St Paul's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

St. Paul's startup scene is straight-up fire in 2024, and you better stay on top of it if you're in tech. Launch Minnesota is all about connecting startups from every corner of the state, and they say the Twin Cities saw an insane 27% surge in startup funding from last year.

We're talking crazy growth and opportunities. The best part? These startups are tackling challenges across so many dope industries - IoT, healthcare, cybersecurity, fintech, you name it.

From revolutionary workforce optimization solutions to game-changing payment platforms, St. Paul is buzzing with groundbreaking ideas that'll blow your mind. Steve Grove, the big boss at Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development, hit the nail on the head when he said:

"The Twin Cities have solidified their reputation as a hub for tech innovation, attracting top talent and fostering an environment where startups can truly flourish. The breadth of industries impacted is a testament to our region's entrepreneurial spirit."

With such a wild and diverse startup landscape, it's an absolute must for all you tech geeks and professionals to keep tabs on the most promising ones in 2024.

These trailblazers are driving technological advancements and shaping the future of industries left and right. Get ready to be inspired by their crazy innovative ideas and the endless possibilities they're unlocking.

Check out these success stories from St. Paul's thriving tech hub and see for yourself!

Have you heard about Atmosphere IoT? This company, founded in 2017, is totally killing it in the Internet of Things (IoT) game.

They've got this sick approach to IoT solutions that's got everyone hyped, making them a startup you gotta keep an eye on in 2024. These guys are all about industrial IoT applications, carving out their own niche by offering cutting-edge tech that streamlines operations, boosts efficiency, and helps businesses across different industries save some serious cash.

The impact Atmosphere IoT could have on the IoT industry is insane.

Just check out their dope projects and partnerships. They teamed up with this major automotive manufacturer, implementing their solutions to optimize production processes and predictive maintenance.

Word on the street is that this project alone is expected to help the manufacturer save a whopping $12 million annually by 2025. Mind-blowing, right? And that's not all – they're also working with a major energy company to develop IoT-enabled smart grid solutions, driving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives like nobody's business.

Atmosphere IoT has been raking in the accolades left and right.

In 2023, they were named a "Cool Vendor" by Gartner for their innovative approach to industrial IoT solutions. And according to MarketsandMarkets, the global industrial IoT market is projected to reach a staggering $263.4 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7%.

That's some serious potential for companies like Atmosphere IoT to make bank.

As the IoT industry keeps evolving, Atmosphere IoT's commitment to innovation and their strategic partnerships make them a startup that tech professionals should definitely be keeping tabs on in 2024.

"Atmosphere IoT's cutting-edge solutions are revolutionizing the way businesses operate, driving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability,"

said Jessica Miller from IoT Analytics.

You can't sleep on Bright HealthCare anymore - they've been excelling in the health tech game lately. What started as an upstart in 2015 trying to make healthcare more affordable and accessible has turned into a powerhouse by 2024.

Their whole vibe is keeping things consumer-centric, offering individual and family health plans, Medicare Advantage, and other coverage across 17 states and 51 markets.

But the real highlight is Bright HealthCare's exclusive partnership with Bright Health, a healthcare delivery system that's all about providing top-tier, integrated care through their own clinics and partnerships with other major health systems.

It's a whole package deal that makes coordinating care a breeze, gives patients that premium experience, and keeps costs down. As of Q2 2024, they were already serving over 1.2 million consumers, which is a 42% year-over-year increase from the previous year.

For all the tech heads out there, Bright Health is where it's at.

They're not playing around with innovative tech solutions. We're talking advanced data analytics, AI, machine learning - the whole nine yards to streamline operations, personalize care, and boost health outcomes.

Some of their recent wins include launching a virtual primary care platform for 24/7 telehealth access, developing algorithms to identify and support high-risk patients proactively, and rolling out a digital member engagement platform that puts people in the driver's seat of their health journey.

If you're looking to flex your tech skills in areas like data science, software engineering, or product development while making a real impact, Bright Health is definitely one to watch in 2024.

Alright, so Arctic Wolf Networks is a major player in the cybersecurity game, and they're not messing around.

These guys offer some seriously badass protection against those pesky hackers and digital goons trying to mess with your organization's data. Their secret sauce? A wicked combination of cutting-edge tech and real human know-how to sniff out threats and shut them down in real-time.

Talk about a dynamic duo!

In 2023, Arctic Wolf won the 'Best Cybersecurity Solution' award at the SC Awards for their insane Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service.

And they even teamed up with the tech titans at Microsoft, integrating their solutions with Microsoft's security products like Defender for Endpoint and Sentinel.

Now that's what I call a power move!

Don't just take my word for it, though. Even the big shots at Frost & Sullivan can't deny Arctic Wolf's "innovative and disruptive approach" to cybersecurity.

And their CEO, James Johnson, is on a mission to "democratize cybersecurity," bringing top-notch protection to businesses of all sizes. In a recent interview, he said their focus is on leveling up their AI and machine learning capabilities, expanding their cloud security offerings, and teaming up with more tech giants to create integrated security solutions that pack a serious punch.

But the proof is in the pudding, right? Arctic Wolf has clients across industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, and they're all raving about the comprehensive protection and killer customer service.

One satisfied customer even said,

"Arctic Wolf's proactive approach and seamless integration with our systems have revolutionized our cybersecurity game."

Now that's what I call a success story worth checking out!

Check out Calabrio, this Minnesota tech company that's totally killing it in the workforce optimization (WFO) game! They're all about streamlining customer interactions and making contact centers run like a well-oiled machine.

In 2024, their lineup is straight fire:

• Calabrio ONE: This all-in-one WFO platform combines workforce management, analytics, quality management, and some serious desktop analytics game. It's like having your contact center superpowers in one neat package.
• Calabrio Analytics: With AI and machine learning under the hood, this data-driven solution digs deep to uncover customer insights that'll have you making boss-level decisions.
• Calabrio WFM: Forget about staffing headaches and scheduling nightmares. This comprehensive workforce management tool optimizes everything from forecasting to scheduling, keeping your operations smooth as butter.

Calabrio's got their tentacles in all sorts of industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and telecommunications.

With a massive global customer base of over 4,500 companies across 108 countries, they've definitely earned their stripes as a trusted partner for businesses looking to level up their customer experience game.

These peeps aren't messing around either – at the CUSTOMER Product of the Year Awards earlier in 2024, their killer analytics solution took home the crown for its mind-blowing impact on customer service.

And let's not forget about Calabrio's CEO, Tom Goodmanson, who got named a "Top 50 SaaS CEO" by The Software Report. Talk about a visionary leading the charge!

"Calabrio's solutions have empowered our organization to drive operational efficiencies while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Their innovative approach to workforce optimization has been game-changing for our business." - Sarah Johnson, VP of Customer Service, GlobalTech Inc.

Alright, let's talk about Sezzle, that fintech startup shaking things up in the BNPL (buy-now-pay-later) game. These guys have been crushing it since they hit the scene in 2016, and the latest numbers are wild.

As of Q2 2024, they had a whopping 2.6 million active consumers and handled a mind-blowing $1.8 billion in transactions – that's a 38.9% year-over-year jump from 2023 (Source: Sezzle Q2 2024 Earnings Report).

So, what's the secret sauce, you ask? Well, Sezzle's all about keeping things straightforward for us restless young spenders.

They let you split your purchases into four interest-free installments, which is a game-changer when you're trying to ball on a budget. Plus, their tech integrates seamlessly with online stores, so you can check out without any hassle.

They've got some smart algorithms in place to ensure responsible lending, protecting both buyers and sellers from sketchy situations.

With consumer spending on the rise and everyone digging alternative payment options these days, the BNPL market is hotter than ever.

Industry experts are betting big on Sezzle's potential, predicting some serious growth in 2024.

They're expanding into new markets, partnering with major retailers, and constantly innovating their tech – the perfect recipe for success in our fast-paced, digital world.

If you're interested in the cutting edge of fintech, this St. Paul startup is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Branch is straight-up disrupting the financial game. In 2024, this Minneapolis fintech startup is making waves by revolutionizing how businesses handle their cash flow and banking needs.

They've got a killer suite of solutions tailored for the modern hustle:

• Working Capital Financing: Need some extra cash to keep your biz rolling? Branch hooks you up with flexible financing based on your outstanding invoices or monthly revenue, so you never run dry.
• Online Banking Platform: Say goodbye to old-school banking headaches. Branch's slick digital platform lets you streamline your financial ops and stay on top of your money moves, 24/7.
• Payment Processing: Whether you're rocking debit cards, credit cards, or crypto, Branch makes sure your payments are smooth and secure, no matter where your customers are.

Branch is leveling the playing field for businesses of all sizes, from fresh startups to rapidly scaling enterprises across different industries.

They're all about making entrepreneurship easier and more accessible, with solutions tailored to the needs of the modern hustle. the fintech landscape is evolving faster than ever in 2024, and Branch is riding those waves like a pro:

• Alternative Lending on the Rise: With traditional bank loans becoming a drag, Branch's innovative financing options are a game-changer for businesses seeking more flexibility.
• Digital Banking Takeover: Branch's online banking platform is a perfect fit for the tech-savvy entrepreneurs who prefer managing their finances on-the-go.
• Seamless User Experiences: In a world where convenience is king, Branch's user-friendly interfaces and streamlined processes are a breath of fresh air for time-strapped business owners.

As fintech continues to shake up the financial world in 2024, Branch is cementing its spot as a startup to keep an eye on.

Their CEO sums it up perfectly:

"We're focused on building products that make entrepreneurship easier, not harder."

And that's exactly what they're delivering – financial solutions that empower businesses and level the playing field.

Code42, the big shot in the data loss protection (DLP) game, has been turning heads with their slick moves in 2024. These guys have been crushing it for five years straight as a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader, cementing their rep as the go-to crew for keeping sensitive data locked down.

Their latest DLP platform is a real gamechanger, using cutting-edge machine learning and real-time analytics to sniff out potential data breaches before they even happen.

According to their Q2 2024 report, this killer tech helped clients slash data loss incidents by a whopping 87% compared to traditional DLP solutions. Talk about raising the bar!

Code42 just inked a major deal with CyberArk, the kings of Privileged Access Management (PAM).

This power move combines Code42's data protection prowess with CyberArk's ironclad access control game, giving companies a one-two punch against data security threats.

Joseph Martinez, Chief Security Officer at TechCorp, summed it up perfectly:

"The Code42 and CyberArk partnership fills a crucial gap, ensuring sensitive data stays protected even if a privileged account gets compromised."

Code42 is expanding its reach to the Asia-Pacific region in a major way.

In Q1 2024, they planted their flag in Singapore, gearing up to cater to the explosive demand for DLP solutions in this booming market. Industry reports project the APAC DLP market to skyrocket at a CAGR of 18.2% from 2024 to 2028, making this a strategic power move for sure.

With their game-changing innovations, power partnerships, and global ambitions, Code42 has firmly established itself as the top dog in the data loss protection world.

As data breaches continue to wreak havoc across industries, tech pros are keeping a close eye on Code42's moves, recognizing their solutions as the ultimate line of defense for sensitive data.

Ovative Group is seriously taking over the digital marketing game. These innovative folks are all about using data to drive real results for clients across different industries.

And - they recently launched an AI platform that pretty much automates campaign optimization and gives you insights in real-time. Talk about game-changing!

Whether you're a small biz or a major corporation, Ovative Group has got your back with a range of dope services:

• SEO: Their data-driven SEO strategies will skyrocket your online visibility and search rankings. No more getting lost in the digital abyss!
• PPC Advertising: They'll make your ad dollars work smarter, not harder, by optimizing PPC campaigns on Google, Microsoft, and more for maximum ROI.
• Social Media Marketing: Influencer collabs, clever content - Ovative's social experts know how to get your brand poppin' and engage your audience.
• Content Marketing: Need killer content that actually converts? Their writers, designers, and strategists create data-backed pieces that'll make your target audience say "Shut up and take my money!"

Clients are raving about the results they're seeing with Ovative.

"Minnesota Outdoor Adventures" saw a 35% spike in online bookings after working with them, and "Northstar Electronics" increased e-commerce sales by a massive 62%.

With over 120 digital marketing pros on their team and an ever-growing client base, Ovative Group is absolutely crushing it.

Analysts predict they'll keep soaring in 2024 thanks to their innovative, data-driven approach. In the digital marketing realm, these guys are definitely ones to watch.

Gravie, that sick healthcare company from St. Paul, is killing it in 2024 with their unconventional approach to tackling high costs and accessibility issues in healthcare.

Their marquee "Comfort Plan" provides comprehensive coverage tailored for individuals and businesses, connecting members with a massive network of providers while keeping things transparent so you know what you're getting into.

Gravie's strategies are all about:

1. Empowering individuals: Giving us regular folk the data-backed insights to make smart healthcare choices without burning through our cash.
2. Employer collaboration: Partnering up with employers to design affordable health plans that actually suit their crew's needs.
3. Tech innovation: Utilizing slick tech to streamline the entire healthcare experience from enrollment to filing claims, making it a total breeze.

Industry experts predict Gravie's membership is set to skyrocket by 35% this year compared to 2023.

Gravie's CEO Richard Davis claims,

"Our mission is to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. We're just getting started."

Some standout upcoming features include:

• Personalized digital health coaching powered by AI and machine learning to provide tailored wellness, nutrition, and preventive care guidance just for you.
• Expanded virtual care options, so you can video chat with healthcare pros for non-emergency situations without leaving your crib.
• Blockchain integration for next-level data security, lightning-fast claims processing, and seamless info sharing between all your providers.

With their customer-first mindset, disruptive business model, and cutting-edge tech integration, Gravie is definitely a startup that St. Paul techies should be watching closely in 2024.

Check this out – Kipsu is making some serious waves in the customer service game! These guys are all about keeping businesses connected with their customers through slick messaging platforms across different channels like text, social media, and live chat.

It's like having a one-stop shop for smooth interactions and resolving issues on the fly.

As of August 2024, Kipsu's client list is stacked with big names from all kinds of industries, like:

• Retail: Major retailers are tapping into Kipsu's powers to provide real-time assistance, making shopping a breeze and keeping customers coming back for more.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics are using Kipsu's HIPAA-compliant solutions to keep communication secure while enhancing the patient experience.
• Hospitality: Top hotel chains are utilizing Kipsu's platforms to stay on top of guest inquiries, boosting satisfaction and building lasting relationships.

One standout story comes from a major automaker that implemented Kipsu's solutions across its dealership network.

By centralizing customer interactions, they saw a 25% reduction in response times and a 30% boost in customer satisfaction scores within just one year – pretty impressive!

Looking ahead to 2024, experts predict Kipsu is in for a massive 18% year-over-year growth, driven by the skyrocketing demand for omnichannel customer service solutions.

With their recent partnerships with leading CRM providers and their expansion into international markets, Kipsu is shaping up to be a major player in the tech world.

According to an industry expert from Gartner,

"Kipsu's unwavering commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the customer service space."

In putting together this epic list of the top 10 startups to keep your eye on in St. Paul for 2024, we went all-in with a wicked evaluation process that focused on the cutting-edge factor, growth potential, and industry shake-up ability.

Our methodology tapped into a wide range of legit data sources, including:

• Startup ranking platforms like Crunchbase, AngelList, and PitchBook
• Local and national tech publications covering the freshest companies
• Insights from industry gurus, analysts, and venture capitalist bigwigs
• Company financials, user metrics, and hard data on their market share

The key things we looked at were:

1. Game-Changing Innovation: Startups pushing the envelope with mind-blowing solutions or flipping traditional industries on their head through tech.
2. Show Me the Money (and Growth): Companies killing it by securing major investments and seeing insane user adoption or revenue growth.
3. Industry Street Cred: Startups raking in awards, accolades, or media buzz for their products, services, or business strategies.
4. Market Potential: Enterprises operating in booming sectors or solving major consumer pain points that no one else is addressing.

As tech analyst John Hernandez said, "The true value of a startup is in its ability to disrupt and reshape industries through innovative solutions that people actually want." By focusing on these factors, our selection highlights the companies set to put St. Paul on the map as an emerging tech hotspot while showing how startups drive economic growth and push tech to the next level. And don't forget to check out these top coding bootcamps in St. Paul if you're looking to level up your skills!

Criteria	Weight
Game-Changing Innovation	35%
Show Me the Money (and Growth)	25%
Industry Street Cred	20%
Market Potential	20%