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

Des Moines is absolutely crushing it as a tech hub, with startups contributing a massive $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy in 2021 - that's a 28% jump since 2017! The city's tech scene is seriously taking off, ranking in the top 20 cities for tech job growth with a 5.5% increase from 2020 to 2021.

BrokerTech Ventures is bringing global insurtech innovation right to our doorstep, while Ag Startup Engine is offering major investment opportunities for biotech startups.

The scene is super diverse - from fintech powerhouse Dwolla processing over $13 billion in transactions to Pear Deck's amazing $200 million acquisition.

What makes Des Moines extra special is how it combines amazing tech opportunities with actually affordable living costs. The startup community is tight-knit and supportive, with accelerators like Global Insurance Accelerator backing over 40 companies since 2015.

Between the Techstars Startup Weekend events and the upcoming Iowa Technology Summit bringing together 700+ tech professionals, there's never been a better time to jump into Des Moines's tech scene!

In crafting the list of Des Moines' top startups for 2025, we followed established investor selection criteria combining qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Our evaluation focused on three key elements: innovation, growth potential, and industry impact. We spent countless hours analyzing data to identify companies that showcase both groundbreaking ideas and realistic growth paths.

To find these promising startups, we used multiple discovery methods including professional networking events, startup competitions, and innovation hubs.

We checked out hackathons, accelerator demo days, and connected with local incubators to spot emerging talent. Through detailed market research and competitive analysis, we identified companies that are truly pushing boundaries in their fields.

Our process evaluated each startup's product offerings, technological capabilities, and business model viability.

We looked at how they're using cutting-edge tech like AI and cloud services, and assessed their potential market impact. Growth metrics and expansion plans were crucial factors - we analyzed revenue projections, market penetration strategies, and scaling potential.

Industry influence played a huge role in our selections.

We collected feedback from customers, tracked industry recognition, and monitored social proof indicators. Special attention went to startups that demonstrated strong partnerships, mentor relationships, and community engagement within Des Moines' tech ecosystem.

This thorough approach helped us create a solid list of startups that represents the best of what Des Moines has to offer.

These companies aren't just doing well now - they're positioned to make major moves in the future, making them worth watching for anyone interested in the local tech scene.

Q2's digital banking platform is making waves in Des Moines's fintech scene, revolutionizing how we interact with financial services.

Their platform serves over 10 million account holders and prevented an impressive $1 billion in check and ACH fraud in 2023 alone. What sets Q2 apart is their mission to strengthen local financial institutions - they're not just about tech, they're about building stronger communities.

Nearly 60% of America's Best Banks choose Q2 for their digital solutions, which is pretty impressive for a company that started in 2004.

The numbers speak for themselves - institutions using Q2's solutions see 25% higher deposit and loan growth, plus 10% higher revenue per employee.

They've built this success through constant innovation, offering everything from AI-powered fraud detection to personalized banking experiences. Their platform isn't just about basic banking - it includes features for commercial lending, risk management, and even cryptocurrency integration.

The Q2 platform combines cloud technology with next-level security, making it a go-to choice for banks and credit unions looking to level up their digital game.

For tech professionals eyeing opportunities in fintech, Q2 stands out with their collaborative culture and focus on innovation.

With over 2,300 employees and a growing global presence, they're constantly pushing boundaries in digital banking. Their recent acquisitions and partnerships show they're serious about staying ahead of the curve in financial technology, making them a solid choice for anyone wanting to make an impact in the fintech world.

Susan Thomas, for example, recently joined their team and has been instrumental in driving their latest initiatives.

Trility Consulting is making waves in Des Moines's tech scene as a business-driven technology consulting firm that's revolutionizing how companies approach cloud and DevOps solutions.

Their team tackles complex challenges head-on, focusing on delivering real results rather than just fancy promises. What sets them apart is their innovative DevOps approach, which helps teams move faster while keeping systems secure and monitored.

According to recent employee feedback, 98% of their team members rate it as a great place to work, which speaks volumes about their company culture and leadership style.

What really caught my attention is their cloud engineering expertise, where they create reusable patterns and foundational platforms that companies can actually use and grow with.

They're not just about implementing tech — they're about making it work for specific business needs. Their remote-first approach has totally transformed how they deliver services, letting them tap into talent from anywhere while maintaining high-quality output.

The coolest part? They're actively recruiting veterans and focusing on building a diverse, inclusive workspace where everyone can contribute their best work.

In Des Moines's growing tech landscape, Trility stands out by keeping things real — they focus on practical solutions that actually solve problems, not just throwing around buzzwords.

Their commitment to delivering genuine value shows in their track record of successful projects, even though many of them are confidential due to their high-profile nature.

Whether it's helping companies modernize their infrastructure or developing custom software solutions, Trility's approach combines technical expertise with practical business sense, making them a go-to partner for companies looking to level up their tech game.

LightEdge Solutions stands out as a major force in Des Moines's tech scene, offering enterprise-grade cloud solutions that combine public cloud scalability with enhanced private cloud security.

Their services are designed specifically for businesses that need both flexibility and rock-solid security. Their infrastructure includes military-spec hardware and a fully redundant network that's been perfected over 25+ years of operation.

What makes LightEdge different is their focus on giving clients real control over their tech stack.

They offer comprehensive managed IT services with 24/7/365 support from actual engineers - not just some automated system.

Plus, they're serious about preventing data breaches, with built-in features like DDoS protection and virtual firewalls that keep everything secure. The best part? No surprise bills or hidden fees, which is huge for businesses trying to manage their IT budgets.

The company has seriously stepped up their game with their Edge Cloud service, which brings cloud capabilities right to where businesses need them.

This setup is perfect for companies that need to process data super fast and close to the source, while still meeting all those strict compliance requirements.

Their network of data centers across the Midwest, including their underground facility in Kansas City, shows they're committed to growing smart and staying ahead of what businesses need.

AssistRx is revolutionizing healthcare tech with their perfect mix of digital solutions and human expertise. Their iAssist platform is changing the game by streamlining how healthcare providers handle specialty prescriptions, making the whole process super fast and efficient.

Their patient support system helps people stick to their treatment plans and actually get the medications they need.

They're not just focusing on the tech side - they're making sure patients can actually afford their meds through various financial assistance programs and copay support.

What makes AssistRx stand out is their comprehensive approach to healthcare technology.

They've built this amazing system that connects everyone involved - doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, and patients - all in real-time. The platform handles everything from electronic prescriptions to prior authorizations automatically, cutting down wait times from days to minutes.

Their patient solutions team is crushing it with a 70% electronic benefit investigation rate, which means patients get their medications way faster than before.

The results speak for themselves - patients are getting better access to their medications, and healthcare providers are spending less time on paperwork and more time actually helping people.

It's like having a super-smart digital assistant that knows exactly what needs to happen to get patients their medications. The platform even sends automatic updates about patient status and helps track everything from insurance approvals to delivery confirmation.

This is exactly the kind of innovation that healthcare needs right now - practical solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.

InfraLytiks is transforming how businesses handle complex data through their innovative machine learning and AI solutions for multi-spectral data analysis.

Led by a dynamic team including CTO Akash Vidyadharan and COO Tyler Carter, the company has made serious waves in the tech world with their suite of specialized products.

Their cutting-edge solutions include InfraVIEU, InfraDrone, and LiDAR NOW, which are changing the game in automated inspections and data visualization. InfraLytiks is specializing in analyzing imagery and geospatial data through custom-developed algorithms.

They've recently joined the Future of Construction Tech programme with Dubai Future Accelerators, showing they're ready to take on global challenges. The company has seriously stepped up their game by developing custom software and automation platforms that make data analytics accessible and meaningful.

Their work spans across multiple industries, from application software to mobile solutions, making them one of the most versatile tech companies in Des Moines.

With their focus on turning visual data into actionable insights, InfraLytiks isn't just talking about innovation - they're actually making it happen. Their rapid growth and expanding influence in the AI landscape show they're definitely a company to watch in 2025.

Gain Compliance is changing the game in insurance tech with their modern software for statutory financial reporting. As the first new solution in the market in over 15 years, they've already helped more than 400 insurance carriers upgrade their filing processes.

What makes them stand out is their laser focus on solving real problems - their platform handles everything from data validation to report formatting, so financial teams can focus on what matters.

The company recently got named IASA's "Solution Provider of the Year" for their innovative approach to statutory reporting.

Their cloud-based software is super intuitive and actually works the way modern tech should - with instant updates, real-time validation, and smart tools that make complex filing processes way less painful.

Based in Des Moines's East Village, Gain Compliance has grown because they seriously listen to their customers - their research showed that 58% of companies were struggling with compliance issues in their filings, so they built specific features to fix those problems.

Instead of just patching old systems, they've created something entirely new that's changing how insurance companies handle their regulatory requirements. The platform is getting major attention from industry leaders, and it's honestly refreshing to see a startup tackle such a complex problem with fresh ideas and actually deliver results.

VolunteerLocal stands out in Des Moines's tech scene with their simple yet powerful volunteer management platform that's revolutionizing how organizations handle volunteer coordination.

Their software, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 194 reviews, offers essential features like real-time reporting, custom registration forms, and seamless communication tools.

What makes them special is their broadcast messaging system that lets organizers send automated confirmations, reminders, and updates to volunteers across different shifts and locations.

The platform's success comes from its user-friendly approach to solving real problems.

Starting at $600 per year, organizations get access to comprehensive volunteer management tools including unlimited volunteer database storage, scheduling capabilities, and integrated SMS messaging.

Users particularly praise the platform's ease of use (4.6/5) and outstanding customer support (5.0/5), making it a go-to choice for organizations ranging from food pantries to large-scale events.

What's really cool about VolunteerLocal is how they've streamlined the entire volunteer process.

Their self-scheduling feature lets volunteers pick their own shifts, while administrators can easily track everything through list and calendar views.

The platform handles everything from initial sign-ups to on-site check-ins, making it perfect for both one-time events and ongoing programs. Their success in Des Moines has helped establish them as a key player in the volunteer management space, proving that innovative tech solutions can come from anywhere in the country.

Aureon stands out in Des Moines's tech scene with their fresh approach to business solutions and tech support. Their new end-to-end business services include everything from managed IT and data networking to contact center solutions, helping companies stay on top of their tech game.

Their commitment to developing local tech talent - they've just opened applications for their 2025 scholarship programs, offering $15,000 to Iowa students pursuing STEM and tech degrees.

They're not just talking about innovation; they're investing in it.

As someone interested in tech, I'm impressed by their new 616 Data Center in downtown Des Moines, which can handle everything from cloud hosting to off-site data storage.

This center is built tough enough to withstand an EF3 tornado - pretty intense, right? It's part of their growing network that includes locations in West Des Moines, Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, and Omaha.

With 40 years of experience delivering tech solutions and a fiber-optic network spanning Iowa, Aureon's making serious moves in the Midwest tech scene.

What makes Aureon particularly interesting for young tech professionals is their focus on emerging technologies and constant growth.

They're not stuck in old-school tech - they're always adapting their services to match what businesses need today. Whether it's their managed IT services, consulting solutions, or network infrastructure support, they're showing that Des Moines can compete with bigger tech hubs.

For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, Aureon's definitely worth watching in 2025.

MākuSafe is revolutionizing workplace safety through their innovative workforce wearables and analytics platform that's changing how companies protect their workers.

Their solution combines smart wearable devices with TensorFlow-powered machine learning to track environmental conditions and worker movements in real-time. What makes this truly impressive is the proven results across multiple industries, with companies seeing up to 50% reduction in claims frequency and a massive 90% drop in claims severity.

The platform monitors everything from potential slip hazards to thermal stress without invading worker privacy - no biometrics or personal tracking involved. Since launching in 2020, they've monitored over 3 million hours of industrial work across three continents, generating crucial data that helps prevent workplace incidents before they happen.

Looking at their track record, pilot programs have already helped companies avoid over $600,000 in potential costs, delivering more than 1000% ROI. This Des Moines-based startup isn't just about collecting data - they're using artificial intelligence to spot patterns and alert managers about potential risks, from ergonomic issues to environmental hazards.

Their commitment to making workplaces safer while respecting worker privacy has earned them multiple awards and attracted over $10 million in venture capital funding.

With manufacturing facilities and construction sites increasingly adopting their technology, MākuSafe is proving that smart tech can make a real difference in keeping workers safe while helping companies operate more efficiently.

Dwolla continues to revolutionize payment processing with their latest moves in the financial tech space. Their innovative approach to Account-to-Account (A2A) payments has transformed how businesses handle transactions, processing an impressive $50 billion annually.

The real game-changer? Their early 2025 partnership with Plaid, which is set to take their payment solutions to the next level. This collaboration is changing the game by integrating instant account verification and network-powered risk assessment, making transactions faster and more secure than ever.

What's super cool is how they're connecting with over 12,000 financial institutions across the U.S., giving businesses incredible reach and flexibility. The numbers don't lie - A2A payments are projected to hit $4.5 trillion by 2027, showing just how much potential this technology has.

Dwolla's growth in Des Moines isn't just about business - they're seriously investing in the local tech scene, planning to double their headquarters and increase their workforce by 40%.

Their commitment to innovation and community development is making Des Moines a legit tech hub, attracting talent and creating opportunities for young professionals like Sarah White who want to be part of something big.

Des Moines is absolutely crushing it in the tech scene right now. The numbers tell an incredible story - the tech industry contributed $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy in 2021, showing a massive 28% jump from 2017.

The startup scene is on fire, with companies like Dwolla processing over $13 billion in transactions and creating more than 150 high-paying tech jobs. What's really exciting is how the city keeps leveling up - there's going to be an epic Techstars Startup Weekend in March 2025 where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas and build something amazing in just 54 hours.

The support system for tech talent is growing fast too, with spots like West Des Moines becoming a major IT hub, hosting over 700 tech firms in the area.

Local universities and coding bootcamps are stepping up to train the next generation of tech talent, and companies are actually waiting to hire these graduates.

The remote work trend has shaken things up downtown, but that's created opportunities for tech startups to grab affordable office space and build something new.

With Microsoft's data center expansion and more tech companies setting up shop here, Des Moines isn't just keeping up with other tech cities - it's creating its own unique tech identity that combines Midwest practicality with serious innovation.