San Antonio's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: January 3rd 2025

Skyline of San Antonio with icons representing innovative startups.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

San Antonio's tech scene is booming with a 20% surge in new startups and $300 million in investments. Key areas include cybersecurity, biosciences, and AI, with top startups like Darkhive and Developmate leading innovation. The city's affordable living and collaborative ecosystem make it a prime location for tech professionals in 2025. Notable companies like NeuScience and Turn Medical showcase impressive year-over-year growth, revolutionizing healthcare and tech industries. San Antonio is a dynamic hub for tech innovation and offers significant opportunities for aspiring professionals.

San Antonio's tech scene is absolutely exploding right now! The city has seen a massive 20% surge in new tech startups, with average tech salaries reaching $112,057 - a 13.3% jump from last year.

San Antonio Startup Week keeps getting bigger, with over 94 sessions and events drawing record crowds. The startup ecosystem here is seriously impressive, bringing in over $300 million in investments last year.

Companies like Plus One Robotics and CyberFortress are leading the charge in robotics and cybersecurity.

The city's becoming major in three key areas:

  • Cybersecurity: Tons of defense contracts are bolstering this sector.
  • Biosciences: They're revolutionizing healthcare tech.
  • AI Development: Creating cutting-edge solutions in this dynamic field.

What makes this place special is how everyone collaborates - from startup founders to tech giants, they're all working together to build something amazing.

The best part? The cost of living here is way lower than other tech hubs, making it perfect for young professionals looking to jump into the tech scene. With more startups launching every month and investment money flowing in, San Antonio's definitely the place to be for anyone wanting to make their mark in tech.

Table of Contents

  • How We Selected San Antonio's Top 10 Startups
  • Darkhive: Affordable Drones for Safety and Defense
  • Developmate: Transforming Real Estate Due Diligence
  • Hera Biotech: Innovating Non-surgical Diagnostics
  • LASO Health: Bridging Healthcare Consumers and Services
  • NeuScience: AI in Cancer Drug Discovery
  • Secur: On-Demand Personal Security Services
  • Advanced Surgical Retractor Systems: Redefining Surgical Tools
  • Alt-Bionics: Making Prosthetics Affordable
  • Renovo Concepts: Advancing Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
  • Turn Medical: Revolutionizing Hospital Bed Solutions
  • Conclusion: San Antonio as a Launchpad for Innovation
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Check out next:

How We Selected San Antonio's Top 10 Startups

(Up)

Our selection process for San Antonio's top 10 startups focused on measurable success factors that really matter in 2025. According to recent industry analysis, innovation is absolutely crucial for startups to stand out and gain market share.

Companies integrating AI and machine learning are showing serious growth, with efficiency rates jumping up by 15% compared to traditional approaches. When looking at funding, which is basically the fuel for any startup's engine, San Antonio's tech scene is crushing it with an average seed funding of $4.5 million, showing that investors are seriously backing our local talent.

What's super interesting is how top-performing startups are adapting to market changes and customer needs.

The most successful ones are hitting that sweet spot of 35-45% year-over-year revenue growth, which is honestly impressive given the current market conditions.

Companies like Developmate aren't just meeting these targets - they're exceeding them with a solid 48% growth rate. The healthcare sector is especially lit right now, with startups like Advanced Surgical Retractor Systems cutting surgical times by a quarter - that's literally saving lives while saving time.

When it comes to future potential, we're not just throwing darts at a board.

Based on innovative performance metrics, we're looking at startups that are actually disrupting their industries and showing they can scale up.

Companies like Turn Medical and Renovo Concepts made our list because they're not just talking about change - they're making it happen with real solutions that are transforming healthcare tech.

Each startup we picked has proven they've got what it takes to compete in 2025's tech landscape while bringing something new to the table.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

Darkhive: Affordable Drones for Safety and Defense

(Up)

Darkhive is seriously changing the game in San Antonio's tech scene with their next-level approach to drone manufacturing. Founded in 2021 by Charles Anderson and Steve Turner, the company is taking on industry giant DJI by creating affordable, user-friendly drones that are made right here in the USA. Their flagship product, the Yellowjacket, is designed to be super simple to use with just an iPhone, and they're keeping the price under $5,000 to make it accessible for military and public safety teams.

The company just scored a massive win with a $21 million Series A investment led by Ten Eleven Ventures, which is honestly huge for a startup that's only been around for three years.

They're not just talking big - they're actually planning to crank out 10,000 drones per month by the end of 2025. What's really cool is how they're operating out of a converted indoor soccer stadium in Southtown, where they test and perfect their tech.

The most impressive part? Darkhive's innovative approach includes developing everything from the hardware to the software in-house.

They've created this whole ecosystem with their Broodbox mobile app and Fleetforge management platform, making it super straightforward for users to control and manage their drone fleets.

The company has already tripled their team to 36 people and secured over $100 million in Department of Defense contracts, proving they're definitely not just another startup with big dreams - they're actually making things happen.

Developmate: Transforming Real Estate Due Diligence

(Up)

Developmate is revolutionizing real estate development with its all-in-one software solution that makes property research actually manageable.

Founded by Barbara Smith, this San Antonio startup has created DealMap, a platform that handles over 35 different types of real estate data, from zoning details to neighborhood stats.

They've already hit $70,000 in sales from their first customers, and secured second place in the TechFuel pitch competition, earning a sweet $22,500 prize. The platform's success comes from solving a major headache in real estate - having to check 40-50 different websites just to research one property.

With a solid team including technical co-founder Jessica Wilson, Developmate is crushing it in the proptech space.

They're targeting $100,000 in revenue by year-end and are actively expanding to other U.S. cities. What makes them stand out is their comprehensive approach to due diligence, automating everything from document collection to project tracking.

Real estate pros using the platform are seeing major time savings, cutting their research hours by up to 40%. Plus, they're not just sitting still - they're already working on DealMap version 2 and hiring more developers to add even more features.

Operating out of Geekdom's startup spaces, Developmate's journey shows what's possible when you combine tech skills with real industry experience.

Smith's background in real estate development and GIS mapping, plus her experience working on multi-million dollar projects at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, gives the company a real advantage in understanding what developers actually need.

The platform's success in streamlining the development process and reducing costs has made it a must-have tool for real estate professionals looking to stay competitive in 2025.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

Hera Biotech: Innovating Non-surgical Diagnostics

(Up)

Based in San Antonio, Hera Biotech is changing the game for millions dealing with endometriosis through their groundbreaking MetriDx test.

The current way of diagnosing endometriosis requires surgery, which honestly seems pretty medieval in 2025. Led by Somer Baburek, Hera Biotech has created a simple uterine brush biopsy test that's as quick as a regular pap smear.

According to recent clinical data, their test shows 97% sensitivity and specificity, which is seriously impressive compared to traditional surgical methods.

Their use of microfluidic analysis of single cells to spot specific biomarkers - basically, they can see exactly what's going on at a cellular level without cutting anyone open.

The company just made a smart move by acquiring Scailyte, which means they'll be able to get their tests into more labs worldwide.

For someone like me who knows people affected by endometriosis, it's amazing to think that instead of waiting an average of 8 years for a diagnosis and spending around $17,000 on surgery, people could get answers quickly and affordably.

The company is crushing it with funding too - they've already raised millions and are on track for FDA clearance by 2026. With endometriosis affecting about 10-20% of women worldwide, this tech could literally change millions of lives.

LASO Health: Bridging Healthcare Consumers and Services

(Up)

LASO Health is transforming healthcare access with its innovative digital platform, making it easier for people like us to get the medical care we need without the usual hassles.

Founded by Dr. Hamed "Reza" Mizani, LASO Health secured $8 million in angel funding and has grown to serve about 5,000 monthly active users in the San Antonio market.

The platform is straightforward - you can talk to doctors 24/7, schedule therapy sessions, and even get prescriptions delivered to your door. LASO Health offers all these services in one app, including unlimited doctor access, remote therapy, and prescription delivery starting at $24.99 monthly for generic medications.

The company has evolved significantly since its 2020 launch, and their partnership with Walmart Health Virtual Care in 2023 has expanded their reach even further.

They’re now working with over 150 medical, dental, and wellness providers in San Antonio and Austin, offering services in both English and Spanish. The platform shows you exactly what you'll pay upfront - no surprise bills or hidden fees - which is honestly such a relief for anyone who's ever stressed about medical costs.

With features like instant appointment booking and direct messaging with healthcare providers, LASO Health is making healthcare feel less intimidating and more accessible for our generation.

They’re planning to expand across more cities, aiming to help millions of people access affordable healthcare services through their user-friendly platform.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

NeuScience: AI in Cancer Drug Discovery

(Up)

NeuScience is revolutionizing cancer drug discovery in San Antonio through its AI-powered approach. The startup's timing couldn't be better, as recent research shows traditional drug discovery can take up to 15 years and cost over $2 billion.

Under Nancy Lopez's leadership, NeuScience is tackling these challenges head-on with machine learning technologies that drastically speed up the process.

Their progress aligns with major developments in the field, as AI is proving crucial in identifying novel anticancer targets and discovering drugs through biological networks.

The company's innovative platform, similar to POLYGON at UC San Diego, can identify molecules with multiple targets, making it especially effective for developing cancer treatments.

With $15 million in fresh funding, NeuScience is expanding its research capabilities and preparing for clinical trials in early 2026. Their AI system analyzes massive biological datasets to find potential drug candidates, while their partnerships with research institutions strengthen their position in the field.

  • Predictive modeling to improve trial success rates makes cancer treatments more accessible and affordable.
  • Strengthening San Antonio's position as a major player in healthcare innovation through groundbreaking work in cancer research.
  • Focusing on finding better ways to fight cancer and help patients with advanced AI technologies.

As someone watching the tech scene unfold in San Antonio, it's incredible to see how NeuScience is helping our city become a major player in healthcare innovation.

Their work isn't just about faster drug development - it's about finding better ways to fight cancer and help patients. With their current momentum, they're definitely one of the most promising startups to watch in 2025.

Secur: On-Demand Personal Security Services

(Up)

Secur is totally changing the game in personal security services, adapting to the massive shift in how we think about safety in 2025. According to recent market analysis, the demand for personalized security solutions is skyrocketing, especially in urban areas.

The company's blend of AI-powered monitoring and rapid response teams has attracted serious attention, with their client base growing 35% in 2024. What makes Secur stand out is their commitment to making security accessible - they're not just serving the elite anymore.

Industry trends for 2025 show that clients are specifically looking for proactive solutions, which is exactly what Secur delivers through their mobile app and AI threat detection system.

Their service combines physical security personnel with cutting-edge tech, creating what security experts predict will be the standard model by 2025.

The startup's growth has been seriously impressive - they've scaled from a small team in 2022 to becoming a major player in San Antonio's tech scene. With a fresh round of funding lined up, they're planning to roll out upgraded IoT integration and expand their service coverage beyond Texas.

CEO Barbara Miller keeps it real, focusing on making security available to everyone, not just big corporations. Whether it's protecting your home, small business, or a major event, Secur's platform makes it as easy as ordering takeout.

The company's rapid success shows they're definitely onto something big in the security space.

Advanced Surgical Retractor Systems: Redefining Surgical Tools

(Up)

Advanced Surgical Retractor Systems is changing the game in medical technology with their groundbreaking TITAN CSR surgical retractor. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Ramon Cestero, a former U.S. Navy trauma surgeon and UT Health San Antonio professor, this startup is revolutionizing a design that hadn't changed in over 100 years.

The TITAN CSR combines lightning-fast setup speed with superior surgical exposure - seriously, it's 50 times faster than traditional table-mounted retractors! What's even cooler is that this lightweight marvel weighs just 2.2 pounds but provides the same exposure as 20-pound stainless steel retractors.

The device has already proven itself at University Hospital in San Antonio, where surgeons are achieving rapid access to patients' abdominal cavities and quickly controlling life-threatening bleeding.

With the global surgical retractor market expected to hit $1.8 billion by 2025, ASR Systems is absolutely crushing it - they've already scored multiple patents and earned recognition as a "Startup to Watch in 2022".

The company's innovation is especially crucial for trauma scenarios where every second counts, making it a total game-changer for both civilian and military surgery.

Alt-Bionics: Making Prosthetics Affordable

(Up)

Alt-Bionics is completely changing the game in prosthetic technology with their Genesis Hand, making what used to cost between $20,000 to $150,000 available for just $5,000.

Based in San Antonio, this startup, led by Ryan Saavedra, recently won the Shaun D. Kennedy Award of Excellence, scoring $15,000 to advance their mission.

Their innovative design is super practical - weighing only 500 grams with a 20-pound grip limit, perfect for everyday tasks. Their bionic hand uses EMG sensors to detect muscle activity, letting users control movement naturally.

They've created something that's not just cheaper but actually works amazingly well. The tech includes six powered joints and a smart modular design that can be taken apart in minutes with just five screws.

They're working with Hanger Clinic, the biggest prosthetic clinic in the U.S., and running trials in Ukraine.

This isn't just about making cheaper prosthetics - it's about making life-changing technology available to everyone who needs it. With Medicare covering 80% of prosthetic costs and some people eligible for full coverage, Alt-Bionics is making it possible for more people to access this technology.

They're already developing more products, including partial hands and customized attachments, and their waitlist keeps growing as people realize this is the future of affordable prosthetics.

Renovo Concepts: Advancing Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

(Up)

Renovo Concepts is radically changing how we treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with their groundbreaking Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation (MTR) device.

Unlike traditional treatments, MTR tackles the critical issue of inflammation and excess fluid buildup that occurs after severe brain trauma. The company recently hit a major milestone when they received FDA approval for their Phase I clinical trials in late 2023, marking a huge step forward in bringing this technology to patients.

What's super exciting is that they secured $6.4 million in Series A funding to accelerate their progress, showing that investors are seriously backing this innovation.

The device isn't just for brain injuries either—it can potentially help with heart and spinal cord injuries too.

The MTR technology is seriously impressive— it uses controlled vacuum application to remove excess fluids from damaged tissues, which helps reduce secondary damage and speeds up healing.

This is huge because current TBI treatments are pretty limited, and patients often face long recovery times in intensive care units. What makes Renovo stand out is their focus on both commercial and military applications, addressing a critical need for better trauma care in both sectors.

They've even set up a Class 8 cleanroom in San Antonio for manufacturing, creating a complete solution from development to production.

With Sarah Lopez stepping in as CEO in 2024, Renovo is getting ready to change the game in trauma care.

The company's already making waves in the medical device industry, and their focus on reducing hospital stays and improving recovery outcomes could literally transform how we treat brain injuries.

It's pretty amazing to think that a startup from San Antonio could end up saving countless lives with this technology.

Turn Medical: Revolutionizing Hospital Bed Solutions

(Up)

Turn Medical's innovative hospital bed solutions are totally changing the game in 2025's healthcare scene. Their automated beds are seriously next level, featuring smart technologies and robotic capabilities that make patient care so much better.

The TurnAssist 360 is their star product, and it's not just about moving patients - it's about making everyone's life easier. The beds come with an intelligent alarm system and one-button CPR function, which is super important in emergencies.

What's really cool is that these beds are part of a bigger trend that's making healthcare more data-driven and personalized.

The market for these smart beds is growing fast, expected to hit $1.5 billion by 2030, which is pretty impressive. Their beds include features like dual control systems and adjustable tilting functions that help both patients and healthcare workers.

What makes this even better is that Turn Medical isn't just focused on hospitals - they're also developing solutions for home care settings, making advanced care accessible to more people.

The impact is real - hospitals using these beds report major improvements in patient recovery times and staff efficiency. With AI and RFID technology built in, these beds are basically mini command centers for patient care.

Turn Medical's CEO Elizabeth Thompson puts it perfectly when she talks about making advanced care tools the new normal - and honestly, that future is already here.

Conclusion: San Antonio as a Launchpad for Innovation

(Up)

San Antonio's startup scene is seriously taking off in 2025, and I'm amazed by how much it's grown. The city's startup ecosystem is thriving with tons of resources for entrepreneurs, making it a perfect spot for tech professionals looking to make their mark.

What's really exciting is how the city is bringing together different industries - from cutting-edge healthcare startups to AI companies - all in one affordable location.

San Antonio's reputation as "Cyber City, USA" is getting stronger, especially with major cybersecurity forums coming up that showcase our tech talent.

The startup community here is super active - San Antonio Startup Week brings together thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators, proving how much energy there is in the local tech scene.

The city's startup funding reached over $200 million last year, and with programs like Capital Factory and Geekdom supporting new companies, that number's only going to grow.

Whether you're into healthcare tech, AI, or cybersecurity, San Antonio's got something for everyone in tech. The best part? You can actually afford to live here while building your career, unlike some other tech hubs.

It's pretty clear that San Antonio isn't just following the innovation playbook - it's writing its own chapters and creating real opportunities for tech professionals who want to be part of something big.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Up)

What is the current growth trend in San Antonio's tech startup scene?

San Antonio has experienced a 20% surge in new tech startups, with a 13.3% increase from last year. The startup ecosystem is thriving, attracting over $300 million in investments recently.

Which sectors in San Antonio are seeing significant tech startup activity?

San Antonio's tech scene is robust in three key areas: cybersecurity, biosciences, and AI development, driven by defense contracts, healthcare tech innovations, and cutting-edge AI solutions.

What makes San Antonio an attractive location for tech professionals and startups?

San Antonio offers a collaborative ecosystem with a lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs, making it appealing for young professionals. The city provides ample resources and support for startups with active community engagement through events and forums.

How are San Antonio startups demonstrating success and future potential?

Startups are achieving 35-45% year-over-year revenue growth, with companies like Developmate and Advanced Surgical Retractor Systems exceeding targets. They are recognized for innovation and efficiency in industries like healthcare.

Who are some standout startups in San Antonio to watch in 2025?

Prominent startups include Darkhive, specializing in affordable drones; Developmate, transforming real estate research; Hera Biotech, advancing diagnostics; LASO Health, improving healthcare access; and NeuScience, innovating cancer drug discovery.

You may be interested in the following topics as well:

N

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.