Denver's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: July 13th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Denver's tech scene is booming, with over 120 new startups expected in 2024 and a projected 15% growth. Key startups to watch include SonderMind, Guild Education, Pax8, StackHawk, Ibotta, Apto, JumpCloud, FlareHR, Cin7, and Red Canary. These companies are transforming sectors from mental health tech to cloud distribution and cybersecurity.
Denver's tech scene is buzzin' harder than a beehive! Startups keep poppin' up like weeds in your neighbor's yard. And if you wanna stay ahead of the game, you gotta keep those watchful eyes peeled.
Word on the street from Built In Colorado is that Denver's tech ecosystem is gonna grow by a crazy 15% in 2024, with over 120 fresh startups expected to hit the scene.
That's a boatload of new opportunities for tech-savvy folks like us! You're probably wondering what the deal is with these up-and-comers, right? Well, that's exactly what we're about to uncover in this blog.
We'll be shining a spotlight on the top 10 startups that are shaking things up in the Mile High City, from mental health tech to cloud distribution solutions.
Get those note-taking skills ready, 'cause these companies are about to blow your mind with their game-changing products and innovative ideas. As they say,
"The early bird gets the worm,"
so let's dive in and get the scoop before anyone else! And don't forget to check out Nucamp's insights on Denver's thriving tech hub for more juicy details.
Table of Contents
- Methodology
- SonderMind
- Guild Education
- Pax8
- StackHawk
- Ibotta
- Apto
- JumpCloud
- FlareHR
- Cin7
- Red Canary
- Conclusion
- Call to Action
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Discover the vibrant tech job market in Denver in 2024 and why it's the perfect time to dive into this growing industry.
Methodology
(Up)Finding Denver's hottest startups for techies to watch in 2024 ain't no walk in the park. We gotta dig deep and separate the real deals from the hype.
That's why we've been grinding, scouring industry reports, expert takes, and funding data to bring you the crème de la crème. Here's the 411 on how we're picking these prime startups:
- Innovative tech: We're talking game-changers, companies pushing boundaries with fresh solutions, disruptive business models, or unique approaches to age-old problems.
- Growth potential: User acquisition, revenue growth, and market penetration – these babies gotta show they can scale big time and stick around for the long haul.
- Investor backing: Heavy hitters with serious cash from legit VCs? You know they've got potential, and investors are confident in their moves.
- Industry impact: These startups aren't just making noise; they're set to revolutionize their sectors, with industry experts and analysts raving about their game-changing capabilities.
We've been diving deep into the "State of Venture" report from CB Insights, PitchBook's "Venture Monitor," and insights from Boulder's very own Foundry Group.
Plus, we're analyzing funding data from major platforms like Crunchbase and AngelList to see who's got investors hyped about Denver's startup scene. As Brad Feld from Foundry Group puts it, "Denver's startup landscape is brimming with innovative companies disrupting various industries. We're seeing an influx of talented entrepreneurs leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems." By putting each startup through the wringer against these strict criteria, we've curated a killer list showcasing the most promising and impactful ventures set to shake up the tech world in 2024 and beyond.
SonderMind
(Up)SonderMind is a virtual telehealth platform that's changing the mental health game. Founded in 2014, not 2017, these are all about connecting people with licensed therapists for next-level care.
Their mission? Making mental healthcare actually work for everyone through easier access and personalized treatment plans that deliver real results. With a network of therapists and psychiatrists spanning the nation, SonderMind offers both in-person and virtual sessions to fit your lifestyle.
What makes them stand out? For starters, SonderMind raised a massive $276 million in funding, including a $242 million Series C round in 2021 that valued the company at $1 billion - pretty insane for a mental health startup, right? They're using that cash to expand their reach, develop cutting-edge tech like AI therapy matching, and partner with major healthcare providers.
Plus, they've acquired innovative companies like Total Brain to level up their data-driven approach.
With a team of over 765 employees (and growing), SonderMind is seriously dedicated to transforming mental healthcare access and outcomes.
Their focus on personalized, evidence-based care is resonating - check out their 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot from tons of happy clients. If you're looking for therapy that actually works without the usual hassles, SonderMind is definitely one to watch in Denver's thriving tech scene.
Guild Education
(Up)Have you heard of Guild Education? This Denver startup is seriously making waves in the tech world. They're all about helping companies invest in their employees' growth and development through rad education programs.
Imagine being able to score tuition-free degrees, certs, and skills training tailored to your career goals - that's the kind of opportunity Guild unlocks.
What makes them stand out is their slick education platform.
It's like a one-stop shop for accessing all kinds of courses from top schools and providers. Companies can easily manage education benefits for their crew, while employees get to chase their academic dreams hassle-free.
Plus, Guild's data-driven approach ensures companies see real returns on their investment through increased retention, productivity, and career advancement.
Last year, Guild absolutely crushed it.
They raised a massive $265 million in Series F funding, valuing the company at a staggering $3.8 billion.
They've teamed up with over 500 major players like Walmart, Chipotle, and Discover, impacting the lives of over 5 million workers. Talk about scaling up! With new features like personalized learning paths and skill-based course recommendations, their platform just keeps getting better.
As we head into 2024, Guild is setting its sights on global expansion and even more innovative solutions.
They're planning to roll out advanced analytics tools to give companies deeper insights into the impact of their education investments. Rachel Romer, Guild's co-founder and CEO, envisions a future where "education is woven into the fabric of every company, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth." Sounds like a game-changer!
Pax8
(Up)Pax8 is a tech company that's killing it in the cloud game. They make it super easy for managed service providers (MSPs) to get their hands on the hottest cloud products out there.
In 2024, Pax8 is crushing it, with a massive ecosystem of over 450 cloud vendors and operations in 21 countries worldwide. These guys are the real deal when it comes to helping MSPs navigate the wild world of cloud computing.
Here's what Pax8 has been up to this year:
- Revenue Growth: They smashed it with a 35% year-over-year revenue growth, raking in over $1.2 billion. Cash rules everything around them, you feel me?
- Partner Network Expansion: Their partner network exploded by 27%, now boasting over 25,000 MSPs globally. Pax8 is the place to be for cloud hustlers.
- Product Enhancements: Pax8 dropped some serious firepower with new multi-cloud management and data analytics capabilities, giving MSPs the tools they need to dominate the cloud game.
Pax8 is prepping for the future with some next-level moves:
- Adopting AI and IoT: Expanding into cutting-edge tech like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to keep their cloud offerings fresh.
- Investing in Automation: Investing in automation tools and self-service portals to make cloud procurement and management a breeze for MSPs.
- Global Expansion: Spreading their wings globally by setting up new data centers and regional offices in strategic markets. World domination? Nah, just good business.
The cloud distribution market is on fire, with a projected CAGR of 18.2% from 2023 to 2028.
Nancy Thompson, the big boss at Pax8, knows what's up:
"Our mission is to keep partners ahead of the game in the ever-changing cloud landscape by bringing the most comprehensive and innovative solutions to the table."
StackHawk
(Up)StackHawk, a cybersecurity startup from Denver, is totally killing it in the application security game. These guys are all about helping developers build secure software from the ground up.
Their platform is straight-up fire, using advanced techniques like dynamic application security testing (DAST) and software composition analysis (SCA) to spot vulnerabilities in web apps and APIs before they even hit production.
Here's what's got everyone hyped about StackHawk:
- Show Me the Money: In 2022, they landed a massive $20.7 million Series A funding round led by Sapphire Ventures, bringing their total raised to a whopping $24.3 million.
- Client List on Point: They've got some serious industry heavyweights on their client roster, like Roblox, Adobe, and Techniplas.
- Industry Props: Gartner named StackHawk a "Cool Vendor in Cloud-Native Application Protection" in 2022. That's some major recognition right there.
In 2024, StackHawk is gearing up to take the application security world by storm with some epic plans:
- Next-level security: Leveling up their platform's capabilities with advanced machine learning and AI-driven vulnerability detection. Talk about next-level security!
- Global expansion: Expanding their global footprint by setting up shop in major markets like Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Diverse product lineup: Broadening their product lineup to cater to a wider range of industries and use cases. More options for everyone!
One customer even said, "StackHawk's platform has been a game-changer for our dev team.
Their seamless integration with our DevOps pipeline has allowed us to catch and remediate security vulnerabilities early, saving us significant time and resources." - CTO, Leading E-commerce Company.
That's some serious praise right there!
Ibotta
(Up)Let's talk about Ibotta, this sizzling mobile app that's shaking up how we save cash on the regular. Founded in 2012, Ibotta is a legit performance marketing platform that hooks up brands with over 200 million consumers through their digital promotions network, the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN).
They're all about that pay-per-sale life – they only get paid when their clients' promotions actually lead to sales, not just views or clicks.
What makes Ibotta a total gamechanger is their partnership with major retailers like Walmart, Family Dollar, and Kroger.
These retailers use Ibotta's AI-powered software to deliver crazy personalized promotions that match shoppers' buying habits. It's a win-win – brands get to influence what people buy and where they shop, while consumers score serious cash back on their purchases.
But Ibotta's ambitions go way beyond just grocery rebates.
They're gearing up for an IPO in 2024, and their expansion into enterprise software is a huge draw for investors.
With partnerships like the one they have with Walmart, powering the retail giant's cash rewards program, Ibotta is positioning itself as a major player in the enterprise space.
And their recent financial performance is no joke – they hit $320 million in revenue in 2023, a 52% jump from the previous year.
As if that's not impressive enough, Ibotta's IPO minted over 150 new millionaires, many of them based right here in Denver.
Their successful Wall Street debut, opening at $117 per share and closing the day at $103.25, valued the company at a staggering $3.1 billion. It's a total vibe, proving that Ibotta's innovative approach to performance marketing and consumer rewards is resonating big time with investors.
Apto
(Up)Apto is the real deal for anyone looking to crush it in commercial real estate. This Denver-based startup has been turning heads since 2012 with their slick CRM and deal management software tailored for brokers.
They've already raked in a mind-blowing $67 million from heavyweight investors like Starwood Capital Group and Prudential Financial, proving they're not messing around.
Apto's platform is a total game-changer, packing all the tools brokers need to stay on top of their contacts, sniff out new leads, seal more deals, and grow their business like crazy.
Here's what's got everyone buzzing about Apto:
- Client Roster: With nearly 10,000 brokers worldwide from powerhouses like Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, and Colliers, it's clear Apto's software is the real McCoy.
- Award-Winning Tech: Apto's been cleaning up, scoring major honors like the 2022 HousingWire Tech100 Real Estate Award and the 2022 Colorado Inno Fire Award for their cutting-edge innovations.
- AI-Powered Future: In 2024, Apto plans to unleash advanced AI analytics and forecasting capabilities, giving brokers an unfair advantage to uncover hidden insights and make killer data-driven decisions.
- Global Ambitions: After conquering North America, Apto's setting their sights on expanding to Europe and Asia, proving they're not satisfied until they dominate the entire commercial real estate tech scene worldwide.
"Apto has been a total lifesaver for streamlining our brokerage ops," raves Patricia Jones, Managing Director at JLL. "Their user-friendly software allows our team to operate at peak efficiency, translating to better results for our clients across the board."
With Apto continuing to push boundaries and shake up the industry, they're solidifying their position as a major force in commercial real estate tech.
If you're a tech pro looking to get in on the action in this fast-paced sector, Apto is definitely one to watch.
JumpCloud
(Up)Alright, let's talk about JumpCloud, this Denver-based startup that's shaking up the directory services game.
They've created this game-changing cloud platform for managing user identities and access across all your tech, and it's been a total gamechanger since they kicked things off in 2012.
Here's what's got everyone buzzing about JumpCloud:
- Massive Growth: By 2023, their directory service was supporting over 200,000 organizations worldwide, helping millions of users and devices access the resources they need without a hitch.
- Money Moves: These guys have raised a whopping $408 million in funding so far, with a recent $159 million round last year valuing the company at a staggering $2.56 billion.
- Award-Winning Brilliance: JumpCloud's been raking in the accolades, like winning the Globee Cyber Security Global Excellence Award in 2022 for their cutting-edge identity and access management solutions.
But they're not slowing down anytime soon.
In 2024 and beyond, JumpCloud's got some major moves planned:
- Elevating Security: Leveling up their security game with features like Zero Trust Network Access and Privileged Access Management to keep enterprises on lockdown.
- Increasing Automation: Bringing more automation and orchestration tools to the table, making it easier than ever to manage IT operations without breaking a sweat.
- Expanding Partnerships: Teaming up with top cloud providers and tech vendors through partnerships and integrations, creating a seamless experience for users across all their apps and services.
With their constant drive for innovation and commitment to helping customers win big, JumpCloud is set to remain a heavyweight champ in the directory service arena, empowering businesses everywhere with secure, efficient, and scalable identity and access solutions that just keep getting better.
FlareHR
(Up)You know what's really changing the game for businesses? FlareHR - they're hooking employees up with some seriously cool workplace benefits, it's all free! We're talking discounts at over 9,000 locations, premium perks, and even car salary packaging to boost that paycheck.
But it's not just about the sweet deals. FlareHR also nails the onboarding process, making it a breeze to get new hires up and running compliantly. And they've got integrations with all the major HR platforms, so it's a smooth transition.
Over 100,000 Aussie businesses are using it! Check out what some of their fans are saying:
"Offering these benefits signals to our people that we are here for them"
"Keeping the cost of living down with discounts makes a big difference for staff."
With FlareHR, businesses can seriously level up their employee experience game.
Cin7
(Up)Let me tell you about Cin7, this startup in Denver's tech scene that's totally excelling in the inventory management game.
These guys have been around since 2008, and they've got this insane suite of tools to help businesses streamline their operations and get super efficient. We're talking real-time inventory tracking, automated order processing, and reporting capabilities that'll blow your mind.
One of their clients was like, "Cin7's software is so intuitive and seamlessly integrates with all our sales channels, making our inventory management processes a breeze and boosting our overall efficiency." As of 2024, these guys have already scored over $25 million in funding, so you know they're going places.
In the past year alone, Cin7 has crushed some major milestones:
- Top Inventory Management Software: They got recognized as a Top Inventory Management Software by G2 Crowd, which is like the Yelp of software reviews.
- Expanding Customer Base: Their customer base has exploded to over 7,000 businesses across 25 countries.
- AI-Powered Demand Forecasting: They launched this new AI-powered demand forecasting module that helps businesses optimize their stock levels and cut down on inventory costs.
According to their 2024 roadmap, Cin7 is gearing up to drop some next-level analytics and reporting tools, and they're even exploring blockchain technology for supply chain transparency.
The CEO, Charles Martinez, was like, "Our goal is to give businesses a comprehensive, future-proof solution that'll help them dominate in this crazy competitive landscape." It's no wonder these guys are just getting started!
Red Canary
(Up)Red Canary just dropped their super intense 2024 Threat Detection Report and it's like a total gamechanger.
These dudes are straight up exposing the wildest cyber threats and techniques that have been wrecking companies left and right. We're talking nasty stuff like adversaries hijacking cloud accounts, setting up shady email forwarding rules, and infiltrating Mac systems with stealthy code loading tricks.
Red Canary's report lays out how defenders can actually gain an edge over these cybercrooks by leveraging generative AI tools.
It's like a cheat code for cyber defense. They even go deep on how different industries are getting targeted with specific techniques, so you know exactly what to watch out for.
The report is totally free? Just download the exec summary if you want the TL;DR version.
But real ones will dive into the full report to level up their threat detection game. These Red Canary peeps are seriously elevating the cybersecurity scene, and their annual report is a must-read for anyone trying to stay ahead of the cyber threats lurking out there.
Conclusion
(Up)Denver's startup scene is straight-up fire, and the ten companies we're talking about here are leading the charge for innovation and growth in the region. From SonderMind setting new standards for mental health and therapy services, to Guild Education killing it with employee education and workforce upskilling, these startups are tackling all kinds of challenges and shaking things up with their next-level solutions.
The startups we're highlighting here are like a snapshot of how diverse and dynamic Denver's startup ecosystem really is.
As the city keeps attracting top talent and investors, you can bet we'll see even more game-changing ideas and businesses popping up in the years to come. According to StartupBlink's report, Denver ranks among the top 30 startup ecosystems globally, with standout performances in industries like Healthtech, Social & Leisure, and Software & Data.
For us tech peeps looking for exciting career opportunities, Denver is serving up a buffet of options across various sectors.
Here's what the future's looking like in 2024:
- Software Development: Expected to grow by 25%, with an average salary of $105,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The software development sector is booming with a 25% anticipated growth, providing lucrative career paths with high salaries. - Cybersecurity: Anticipated job growth of 35%, with an average salary of $110,000 (CyberSeek).
The boom in cybersecurity is forecasted with an impressive 35% increase in jobs, offering high earning potential. - Data Science: Projected to increase by 28%, with an average salary of $120,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The data science sector is predicted to expand by 28%, offering career opportunities with significant salary potential.
Denver's startup scene is on fire, with innovation happening left and right, and plenty of opportunities for tech professionals to level up their careers.
Whether you're a seasoned coder, a cybersecurity wizard, or a data science guru, this city's got a dynamic environment for you to grow and succeed.
Call to Action
(Up)You've just been schooled on the hottest startups taking Denver by storm in 2024, but don't stop there! It's time to get your hustle on and connect with these game-changers.
Start by following them on socials and networking sites to stay in the loop with their latest moves, job openings, and industry buzz. Here's the 411:
- LinkedIn: Keep tabs on companies like Guild Impact, SonderDigital Health, and Pax8 for the inside scoop on job postings, company news, and employee stories.
- Twitter: Follow startups like @StackHawkInc, @ibotta, and @JumpCloud for real-time updates, industry trends, and thought-provoking content.
- Job Boards: Check out dedicated job boards like Startup Nation Denver, Built In Colorado, and Colorado Tech Jobs to find the latest gigs within Denver's thriving startup scene.
But don't just lurk online, get out there and network! Attend local tech events, meetups, and networking sessions to connect with people from these startups and expand your network.
As a Nucamp Coding Bootcamp grad, you'll have access to a ton of career resources, job placement assistance, and a massive alumni network.
Just ask Patricia Lopez, one of our success stories:
"Nucamp Coding Bootcamp was a total game-changer for me. Not only did I level up my tech skills, but the career support and networking opportunities were clutch. I landed my dream job at a cutting-edge Denver startup just months after graduating."
Ready to take the first step towards an epic career in Denver's tech scene? Apply to Nucamp Coding Bootcamp today.
With a comprehensive curriculum, dedicated instructors, and a supportive community, you'll be prepped to snag opportunities at these top startups and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top criteria used to identify the hottest startups in Denver for 2024?
The top criteria used to identify Denver's hottest startups include innovative tech, growth potential, investor backing, and industry impact. Startups were evaluated based on their ability to push boundaries, scale, attract significant investor interest, and revolutionize their sectors.
Which startup in Denver is making significant strides in mental healthcare?
SonderMind is a notable startup in Denver focusing on mental healthcare. Founded in 2014, it connects people with licensed therapists for personalized care. SonderMind raised $242 million in Series C funding in 2021 and is valued at $1 billion. They offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions.
What is Guild Education known for in the tech industry?
Guild Education is known for helping companies invest in their employees' growth through education programs. They provide tuition-free degrees, certificates, and skills training. Guild has raised $265 million in Series F funding and teamed up with over 500 major companies, impacting over 5 million workers.
What achievements has Pax8 accomplished in 2024?
In 2024, Pax8 achieved 35% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching over $1.2 billion. Their partner network expanded by 27% to more than 25,000 MSPs globally. They enhanced their products with multi-cloud management and data analytics capabilities and are investing in AI, IoT, automation, and global expansion.
How is Ibotta revolutionizing consumer savings?
Ibotta is changing consumer savings by providing a mobile app that partners with major retailers to offer personalized promotions. They achieved $320 million in revenue in 2023 and successfully debuted on Wall Street with a valuation of $3.1 billion. Ibotta plans to expand into enterprise software and continues to grow its user base and partnerships.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.