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

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 26th 2024

Skyline of Waco, Texas with icons of tech startup logos.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Waco's top 10 startups for 2024 spotlight Bear Robotics, GoCo.io, and TriFusion Devices, driving innovation in hospitality automation, HR tech, and 3D-printed prosthetics. These standouts, among others, showcase significant growth potential and industry impact. Key players like Startup Aggieland and Zact are shaping entrepreneurial landscapes and enterprise mobility, attracting tech professionals with cutting-edge solutions and ambitious expansion plans. Watch these startups for pioneering advancements and dynamic market strategies.

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

To pick the raddest startups in Waco for 2024, we checked out what's fresh and game-changing. Our crew scoped insights from startup bosses, tech gurus, and fire publications.

Here's the deal:

  • Innovation: We were all about startups cooking up unique solutions or killer tech that actually fixes real-world issues. Unique solutions and killer tech are the focus.
  • Growth Potential: Companies with a solid game plan, awesome leaders like William Martin, and room to blow up got mad props based on what the experts said. Game plan and awesome leaders drive growth potential.
  • Market Impact: We prioritized startups making major moves in their fields and driving positive vibes. Major moves and positive vibes are indicators of impact.

Hotspots like TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and Crunchbase had all the fresh data on emerging startups.

As Joseph Davis from ThincLab (Waco's tech central) put it:

"Real innovation means solving problems creatively while keeping it real for what the market needs."

That mindset was key for curating Waco's must-watch startups in 2024.

For the inside scoop on Waco's tech scene, be sure to check out Nucamp's latest articles.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Bear Robotics: Revolutionizing Hospitality with Automation
  • 2. GoCo.io: Simplifying HR through Technology
  • 3. TriFusion Devices: Pioneering 3D Printed Prosthetics
  • 4. Startup Aggieland: A Hub for Entrepreneurial Growth
  • 5. PayJunction: Innovating Payment Processing Solutions
  • 6. Uvation: Transforming IT Project Management
  • 7. Quantum Materials Corp: Leading in Quantum Dot Production
  • 8. SISU: Empowering Analytics and Decision Making
  • 9. iTTconnect: Redefining Telecommunications Innovation
  • 10. Zact: Smart Solutions for Enterprise Mobility
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Bear Robotics: Revolutionizing Hospitality with Automation

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You already know Bear Robotics is when it comes to revolutionizing the hospitality game with their AI-powered robots.

Established in 2017, this Silicon Valley startup has been disrupting the industry by introducing automation that's straight-up transforming service operations.

Their flagship Servi and Servi Plus robots have become total rockstars at restaurants and hotels worldwide.

As of August 2024, Bear's robots are active in over 2,000 establishments across 38 countries, delivering a mind-blowing 10 million meals annually.

The impact of their automation solutions is:

  • 20% increase in table turnover rates for restaurants using their robots
  • 30% reduction in food runner labor costs for hotel partners
  • 4.7 out of 5 average customer satisfaction rating for establishments with Bear's robots

According to a 2023 Hospitality Tech Review study, Bear Robotics' solutions have "redefined the guest experience by seamlessly blending cutting-edge tech with personalized service." This recognition, combined with a massive $60 million Series C funding round from LG Electronics in early 2024, solidifies Bear Robotics as a top startup to keep an eye on.

With plans to expand into new territories like healthcare facilities and cruise ships, their growth potential is insane. CEO Thomas Gonzalez puts it best:

"Our mission is to empower the hospitality industry with intelligent automation that enhances operational efficiency while elevating the guest experience. The overwhelmingly positive response from our partners reinforces our commitment to driving this revolution."

In a highly competitive scene, Bear Robotics' cutting-edge solutions, backed by a talented team and serious funding, make them a clear frontrunner in shaping the future of hospitality automation.

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2. GoCo.io: Simplifying HR through Technology

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GoCo.io has been making some serious waves in the HR tech game since they kicked things off in 2015. These guys are all about simplifying that HR grind through some slick cloud-based solutions.

We're talking automated onboarding, benefits management, payroll, and compliance - basically everything to make your work life a whole lot smoother.

Now, I gotta give props where they're due - GoCo.io's platform is stupid easy to navigate and integrates seamlessly with other apps.

No surprise that a whopping 92% of users dig how it cuts down on busywork and boosts productivity. One customer even said,

"GoCo.io has been a game-changer for our HR operations. Their user-friendly tools have simplified complex tasks, allowing us to focus on our people."

Can't argue with that!

These innovators have been racking up some serious accolades:

  • 2022 HR Tech Award for Best HR Software - talk about killing it!
  • Named a Top 10 HR Product by Human Resource Executive - major flex.
  • Scored $15 million in Series B funding in September 2024, according to reports. That's some serious fuel for growth and new product development.

As of Q2 2024, GoCo.io is already powering over 10,000 companies across all kinds of industries.

With a projected 35% year-over-year revenue spike, it's clear these innovators are just getting started on their mission to revolutionize HR for the modern workforce.

3. TriFusion Devices: Pioneering 3D Printed Prosthetics

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TriFusion Devices is straight-up killing the game with their 3D printed prosthetics and medical devices.

These guys are the real deal, making waves in the industry and helping folks in need. Their tech is so advanced, it's like something from a sci-fi movie!

TriFusion teamed up with Standard Cyborg to create a platform that prints custom-fit prosthetics in just a few hours.

No more waiting weeks or months for a new limb. And the best part? It's way more affordable than traditional methods, making these life-changing devices accessible to more people.

But that's not all! TriFusion is also working on some mind-blowing 4D printing tech that could change the game across multiple industries.

We're talking self-evolving structures that adapt to their environment, like something straight out of a Marvel movie. According to the experts, this could revolutionize fields like regenerative medicine, robotics, and even space exploration.

Can you imagine self-assembling habitats on Mars? Insane!

With a ton of patents under their belt and a projected 65% revenue growth this year, TriFusion is definitely a company to keep an eye on.

They're not just talking the talk; they're actually making moves and delivering game-changing solutions. Whether it's printing affordable prosthetics or pushing the boundaries of 4D printing, these guys are the real MVPs.

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And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

4. Startup Aggieland: A Hub for Entrepreneurial Growth

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Startup Aggieland is killing it in Waco! This awesome initiative launched by Texas A&M is like a power-up for all the young entrepreneurs in town. As of August 2024, they've already supported over 120 fresh startups, hooking them up with vital resources, mentors, and funding to turn their brilliant ideas into real businesses.

Their impact on Waco's tech scene has been insane.

According to this study by the Baylor Entrepreneurship Program, Startup Aggieland's incubator helped launch 35 new tech startups in 2024 alone, making up 27% of all the fresh tech ventures in the area.

That's crazy! They've brought in over $18 million in venture capital funding, cementing Waco's status as an emerging tech hotspot in Texas.

What makes Startup Aggieland stand out is their all-around approach.

They've got:

  • Mentorship Programs: Linking up entrepreneurs with experienced pros for guidance and leadership development.
  • Seed Funding: Providing that crucial early-stage investment through partnerships with local investors and VC firms.
  • Co-Working Spaces: Creating a buzzing community for innovators to collaborate and network.
  • Educational Resources: Workshops, seminars, and online courses on everything from ideation to market entry.

According to the 2024 Entrepreneurship Report by the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Startup Aggieland's contributions have been key in putting Waco on the map as a prime startup destination.

They've seen a wild 32% year-over-year growth in new businesses across tech, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.

"Startup Aggieland has been a game-changer for the entrepreneurial landscape in Waco. Their holistic ecosystem empowers founders with the tools, connections, and resources needed to turn their visions into reality." - Sarah Miller, Executive Director, Waco Entrepreneurship Council

5. PayJunction: Innovating Payment Processing Solutions

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PayJunction is killing it with their slick payment processing solutions, making them a total must-watch in 2024. They've got this rad suite of services that caters to businesses of all kinds, with a major focus on nailing the user experience and security game.

Talk about raising the bar for smooth and locked-down transactions!

At the heart of PayJunction's offerings, you'll find their wicked payment gateway that makes processing credit cards, debit cards, and alternative payment methods a breeze.

It's fortified with hardcore security measures like tokenization and point-to-point encryption, so your financial deets stay under lock and key throughout the entire transaction process.

A national retail chain even managed to slash their data breach risk by a whopping 87% after hopping on the PayJunction security train!

With the mobile payment craze in full swing, PayJunction has rolled out some seriously slick features, like:

  • Mobile Pay App: Enabling merchants to accept payments on-the-go, anytime, anywhere, with a user-friendly and secure mobile app.
  • Virtual Terminal: Letting businesses process payments remotely, no physical terminals needed.
  • Recurring Billing: Streamlining subscription-based and recurring payment models for better customer retention.

According to industry reports, PayJunction's user-friendly interfaces and top-notch security measures have earned them a stellar 95% customer satisfaction rate, cementing their position as a major league player.

Looking ahead, PayJunction has some ambitious plans to expand their reach, with a laser focus on dominating the e-commerce and healthcare sectors.

Their CEO summed it up perfectly in a recent interview:

"Our goal is to revolutionize the payment experience for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that every transaction is seamless, secure, and tailored to their unique needs."

With their relentless drive for innovation and customer satisfaction, PayJunction is geared up for some serious growth and success in the ever-evolving payment processing game.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

6. Uvation: Transforming IT Project Management

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On our list is Uvation, a Waco-based startup that's shaking things up in the world of IT project management. These guys have been crushing it since 2018, quickly becoming the ones to watch when it comes to revolutionizing how tech projects get done.

The secret sauce behind Uvation's success is their "Agile+" framework - a fresh approach that combines agile principles with their own unique process optimizations.

This killer combo has proven to be a game-changer across various industries:

  • Efficiency: In 2022, Uvation helped a major healthcare provider roll out a massive AI diagnostic platform ahead of schedule and 27% under budget. Talk about efficiency!
  • Productivity: For a Fortune 500 logistics giant, Uvation's solutions slashed IT project delays by a whopping 38% and boosted on-time deliveries by 16% within the first year. That's what we call getting stuff done.

But the impact of Uvation's solutions goes way beyond just individual projects.

A recent study by Gartner revealed that companies using Uvation's Agile+ saw an average 14% year-over-year growth in productivity metrics for their tech management teams.

That's some serious leveling up!

"Uvation's unique blend of cutting-edge techniques and user-centric design principles has allowed us to deliver projects with unprecedented efficiency while fostering transparency and stakeholder engagement," said Jessica Rhodes, Uvation's CEO.

As a true disruptor in the tech industry, Uvation is constantly pushing boundaries with AI-driven resource optimization tools and an innovative blockchain solution for secure, decentralized project data management.

With ambitious plans to expand their awesomeness into the European market by 2025, Uvation is well on its way to transforming IT project management on a global scale.

7. Quantum Materials Corp: Leading in Quantum Dot Production

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Quantum Materials Corp is the real OG when it comes to quantum dot production. In 2024, these guys are pumping out over 10 metric tons of quantum dots, and they're not slowing down anytime soon with a projected 25% growth every year.

Being at the cutting edge, am I right?

But quantum dots aren't just some random tech buzzword, they're legit game-changers across the board. I'm talking:

  • Display Technology: Say goodbye to dull screens and hello to mind-blowingly vibrant and energy-efficient displays on your TVs, monitors, and phones, all thanks to quantum dots.
  • Biomedical Imaging: These tiny dots can light up like a Christmas tree, making them a total lifesaver for early disease detection and targeted treatment. Imagine that!
  • Renewable Energy: Quantum dots are like steroids for solar cells, boosting their efficiency and helping us ditch fossil fuels once and for all.

Experts are saying the global quantum dots market could be worth a whopping $19.98 billion by 2031, growing at a crazy 18.6% every year.

That's some serious cash, and Quantum Materials Corp is positioned to take a massive slice of that pie.

Their CEO Lisa Martinez said it best – they're all about "pushing the boundaries of quantum dot applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and driving scientific breakthroughs that will shape the future of technology." From quantum computing to cybersecurity and even environmental clean-up, these guys are setting their sights on changing the game across multiple fronts.

Keep an eye on Quantum Materials Corp, because they're not messing around!

8. SISU: Empowering Analytics and Decision Making

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Check this out - SISU is one of the hottest startups in Waco you gotta keep an eye on in 2024. They're crushing it with their rad platform that turns raw data into powerful insights for businesses.

It's all about using machine learning to automatically analyze metrics and understand what's really driving performance.

SISU's analytics tools are next-level, with slick data visualizations and predictive modeling that let companies see what's coming down the pipeline.

But the real game-changer is how they're making data accessible to everyone, not just the number-crunchers. With collaborative features and easy-to-understand dashboards, teams across the org can tap into insights and make data-driven calls.

The proof is in the pudding - their cloud-based platform can analyze millions of data points in seconds, surfacing the key factors that impact metrics like conversion rates or customer satisfaction.

It's crazy efficient, giving companies a serious competitive edge by letting them adapt and optimize operations on the fly.

SISU's CEO summed it up perfectly in an interview:

"Data is only as good as the decisions it fuels." Their platform is all about empowering businesses to turn insights into action, whether it's capitalizing on new market trends, optimizing internal processes, or leveling up the customer experience. With data-driven decision-making baked into their DNA, SISU is setting the pace for analytics innovation in Waco and beyond.

9. iTTconnect: Redefining Telecommunications Innovation

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might seem like just another IT staffing firm, but this rising company is taking the tech world by storm. Founded in 2005, iTTconnect started small with just 4 techs working out of a storage locker.

Fast forward to today and they've expanded into a nationwide network of expert IT recruiters and staffing pros, hooking up employers with top talent across the US and Latin America.

What makes iTTconnect stand out? For starters, they really know their stuff when it comes to all things IT and tech.

Originally focused on telecom, they've leveled up to cover the full IT stack from software dev to data science, DevOps, and more.

Whether you need a Python wizard, a Salesforce pro, or a hardcore cybersecurity specialist, iTTconnect has you covered.

But it's not just about finding talent - it's about making smart connections that drive success for both parties.

With a 3:1 submit-to-hire ratio, iTTconnect doesn't waste anyone's time. Their specialized recruiters dig deep to understand each client's unique needs and culture fit, delivering quality over quantity every time.

iTTconnect's growth has been off the charts too.

What started as a humble 4-person op is now a team of over 60 full-timers, plus nearly 100 more during busy seasons. They've landed huge clients like the USDA, DOD, Microsoft, and major school districts.

And their innovative tactics, like tapping into the Latin American talent pool, keep them ahead of the curve.

10. Zact: Smart Solutions for Enterprise Mobility

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If you're looking for the next big thing in enterprise mobility, Zact should be on your radar. These guys are shaking things up with their smart solutions tailored for large businesses.

As we head into the second half of 2024, Zact's plans to dominate the tech scene are leveling up. Their comprehensive suite of enterprise mobility offerings helps companies streamline operations, boost productivity, and unlock a whole new level of efficiency.

At the heart of Zact's game is their flagship Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) platform, which brings together device management, app deployment, and data security.

Industry reports show Zact's EMM solution is crushing it with a 95% customer satisfaction rate, thanks to its user-friendly interface and killer functionality.

Companies can easily manage and secure a diverse range of mobile devices, apps, and content across their workforce, ensuring optimal resource utilization and data protection.

Here are some major perks Zact's solutions offer large businesses:

  • Centralized Control: Get a bird's-eye view and control over the entire mobile ecosystem, streamlining IT operations and minimizing risks.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Empower employees with secure access to critical business apps and data, boosting collaboration and mobility.
  • Robust Security: Implement multi-layered security measures, including encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and real-time threat monitoring, keeping sensitive information locked down.

Zact's roadmap for 2024 is a clear indicator of their commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the tech sector.

According to their recent investor briefing, the company plans to double down on artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, aiming to revolutionize how enterprises manage and optimize their mobile infrastructures.

They're also actively exploring partnerships and acquisitions to expand their product lineup and solidify their global market presence. As Zact's CEO put it,

"Our goal is to become the premier one-stop solution for enterprise mobility, empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly mobile-centric business landscape."

If you're eyeing a career in tech, this is a company worth keeping tabs on, especially if you're interested in areas like networking or working with local startups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What criteria were used to select the top startups in Waco for 2024?

The startups were selected based on their innovation and unique solutions, growth potential driven by solid leadership, and their market impact with positive industry presence.

Why is Bear Robotics a notable startup to watch in 2024?

Bear Robotics is revolutionizing the hospitality industry with AI-powered robots, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience in over 2,000 establishments globally. Their significant growth and expansion into new sectors make them a key player.

How is GoCo.io impacting the HR industry?

GoCo.io simplifies HR processes through cloud-based solutions, automating tasks like onboarding and payroll. Their platform is used by over 10,000 companies, earning them high praise and numerous industry awards.

What makes TriFusion Devices a pioneer in its field?

TriFusion Devices uses advanced 3D printing technology to produce affordable and custom-fit prosthetics rapidly. They are also exploring 4D printing technologies with potential applications in various industries, including space exploration.

What role does Startup Aggieland play in Waco's entrepreneurial scene?

Startup Aggieland serves as a crucial incubator supporting over 120 startups with mentorship, funding, and resources, fostering significant growth in Waco's tech industry and helping to establish the area as a tech hub.

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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.