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

St. Paul's tech scene in 2025 is seriously impressive! The city is becoming a major tech hub, with Minnesota's tech sector contributing $31 billion annually to the economy.

What's really cool is how the startup ecosystem keeps expanding. Companies like Center and Branch are crushing it in fintech, while Launch Minnesota's $3 million grant program is helping new startups get off the ground.

The innovation doesn't stop there—Tech for All, the city's latest initiative, is connecting more residents with tech opportunities and education.

The best part? These startups aren't just building random apps—they're solving real problems in areas like employee spending, workforce solutions, and digital transformation.

With major tech meetups happening monthly and companies investing heavily in emerging technologies, it's honestly the perfect time to be part of St. Paul's tech community.

Whether you're looking to join a startup or start your own thing, the resources and support are definitely here. The energy in the city is electric, and these top 10 startups are proof that St. Paul's tech scene is just getting started!

When selecting St. Paul's standout startups for 2025, our team went straight to the numbers and real performance indicators that matter. Using the comprehensive due diligence framework, we assessed each company's financial health, market positioning, and growth trajectory.

We looked at key metrics like user acquisition rates, revenue growth, and funding rounds, while also diving deep into their tech infrastructure and scalability potential.

The analysis included checking out their product demos, understanding their market fit, and verifying their competitive advantages.

Our evaluation process got real insights from the latest consumer startup evaluation models, which helped us spot companies with serious growth potential.

We focused on startups showing strong community engagement, solid unit economics, and clear paths to scaling up. The coolest part was seeing how these companies are solving actual problems in creative ways, not just chasing trendy tech buzzwords.

To keep it totally unbiased, we brought in venture capital experts and successful founders who shared their perspectives on what makes startups actually succeed.

They helped us look beyond the surface-level stuff and really understand which companies have what it takes to make it big. These experts pointed out things like team dynamics, market opportunity size, and the founders' ability to execute their vision - stuff that really matters when you're trying to spot tomorrow's tech leaders.

Founded in 2017, Center Inc has evolved into a major player in employee spending management, transforming how businesses handle their finances.

The CenterCard, their flagship product, combines smart corporate credit functionality with real-time expense tracking software that's seriously changing the game for expense management.

Thanks to their automated systems, companies can finally say goodbye to those endless hours spent dealing with expense reports. The platform gives instant visibility into spending patterns, which is super helpful for making quick financial decisions.

Their innovative approach to fintech tackles the biggest headaches in expense management with features that actually make sense:

• Real-time Data Tracking: Track expenses as they happen - no more waiting until month-end to figure out where the money went.
• Smart Policies: Automated spending rules that let you know right away if something's not quite right.
• Integrated Receipt Capture: Just snap a pic and you're done - it's literally that simple.

The impact of Center's cutting-edge solutions is backed by solid numbers - Deloitte's 2023 report shows companies using these systems cut processing costs by 30% and boost accuracy by 50%.

That's huge for businesses trying to stay competitive in 2025. As CEO James Jackson puts it, "We're not just changing how companies handle expenses; we're giving them the tools to completely transform their operations." With their constant push for innovation, Center is becoming essential for any business serious about upgrading their financial game.

Inspectorio has transformed supply chain management since its launch in 2016 by three innovative brothers and Richard Martinez, who spotted major issues in purchase order quality processes.

What started as a quality assurance solution has evolved into something much bigger - their AI-powered platform now handles everything from quality control to responsible sourcing.

The company's growth is mind-blowing - they've secured $63.7 million in funding, including a massive $50 million Series B round in 2022.

With their headquarters right here in Minneapolis, they've built this incredible platform that's now used by over 12,000 customers globally.

Key Highlights of Inspectorio:

• Real Solutions: Inspectorio provides tools for comprehensive visibility into supply chains, offering production tracking to compliance management capabilities.
• AI Integration: The platform utilizes AI to identify potential issues early, aiding decision-making with data-driven insights.
• Leadership Move: Appointment of Chirag Patel as CEO indicates a strategic push for the company's next phase of growth.
• Global Impact: By use of AI-technology, Inspectorio enhances supply chain efficiency and transparency, actively solving global production and delivery challenges.

What makes Inspectorio stand out is their focus on real solutions for real problems.

They've developed tools that give companies complete visibility into their supply chains, from production tracking to compliance management. The platform is seriously smart - it uses AI to spot potential issues before they become problems and helps companies make better decisions based on actual data.

In a major move this year, they appointed Michael Miller as CEO to take the company to the next level.

With their mix of AI technology and practical solutions, Inspectorio is changing how companies handle their supply chains, making everything more efficient and transparent.

They're not just another tech company - they're actually solving problems that affect how products get made and delivered worldwide.

Branch has grown from a startup into a major fintech powerhouse since its founding. Having secured a $70 million Series B investment, the company's rapid 20% month-over-month growth demonstrates its strong market position.

Their digital wallet platform revolutionizes how employees access their earnings, eliminating the painful wait between paychecks. The company's vision extends beyond just payroll services - they're building a complete financial ecosystem for the modern workforce.

What makes Branch stand out is their tech-forward approach to financial inclusion.

According to their ownership structure, the company maintains strong ties between management and employees through equity opportunities, creating a culture of innovation and shared success.

Their platform includes instant wage access, smart budgeting tools, and zero-fee banking services. This combination has proven especially valuable for workers dealing with unexpected expenses or trying to avoid predatory lending.

Looking ahead, Branch is positioned to be a game-changer in workforce financial services.

Following their impressive funding rounds and $4 billion valuation, they're expanding their reach while maintaining their core mission of financial empowerment.

For tech professionals in St. Paul watching the fintech space, Branch represents the future of employee financial services - where technology meets real-world financial needs in a way that actually makes sense for today's workers.

Let me break down what's actually happening with Bright Health in 2025. After hitting some major financial roadblocks, the company has completely rebranded as NeueHealth, moving away from its insurance roots to focus on value-based care.

This shift came after selling its insurance business to Molina Healthcare for $500 million. Originally valued at $11.2 billion and once Minnesota's first "unicorn" startup, the company faced serious challenges with claims processing and operational issues.

By 2024, they've pivoted to focus on two main segments: NeueCare, which handles value-driven care across various healthcare markets, and NeueSolutions, which supports independent providers.

Despite the rebrand, financial experts remain skeptical about the company's future, pointing to ongoing debt issues of about $1.4 billion.

The company now serves over 500,000 consumers and partners with more than 3,000 affiliated providers, a significant change from their earlier insurance-focused model.

This transformation shows how quickly things can change in the healthcare startup world, where even the most promising companies need to adapt to survive. The company's once-revolutionary insurance plans have been discontinued, and they're now betting everything on making healthcare delivery more efficient through their value-based care model.

Started in 2014 by tech innovators Adam Fokken and brothers Mac and Brock Noland, phData has revolutionized machine learning and data analytics from their Minneapolis base.

They've grown from a small startup to a powerhouse that generated $18 million in revenue by 2019, crushing it with their ability to solve complex data challenges.

What makes them super cool is how they take business problems and turn them into real solutions using AI and ML - we're talking about cutting DNA matching time from 48 hours to under a minute for the National Marrow Donor Program!

Their success comes from being seriously smart about combining data science with practical business solutions.

They've got this whole suite of services that includes everything from basic data processing to advanced stuff like GenAI and Large Language Models. What's really impressive is how they keep pushing the boundaries - they're not just about crunching numbers, they're about making data work smarter for their clients.

The company has gotten huge recognition, including being named Snowflake Partner of the Year five times straight.

Their client list is pretty amazing, working with big names in health insurance, law enforcement, and medical devices.

Projects start around $50,000, but the value they bring is massive - just ask their clients who've seen their operations completely transformed. Their focus on 24/7 support and constant innovation makes them one of the most exciting companies to watch in 2025, especially for anyone interested in getting into the tech scene.

The best part? They're still growing and adding new tech solutions all the time, making them a perfect spot for tech professionals looking to work with cutting-edge AI and ML technologies.

Sezzle has totally transformed the payment game since 2016, and by 2025 they're crushing it with their innovative payment solutions. Their core "pay in four" plan lets shoppers split purchases into four payments over six weeks, making it super easy to budget without dealing with interest charges.

What's really cool is that Sezzle Premium now offers expanded services through a subscription model, giving users access to premium merchants not directly integrated with the app.

They've seriously stepped up their game with features like Payment Streaks, which rewards on-time payments and helps build good spending habits.

The numbers speak for themselves - by September 2024, Sezzle hit $53.1 million in profit, way up from $7 million in 2023.

Their subscriber base is booming with 529,000 users, showing a 72% increase since the start of the year. Major retailers are taking notice, with companies like Backcountry switching to Sezzle for their superior approval rates and inclusive approach.

The platform now features:

• Sezzle Anywhere: A virtual card that works wherever Visa is accepted.
• On Demand: Single-use virtual cards for flexible shopping.
• Sezzle Up: A credit-building feature that reports payment activity to credit bureaus.

What makes Sezzle stand out is their focus on responsible spending - they're not just trying to get people to spend more, but to spend smarter.

Their platform has evolved to include browser extensions for price comparisons and automatic coupon applications, making it easier for users to save money while shopping.

This approach clearly works, as their active consumer base holds steady at 2.7 million users who keep coming back for more.

As a Microsoft partner, Squigl AI is revolutionizing digital content creation with their groundbreaking platform launched in 2020.

What sets them apart is their ability to transform basic text into engaging animated videos using their proprietary 'ILLM' technology. Their platform is seriously taking off - with over 1000 B2B clients worldwide and major industry recognition from UNESCO and McGraw Hill.

Their content creation process is super straightforward, letting users build videos from scratch, convert PowerPoint presentations, or upgrade existing content with features like quizzing and chaptering.

What makes Squigl stand out is their flexible pricing structure, starting at $97/month for beginners and scaling up to $497/month for power users who need unlimited output.

They've got this awesome Teams integration that lets you create and share content right within Microsoft Teams, making it perfect for remote collaboration.

Plus, they've built in features like custom branding options and dedicated account management for premium users. The platform's reaching new heights in 2025, making it easier than ever to create professional-looking content without needing a degree in video production.

The platform's success is backed by real results - companies using Squigl report significant improvements in engagement and conversion rates.

Whether you're creating training videos, marketing content, or educational materials, Squigl's AI-powered platform makes the process incredibly efficient. Their commitment to innovation and user experience shows why they're becoming the go-to choice for content creators who want to level up their game without breaking the bank.

Included Health, founded in 2011 in San Francisco, has become a game-changer in digital healthcare. Through a smart combination of virtual care and healthcare navigation, they're making quality healthcare actually accessible and way less confusing.

Their platform isn't just another healthcare app - it's a complete system that helps people figure out their benefits, connect with doctors virtually, and get mental health support when needed.

What makes them stand out is their focus on serving everyone, especially communities that often get overlooked in healthcare. They're particularly crushing it with their approach to personalized care, which has caught the attention of major companies - they now work with 32 Fortune 100 businesses! Their latest innovation, the Specialty Care Clinic, takes their Expert Medical Opinion service to the next level, helping patients get accurate diagnoses faster.

The company's gotten huge since joining forces with Doctor On Demand and Grand Rounds in 2021, and they're not slowing down. Their tech doesn't just make healthcare easier - it's actually changing how people interact with the medical system.

For real, they've created something that both patients and healthcare providers can get behind, making the whole experience better for everyone involved. As they keep growing and innovating, Included Health is definitely one of the most exciting companies to watch in St. Paul's tech scene.

Kaleidoscope has seriously changed the game in how scholarships and grants are managed in 2025. This all-in-one platform connects sponsors with students, handling everything from application design to fund disbursement in one place.

The platform does way more than just process applications - it helps sponsors maintain their brand identity while reaching millions of potential applicants. What makes it super cool is that it's actually helping organizations distribute over $1 billion in funding through its marketplace for financial assistance, making it easier than ever for students to find and apply for scholarships.

One of the most exciting things about Kaleidoscope is how it's backed by major organizations - we're talking big names like the KFC Foundation, Taco Bell Foundation, and the Bezos Family Foundation.

The platform has truly streamlined the whole process with features like automated notifications, real-time analytics, and end-to-end program management.

For students like Nancy Jones, it's awesome because everything's in one place - you can track applications, get deadline reminders, and even submit recommendations through the system.

Plus, sponsors can see exactly how their programs are performing through detailed analytics and reporting.

What makes Kaleidoscope stand out is how it's completely transformed the scholarship application experience.

Instead of dealing with tons of different websites and confusing processes, everything's organized in one spot. The platform lets sponsors create custom applications, manage review processes, and handle fund distribution, while students can easily search and apply for opportunities that match their profile.

It's not just about making things easier - it's about making sure more students can access the funding they need for education.

ConnexPay is changing the game in payment tech as the first all-in-one B2B payments platform that brings together payment acceptance and issuance in one smooth system.

What makes them stand out is their fresh approach - they've picked up a patent for their smart payment routing tech that handles both incoming and outgoing payments simultaneously.

Their latest partnership with Shift4 is opening doors in Europe, especially for online travel agencies and hospitality businesses looking to streamline their payment processes.

The platform's real-time virtual card issuance and next-day settlement are exactly what modern businesses need. They've transformed traditionally high-risk industries by processing billions in transactions through their intelligent system.

Their success comes from eliminating the need for pre-funded accounts and simplifying workflows, which saves businesses serious time and money. For anyone running an online business in 2025, especially in travel or e-commerce, ConnexPay's unified platform is basically essential tech - it's not just about moving money anymore, it's about making the whole process work better for everyone involved.

St. Paul's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now, with over 200 startups contributing $28 billion to Minnesota's GDP.

The numbers are mind-blowing - we're seeing venture capital funding hit $420 million just this year! Companies like Center and Branch are changing the game in fintech, while Inspectorio is revolutionizing supply chains with AI. Innovative startups like phData and Sezzle are making such huge waves in data analytics and payment solutions.

What's super exciting is how these companies are growing like crazy.

Just check out what Simpli-Fi Automation is doing with NASA tech in healthcare - they're literally using space technology to detect diseases! The job market is on fire too, with an 18% increase in tech jobs expected by the end of next year.

For someone like me starting in tech, there's never been a better time to jump in. These companies aren't just creating jobs; they're building the future of healthcare, finance, and AI right here in Minnesota.

Looking ahead to 2025, St. Paul is positioning itself as a serious player in areas like sustainability, green tech, and machine learning.

The University of Minnesota is launching new accelerator programs, and there's this amazing ecosystem of support for fresh talent. With companies offering competitive salaries between $120,000 to $180,000, plus awesome benefits, it's clear that St. Paul isn't just keeping up with bigger tech hubs - it's creating its own unique success story.