can connect with their ideal consumers and get discovered. Founded in 2012, the company is focused on helping both indie and established developers grow, with the expertise and insights they need to finance, market, and expand their businesses – all in one place. App developers view AppLovin as a trusted partner, the rare company that understands what it takes to succeed in the mobile app ecosystem and the ability to help them reach their goals.”

8. Wish

Founded: 2010

Also honored in:

“Wish is a mobile e-commerce platform that connects hundreds of millions of consumers with the widest selection of products delivered directly to their doors. Our mission is to provide everyone access to the most affordable and convenient shopping experience on the planet. Wish supports 500,000 merchant partners as well as over 300 million users who rate Wish the best mobile shopping app on the iOS and Android platforms.”

9. Katerra

Founded: 2015

“Katerra is a technology company optimizing the way we develop, design, and construct buildings.

Our team combines expertise in design, material sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, technology, and construction to provide a single integrated offering.

Together, we are moving beyond compromise in the world of design and construction.

Beautiful, sustainable, faster, less expensive—we believe building projects can deliver it all.”

10. Slack

Founded: 2009

Also honored in: 2019 Best Tech Startups in San Francisco

“Slack is a collaboration hub for teamwork, where the right people are always kept in the loop and key information is always at their fingertips. Work in Slack happens in channels, so all the right people can be included, all relevant information kept in one place, and new team members are able to get up to speed easily. With Slack, teams are better connected.

Smart, hardworking, humble, collaborative — these are the attributes we look for in people. They’re attributes we employ every day in our work together: we’re building a platform and products we believe in — knowing there is real value to be gained from helping people, wherever they are, simplify whatever it is that they do and bring more of themselves to their work.”