The tech world never stops moving. Every year, new startups rise, bringing fresh ideas, disruptive innovations, and game-changing technologies. As we step into 2025, some companies are already making waves and catching the eyes of investors, tech enthusiasts, and industry leaders
If you’re curious about the next big thing, here are the best tech startups to watch in 2025.
1. PsiQuantum – Pioneering Quantum Computing
PsiQuantum, founded in 2016 in California, is on a mission to build the world’s first large-scale, general-purpose quantum computer using silicon photonics. By manipulating photons on silicon chips, they’re aiming to revolutionize industries like cryptography, drug discovery, and complex modeling.
Their approach leverages existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, making quantum computing more accessible and scalable. With over $700 million in funding from investors like BlackRock, Temasek, and Microsoft’s M12, PsiQuantum is a startup to watch closely.
2. Relativity Space – Transforming Rocket Manufacturing
Established in 2015, Relativity Space is redefining aerospace manufacturing by utilizing 3D printing to construct rockets. Their proprietary Stargate printers can produce complex rocket components rapidly, aiming to build rockets from raw materials to launch readiness in under 60 days.
This innovation significantly reduces production timelines and costs. With over $1.3 billion in funding from investors like Fidelity, BlackRock, and Tiger Global, Relativity Space is making space exploration more accessible.
3. Nuro – Leading Autonomous Delivery
Nuro, established in 2016 by veterans of Google’s self-driving car project, specializes in autonomous vehicles built for last-mile delivery. Their electric, driverless R2 vehicle is designed to safely and efficiently deliver goods such as groceries, meals, and packages—redefining how items reach consumers.
As Nuro continues to expand its pilot programs in cities like Houston and Phoenix, in collaboration with major partners like Kroger, Domino’s, and FedEx, it also raises important questions about how to protect personal data online. With advanced technology handling deliveries and digital interactions, ensuring data privacy becomes crucial in the evolving world of autonomous delivery services.
4. Graphcore – Accelerating AI with Specialized Hardware
Graphcore, a UK-based semiconductor company founded in 2016, has developed the Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU), a processor designed to handle complex AI and machine learning workloads efficiently. Unlike traditional CPUs and GPUs, the IPU is built for parallel processing, making it ideal for deep learning tasks.
With over $700 million in funding and a valuation exceeding $2.8 billion, Graphcore is poised to accelerate AI advancements across various sectors.
5. Legora – Innovating Legal Tech with AI
Legora, founded in 2023 by 25-year-old Swedish entrepreneur Max Junestrand, provides AI-driven digital workspaces for legal professionals. Their platform is used by over 250 clients across nearly 20 countries, including major law firms like Bird & Bird and Mannheimer Swartling.
It offers features like tabular review to extract data from large volumes of legal documents rapidly. Legora’s intuitive design and speed position it as a strong competitor to established legal tech firms.
6. Skydio – Advancing Autonomous Drone Technology
San Francisco-based Skydio specializes in autonomous drones equipped with AI to execute missions and navigate obstacles without GPS. With over $740 million in venture capital funding and a valuation of $2.5 billion, Skydio is a key player in both military and civilian drone markets. Their drones are used for various applications, including defense operations and commercial aerial photography.
7. Incentify – Revolutionizing Tax Credit Management with AI
Incentify, founded in 2019, leverages AI to help companies identify and manage tax credits and incentives. Their software analyzes company data to uncover applicable benefits based on background and location, streamlining the application process. In April 2025, Incentify raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round, with participation from Innovent Capital Group, Ryan LLC, and Gary Gilbert. Their client roster includes KPMG, Amazon, and Cargill.
8. Anthropic – Pushing the Boundaries of AI Safety
Anthropic, an AI safety and research company, has garnered significant attention for its work in developing reliable and beneficial AI systems. Backed by major investors, including Amazon, Anthropic focuses on creating AI models that align with human values and ethics. Their commitment to AI safety positions them as a leader in the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
9. Zoox – Redefining Autonomous Transportation
Zoox, an Amazon-owned startup, is developing a fully integrated autonomous vehicle designed specifically for ride-hailing services. Unlike retrofitted vehicles, Zoox’s purpose-built design eliminates the need for a human driver. Their approach aims to revolutionize urban mobility by providing safe, efficient, and driverless transportation solutions.
10. Heliogen – Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions
Heliogen utilizes AI and computer vision to enhance solar energy efficiency. Their technology concentrates sunlight to achieve high temperatures, making it viable for industrial applications like cement and steel production. By 2025, Heliogen aims to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors, contributing to global sustainability efforts.
The Bottom Line
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking one for the tech industry. With innovative startups pushing boundaries and redefining digital experiences, we’re seeing a new wave of technological evolution. But with all this progress comes a growing need to understand how to protect personal data online.
As these startups introduce smarter apps, AI-driven platforms, and connected solutions, the importance of data privacy grows. Whether you’re an investor looking for the next big thing, an entrepreneur building a digital product, or simply a tech enthusiast, staying informed about both innovation and online safety is critical.
Keep an eye on these rising stars — they may not only revolutionize industries but also shape how we secure our personal data online in a rapidly evolving digital world.