Although it has made its name on the huge waves that frame its golden beaches, the city of Santa Cruz has a lot more going for it than just being one of the surfing capitals of the country. Nature lovers know this Silicon Valley city is in enviable proximity to many California landmarks, from Natural Bridges State Beach to the redwood forests. Like many other cities in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz has historically been an epicenter of progressive ideas, community organizing and continuous innovation. This atmosphere is definitely bolstered by the location of University of California Santa Cruz within its borders, but the city wouldn’t be what it is without the contributions of the tech companies and startups that call it home. From cryptocurrency to beauty products, these Santa Cruz startups and tech companies are finding their niche in northern California’s surf capital.
Santa Cruz Tech Companies You Should Know
- Looker
- MakerDAO
- Poly
- Cerego
Founded: 2011
Focus: Enterprise Software
What they do: Looker is an enterprise SaaS company that guides clients in utilizing their data to achieve market outcomes and customer satisfaction. They collaborate with organizations in healthcare, media, fintech and others who are looking to develop their business intelligence and better understand their analytics. Among the solutions they offer are customer support troubleshooting, web and sales analytics, performance data and product development tools.
Founded: 2014
Focus: Cryptocurrency
What they do: MakerDAO is an organization in the Ethereum blockchain that boasts a stable, unbiased cryptocurrency on a platform that allows for investment, trading and community mentorship. MakerDAO’s products include applications on which to trade cryptocurrency, a governance dashboard, and options to migrate DAI, MKR and CDP’s.
Founded: 2019
Focus: Telecommunications
What they do: Poly is a business communications platform that offers products like business headphones, video conferencing and desk phone systems to companies looking to make their communications more efficient. The company has partnered with Microsoft and Amazon to enact voice-activated software, AI meeting technology and other solutions for the office. Poly also hosts events and webinars targeted to educate professionals on the importance and use of telecommunication technology.
Founded: 2019
Focus: E-learning Technology
What they do: Cerego is a learning software program that utilizes AI assistance and cognitive science to effectively educate students and employees, providing users with a personalized learning model based on their traits and needs. Cerego’s technology is utilized by educational organizations and enterprises nationally, among them being NYU, Rockwell Automation and The Peace Corps.
Founded: 2012
Focus: Enterprise Tech
What they do: SupplyShift is an enterprise software that helps companies with widespread suppliers effectively track and manage the security and efficiency of their supply chain networks. The company offers an interface where businesses can achieve total transparency in their supply chains, with access to insights and intelligence that can be used to collaborate with suppliers and make real-time adjustments. Among the organizations they partner with are Verisk Maplecraft, the Rainforest Alliance, Ulula and Intact.
Founded: 2018
Focus: Beauty & Sustainability
What they do: Anato is a beauty supply company that markets a line of body care products that are sourced sustainably and renewably. The company’s inventory includes makeup and skincare oils that are free from preservatives and harmful chemicals, and they source from United States and Fair Trade suppliers. Anato works with influencers and offers an internship program for those interested in their business practices.
Founded: 2017
Focus: E-commerce
What they do: Sellhound is the developer behind a mobile app that allows users to take photos of personal items they want to sell online. Their platform features a secondhand sales price comparison tool, which sellers can use to estimate the costs of their items. Sellhound is backed by several angel investor groups, including Angels by the Sea and Sand Hill Angels.
