Charlotte's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

Charlotte is making waves as a tech powerhouse, ranking #20 among top tech cities in 2024 and showing no signs of slowing down. The city's tech workforce has exploded to over 50,000 professionals, with a massive 15% jump since 2021.

What makes this even more exciting is the upcoming UNC Charlotte's R1 research status in 2025, which is going to be a game-changer for innovation and research.

The startup scene is absolutely crushing it, with local companies raising $1.2 billion in 2023 alone. Major players like RunPod are setting up shop here, planning to hire 50 local employees in 2025.

The tech ecosystem spans everything from fintech and AI to cybersecurity, backed by strong support from accelerators and venture funds. What's really cool is how the city's combining its banking roots with cutting-edge tech, creating unique opportunities for innovation.

Whether you're into startups or established tech companies, Charlotte's tech scene is the real deal, offering serious career potential and growth opportunities.

Our process for selecting Charlotte's standout startups centers on a data-driven framework that looks at four essential criteria: talent, timing, technology, and technique.

We pay special attention to the founding team's track record and their ability to execute on their vision. The talent evaluation focuses on how teams handle challenges and communicate, while the timing assessment considers market readiness and regulatory environment.

Drawing from current industry research, we know startups typically project 178% growth in their first year and 100% in their second year, which helped us set realistic benchmarks for our selections.

For the technical assessment, we examined each startup's tech stack and scalability potential, since matching technology choices to growth stage is crucial for success.

We looked at factors like product maturity, market validation, and competitive advantages. Each company needed to demonstrate not just innovation, but also practical execution capabilities and clear paths to market leadership.

The startups that made our list showed strong performance across all these metrics, with particularly impressive scores in areas like market timing and team composition.

Companies like Mashgin and Dataiku stood out by excelling in multiple categories, especially in their ability to solve real market problems while maintaining strong growth trajectories.

We included both early-stage startups showing exceptional promise and later-stage companies demonstrating sustainable growth. This mix provides tech professionals with a comprehensive view of opportunities across different growth stages and risk levels.

For validation, we cross-referenced our findings with data from trusted sources like Crunchbase and TechCrunch, ensuring our selections represent the most promising opportunities in Charlotte's tech ecosystem.

Mashgin is transforming retail with their seriously impressive AI checkout system. Their computer vision technology is changing the game by making checkout ridiculously simple - just put your items down, and everything rings up automatically with 99.9% accuracy.

Mashgin has partnered with Verifone and is now valued at $1.5 billion, showing they're not just another startup. According to market research, the AI-powered checkout market is expected to hit $1.2B by 2027, growing at 37.2% annually.

Mashgin's already crushing it with over 35 million transactions worth $310 million across 1,000 locations including convenience stores and sports venues. Their tech eliminates the need for barcode scanning, making everything super fast.

Recent developments show they're not slowing down, with their AI-powered system now integrating seamlessly with payment solutions to cut lines and make life easier for both staff and customers.

What makes this particularly exciting is how they're using AI to solve real problems in retail - no more waiting in long lines or dealing with complicated checkout processes. It's pretty wild to think about how just a few years ago we were still stuck with traditional checkouts, and now we've got AI doing all the heavy lifting.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mashgin is definitely one of the companies that's going to keep pushing boundaries in retail tech.

Dataiku has totally transformed the enterprise AI game in 2025, making data science accessible to everyone from tech wizards to business analysts. The platform's end-to-end capabilities let teams build AI projects super fast, with their LLM Mesh now connecting to 15 major cloud providers.

According to their latest survey, 83% of AI leaders are now experimenting with Generative AI, showing just how much the field has grown. Their latest platform updates focus on practical stuff like cost control and AI governance, which is crucial since 35% of IT leaders say cost is a major barrier to getting value from AI projects.

Dataiku's AI solutions are helping companies cut through the complexity of machine learning, with features like AutoML and visual interfaces that make building models way more straightforward.

The company's pushing boundaries with new features like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) workflows, which over 60 customers are already using to create internal AI assistants.

They're not just about the tech—they're thinking ahead about AI safety and regulations too. Their annual revenue has hit $230 million, proving they're a serious player in the AI space.

The platform supports everything from data prep to deployment, making it perfect for teams who want to get things done without getting stuck in technical details.

Whether it's finance, manufacturing, or healthcare, Dataiku's making it possible for companies to build real AI applications that actually work. What sets them apart is their focus on making AI both powerful and practical—they're not just about flashy features, but about helping businesses get actual results from their data.

Fulfil, a pioneering force in both SaaS and e-commerce, is revolutionizing industry operations through innovative fulfillment solutions that streamline everything from inventory management to customer service.

The company's impressive growth now includes over 150 employees serving clients across 30+ countries, with their platform handling real-time supply chain visibility - super important for modern e-commerce success.

Their software tackles the whole process, from storing and packing to shipping orders, which is exactly what today's online businesses need.

Fulfil's impact on the SaaS marketplace is massive, with their tech seamlessly connecting to major platforms like Shopify and Amazon. The numbers speak for themselves - they've seen a 45% jump in new users this year alone. What makes them stand out is how they're making complex e-commerce operations actually manageable, especially since around 70% of consumers now check delivery dates before buying anything online. This focus on streamlining operations has helped their clients boost efficiency by up to 55%.

Looking ahead to 2025, Fulfil is going all-in on AI-powered personalization and analytics, which is pretty exciting for anyone in tech.

With AI expected to handle 80% of customer service operations by 2025, they're definitely on the right track. Their IoT projects are pushing boundaries too, making online and offline retail work together better than ever.

It's not just about keeping up anymore - they're actually setting the pace for where e-commerce is heading.

For anyone working in tech, especially those interested in SaaS and e-commerce, Fulfil represents exactly where the industry is going.

They're making moves that are shaping how online business will work in the future, creating tons of opportunities for tech professionals looking to be part of something big.

MongoDB is crushing it in the cloud computing world, with their Q1 2025 revenue hitting $450.6 million, showing a massive 22% jump from last year.

Their secret sauce? Atlas, their cloud database service, which keeps getting bigger and better. MongoDB has jumped into the AI game - the MongoDB AI Applications Program (MAAP) is helping tons of companies build custom AI solutions without all the usual headaches.

They're working with some serious players too, partnering up with Meta, Capgemini, and IBM to make AI integration smoother than ever. The numbers speak for themselves - they've got over 50,700 customers now, with their Atlas platform bringing in 71% of total revenue.

Their subscription revenue hit $463.8 million in Q2, proving they're absolutely nailing the cloud services game.

Key Achievements: - Over 50,700 customers indicating strong market penetration. - Atlas contributes 71% of total revenue, showcasing its dominance in MongoDB's portfolio. What makes this growth super impressive is how they're constantly dropping new features and improvements.

They've got this new vector search thing that developers are loving, and they're not just sitting around - they're actively pushing into new territories like AI and machine learning.

While some might worry about competition from the big cloud players, MongoDB's keeping it real by focusing on what they do best: making developers' lives easier with solid, reliable tech that just works.

Their expansion plans and growing partnerships suggest they're not just surviving in the tech jungle - they're thriving and setting the pace for others to follow.

B12 is totally crushing it in the web development scene with their super-fast AI website builder that creates professional sites in just 60 seconds.

They've made website building actually fun and stress-free for both new startups and established businesses. The platform stands out because it combines AI smarts with real human expertise - perfect for when you need that extra creative touch.

According to recent reviews, their plans start at $49/month, offering features like custom domains, online scheduling, and client intake forms that make running an online business so much easier.

What's really cool is how B12's AI technology handles everything from website design and development to hosting, making it a complete package for anyone looking to establish their online presence.

Their AI writer helps create content, while their editor lets you customize everything without needing to know how to code. Plus, they've got this whole suite of tools for managing clients, like automatic email creation and invoicing, which is pretty sweet for service-based businesses.

The really impressive part? B12 doesn't just stop at website creation - they're all about giving users the tools to grow their business online.

Their AI-powered platform learns and adapts to each user's needs, making suggestions for improvement along the way. With features like SEO optimization, mobile responsiveness, and integrated marketing tools, they're making it possible for anyone to compete in the digital space.

And honestly, that's what makes them such a game-changer in Charlotte's tech scene - they're making professional web presence accessible to everyone, not just the tech-savvy crowd.

ScienceLogic is seriously crushing it in the enterprise software space with their game-changing AI Platform for IT operations.

The numbers speak for themselves - they've achieved a mind-blowing 157% return on investment for their customers, while their platform helps cut down manual work by 75% and saves organizations around $2.5 million in costs.

Their recent 2025 TrustRadius Buyer's Choice Award just proves they're absolutely nailing it in customer satisfaction.

What makes ScienceLogic stand out is their all-in-one platform that combines monitoring, automation, and AI-powered insights.

They're not just another tech company - they're revolutionizing how businesses handle their IT operations. Their Skylar AI technology is particularly impressive, helping companies diagnose issues 10x faster and streamline their entire IT workflow.

The platform's ability to reduce incidents by 66% and boost productivity by 85% is just incredible.

Looking at 2025, ScienceLogic is totally set to level up even more.

They're expanding their AI capabilities through their Skylar AI Roadmap and launching new features that'll help businesses stay ahead of IT challenges. With their platform already trusted by major players across banking, healthcare, and government sectors, ScienceLogic is definitely the company to watch.

Whether you're into tech infrastructure or AI innovation, their growth trajectory and commitment to pushing boundaries make them an absolute standout in Charlotte's tech scene.

Red Ventures has become a digital powerhouse that's seriously shaking things up in the tech world. As America's biggest digital media company, they're crushing it with an $11 billion valuation and bringing in about $2 billion in annual revenue.

Their headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is next-level cool, featuring everything from bowling alleys to pickleball courts where their 4,500+ employees can unwind while innovating.

What makes them stand out is their smart approach to connecting millions of people with expert advice through brands like Healthline, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet.

They're not just another media company - they're revolutionizing how people make decisions about health, travel, and technology. Their recent moves in healthcare are particularly impressive, with the acquisition of Healthgrades.com positioning them to influence half of all American doctor visits.

The company keeps growing through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, combining AI technology with premium content to create personalized digital experiences.

Their focus on data-driven decisions and user intent has transformed them from a marketing company into a tech giant that's changing how we discover and consume information online.

The best part? They're still expanding, with a culture that emphasizes continuous learning and innovation. For tech professionals in Charlotte looking to make an impact, Red Ventures represents the perfect blend of startup energy and established success.

CodePath.org stands out as a game-changing nonprofit transforming software engineering education. Through their mission to create the most diverse generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders, they've served over 26,000 students across 600 colleges, connecting graduates with 2,000+ companies.

Their programs include technical interview prep, cybersecurity, web development, and mobile app development - all completely free. 74% of their students identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, first-generation, or low-income, showing their serious commitment to diversity in tech.

What sets CodePath apart is their real-world approach.

Their graduates start with an average salary of $92,000, proving that their model works.

They're not just teaching code - they're building a complete support system with industry mentors, career services, and direct connections to tech companies. Their success metrics are impressive: 56% of students land internships within a year of completing courses, and they're aiming for 65% of seniors to secure full-time roles within 6 months of graduation.

Looking ahead to 2050, CodePath has set an ambitious goal to launch one million engineering careers, which could generate $1.5 trillion in earnings for marginalized communities.

They're scaling fast, partnering with major tech companies and universities while maintaining their high-quality, hands-on learning approach. Students get real project experience, portfolio development opportunities, and access to tech leaders through industry panels and workshops.

It's not just about learning to code - it's about building a future where tech talent truly reflects the diversity of our society.

Oden Technologies is completely transforming manufacturing with their super-smart AI solutions. Their latest win? A $28.5 million Series B funding round just landed in April 2024, showing how much investors believe in their tech.

What makes them stand out is their Process AI platform, which takes billions of data points and turns them into real-time recommendations that machine operators can actually use.

The results are pretty incredible - some customers have seen their production speeds jump up by 40%, and their operator adoption rate is over 80%, which is honestly unheard of in manufacturing.

What's really cool about Oden is how they're fixing real problems in manufacturing.

Did you know that half of new operators quit within three months? That's wild. But Oden's solutions are changing that game by making complex data super accessible to everyone on the factory floor.

They're seeing some serious results - 71% reduction in changeover times, 16% increase in line speeds, and their client list includes major players like Sonoco, Southwire, and Viakable.

The platform helps new operators perform like veterans, which is exactly what the industry needs right now.

Varsity Tutors has become a game-changer in educational technology, revolutionizing how students learn through their innovative digital platform. As one of the largest online learning platforms, they've spent 17 years perfecting their approach to deliver personalized education at scale.

Their platform now covers over 3,000 subjects and has delivered an impressive 4.7 million hours of online instruction in the past year alone. What makes them stand out is their comprehensive approach - they're not just another tutoring service, but a complete learning ecosystem that includes 24/7 on-demand help, live classes, and personalized learning plans based on over 100 variables to match students with the perfect tutor.

The company's growth has been remarkable, now serving more than 500 school districts nationwide.

Their platform combines AI-driven technology with human expertise, offering features like interactive whiteboards, HD video collaboration, and real-time document editing.

What's particularly cool is their recent partnership expansion - they've just launched their 2024 summer programming with a focus on bridging learning gaps and preparing students for college admissions.

Their innovative approach has proven effective, with studies showing students typically improve by an entire letter grade after using their services.

Looking toward 2025, Varsity Tutors is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in online education.

They're expanding their offerings to include specialized programs for students with learning differences, rolling out enhanced college preparation resources, and implementing more AI-driven features to make learning even more accessible and effective.

The platform's success isn't just about the technology - it's about creating real connections between students and tutors while delivering measurable results in academic achievement.

Charlotte's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! High-tech software and service jobs have jumped by 21.3%, way ahead of the national average.

The city's got over 50,000 tech workers now, and startups are raising serious cash - we're talking $1.2 billion in 2024 alone. Companies like AvidXchange and Passport are making huge moves, with Passport operating in more than 1,000 cities across North America.

The latest buzz is about RunPod opening their East Coast hub in NoDa, planning to hire 50 people in 2025.

The tech community here is super active with coworking spaces like Hygge bringing together over 200 members, and accelerators like RevTech Labs helping startups crush their goals.

Whether you're into fintech, AI, or healthtech, Charlotte's got something for everyone. The city's startup ecosystem is getting stronger every day, with major support from local investors and a growing talent pool.

For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, Charlotte's definitely the place to be right now.