Top 10 Tech Startups Hiring Junior Developers in Baton Rouge, LA in 2026

By Irene Holden

Last Updated: February 22nd 2026

A chef's hands carefully plating sushi in a busy kitchen, symbolizing the high-stakes responsibility of junior developers at Baton Rouge startups.

Too Long; Didn't Read

365 Labs and Velocity Squared are the top tech startups hiring junior developers in Baton Rouge in 2026, with 365 Labs leading the list for its high-growth production roles offering starting salaries around $65,000. Velocity Squared stands out by accepting bootcamp graduates and providing modern stack mentorship, leveraging Baton Rouge's lower cost of living and ecosystem anchored by LSU.

That heart-thumping moment of real responsibility doesn't appear on a generic job board. In Baton Rouge's tight-knit ecosystem, the best startup roles are found in the flow of community and capital, not just in postings. The key is to track the signals of growth before a "Now Hiring" sign ever goes up.

Start by monitoring founder networks on LinkedIn. Announcements of funding rounds, like the $1.25 million seed round raised by fintech Moxey, are a direct signal that a company is entering a scaling phase and will need engineering talent. Simultaneously, immerse yourself in community hubs like Nexus Louisiana's events and news and talent pipelines such as the LSU Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs. These are where founders actively scout for the hungry, capable developers who thrive in a "work-horse" culture.

"IBM bets on young talent as AI reshapes the workforce, focusing on skills and adaptability over traditional pedigrees." - IBM Strategy, Baton Rouge Business Report

Before applying, do your due diligence on a startup's stability. Check its "runway" by noting the date and amount of its last funding announcement. Look for secondary signals of health: Are they announcing new client wins or product features? A startup that is actively scaling post-funding, actively engaging with the local ecosystem, and transparent about its tech stack offers a safer, more dynamic launchpad for a junior developer ready to prove themselves on the line.

Table of Contents

  • Unlocking Baton Rouge's Startup Opportunities
  • Pixel Dash Studios
  • Blue Streak Technologies
  • Moxey
  • Skilltype
  • OfficerReports
  • Envōc
  • Sparkhound
  • Integer Technologies
  • Velocity Squared
  • 365 Labs
  • Conclusion: Your Ticket to Impact
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Pixel Dash Studios

For developers whose passion lies at the intersection of code and visual storytelling, Pixel Dash Studios operates as a specialized creative forge. Co-founded by a software engineer and an artist, this digital media and game development studio immerses junior talent in project-based teams that feel like intense, collaborative "game jams" for client contracts and original IP.

The environment prioritizes agility and multi-platform development across VR/AR applications, mobile games, and PC titles. Your apprenticeship will be built on a stack leaning heavily on Unity and C#, where your code directly shapes user experience and narrative. It's an ideal launchpad for building a portfolio of tangible, interactive products from day one, proving your skills on specialized creative projects rather than a corporate ladder.

As a fixture in the local startup scene, they are frequently highlighted among the top Baton Rouge startups to watch. They actively list production roles that value demonstrable project work and a collaborative spirit over formal pedigree, making them a prime destination for bootcamp graduates and self-taught creatives. This focus on hands-on creativity has positioned them as one of the ventures helping to diversify Baton Rouge's emerging tech landscape beyond traditional enterprise software.

For a junior developer, this is the kitchen where you move from commis to chef de partie by mastering the tools - Unity, C#, VR/AR platforms - that turn creative vision into shipped product, all within the supportive chaos of a studio built by and for makers.

Blue Streak Technologies

If Pixel Dash is the creative forge, Blue Streak Technologies represents the masterclass in classic technique. This firm provides a structured, mentorship-driven apprenticeship in enterprise-grade application development, focusing on custom web and mobile solutions for a diverse client base.

Here, junior developers dive deep into the .NET framework, API development, and complex relational database modeling. The work often involves maintaining and extending long-term client applications, teaching the critical, less-glamorous skills of reading legacy code, debugging intricate systems, and understanding full business logic. For a developer, this is akin to mastering classic French cooking techniques - it builds an incredibly strong, transferable foundation that is highly valued in Baton Rouge's market.

They are a consistent presence on regional lists of top software companies and frequently post roles for Software Engineers and Application Developers aimed at those ready to handle client deliverables from the outset. This focus on professional rigor and client-facing projects makes them a key training ground for developers seeking to join larger local enterprises or consultancies after cutting their teeth in a supportive, high-responsibility environment.

For the junior who thrives on methodical problem-solving and wants their code to power the operational backbone of businesses, Blue Streak offers a kitchen where precision and reliability are the signature dishes, and mentorship ensures you learn the recipes correctly from day one.

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Moxey

Fresh off a significant $1.25 million seed funding round, Moxey represents the high-energy kitchen of a fintech startup hitting its scaling stride. As a digital trade network streamlining B2B transactions for small businesses, their platform involves complex marketplace logic, payment integrations, and the technical challenges of rapid growth - all high-impact areas for a developer's resume.

This post-funding environment, as reported by the Baton Rouge Business Report, provides the runway for strategic hiring and product development. For a junior developer, it's an invitation to contribute to core platform features as the company expands. You'll learn how engineering decisions directly support user acquisition, sales, and revenue, providing a crash course in how a startup's technology drives its fundamental business model.

Unlike more established kitchens, a scaling fintech like Moxey offers a unique blend of structure and dynamism. The tech stack likely involves modern web technologies like Node.js or Python with React on the frontend, all built on cloud infrastructure. This environment is for the junior cook who wants to be part of building the kitchen itself - expanding the menu, optimizing the service line, and directly impacting the customer experience during a period of intense momentum. Being part of this Baton Rouge business growth story means your apprenticeship is set against the backdrop of measurable, rapid-scale impact.

Skilltype

While many startups operate within the ecosystem, Skilltype functions as its anchor and central hub. Led by Tony Zanders, who now serves as President of Nexus Louisiana, this library software platform is deeply woven into the fabric of Baton Rouge's innovation community. For a junior developer, this offers a unique dual apprenticeship: you're building a modern SaaS product while standing at the crossroads of the region's tech, academic, and governmental networks.

The experience extends far beyond coding. You'll gain firsthand insight into how a mission-driven tech company engages with stakeholders across the ecosystem, from LSU to state agencies. This role is for the developer who wants to understand the "business of tech" within a regional context, learning from a founder actively championing Louisiana's growth. The tech stack here is modern and product-focused, but the real curriculum is in ecosystem navigation.

The key hiring signal is Skilltype's entrenched position in the local talent pipeline. They don't just post jobs; they cultivate relationships through consistent presence at community events and partnerships with academic programs. For a junior hire, this translates into a kitchen where the recipes aren't just about code, but about building sustainable companies within a collaborative community, offering a career foundation that is both technically solid and strategically connected.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

OfficerReports

OfficerReports exemplifies the classic high-growth startup kitchen following a fresh infusion of capital. This security guard management software company, having secured significant funding from investors like Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angel Network, is strategically scaling its engineering team to fuel expansion.

As an active member of the Nexus Louisiana community, they deliberately tap into local talent pipelines, making them a visible and accessible target for bootcamp graduates and LSU alumni. For a junior hire, this post-funding environment is particularly dynamic: priorities can shift rapidly to chase market opportunities, and you may find yourself contributing across both web and mobile facets of their product.

This translates to a crash course in building sales-enabling technology and observing firsthand how investment capital is deployed to accelerate product development. The experience is less about specializing in a single technique and more about learning how every part of the kitchen operates under pressure to serve a growing customer base. You'll gain a comprehensive view of how software solves real-world operational problems for clients, providing a broad, impactful foundation for your career.

Envōc

Envōc operates as a unique hybrid kitchen, blending the energy of a startup with the established repertoire of an award-winning digital agency. They build software and mobile apps for a diverse client roster across sectors, from Energy Tech to HealthTech, exposing junior developers to a wide variety of business problems, industries, and tech stacks in a condensed timeframe.

The agency model is a premier training ground for rapid skill acquisition. Project cycles are shorter and feedback loops are tight, often coming directly from client demos. Here, you learn to estimate, communicate, and deliver under clear constraints, developing the crucial "consulting mindset" faster than in many product-focused roles. While you may not dive as deep into a single product's lifecycle, you'll gain incredible breadth. This consistent presence on lists of top software companies in Louisiana underscores their reputation as a reliable launchpad for versatile talent.

For a junior developer, this is the kitchen where you master many cuisines. One week might involve a JavaScript framework for a retail client, the next could be a .NET application for an industrial partner. This variety is your tasting menu of modern development, proving your ability to adapt and deliver. It’s ideal for those who crave constant learning and want to see how technology drives value across the entire Baton Rouge economy, from legacy industries to emerging sectors.

Sparkhound

For junior developers drawn to the intensity and scale of mission-critical systems but wary of early-stage volatility, Sparkhound offers the enterprise equivalent of a masterclass. This longstanding digital consultancy solves complex business problems for large organizations, including many in Baton Rouge's robust energy and industrial sectors anchored by companies like ExxonMobil and Entergy.

Here, the apprenticeship is in professional software engineering at scale. You'll be immersed in robust development processes, learn to navigate large organizational structures, and work with enterprise technologies like the Microsoft stack, Java, and cloud services (Azure/AWS). The mentorship tends to be more formalized than in a pure startup, and the exposure to Fortune 500-level challenges is invaluable for building a high-stakes career foundation.

"The AI revolution has shifted hiring toward specialists who can solve expensive, high-impact problems from day one." - Symoné B. "Beez", Industry Commentator

They maintain a consistent hiring presence for developers and consultants, as seen on Baton Rouge tech job boards, emphasizing problem-solving for complex business challenges. This path is for the junior who wants the responsibility of a startup but applied within the context of large, enduring systems. It's the kitchen where you learn the discipline and precision required to service the most demanding clients, preparing you for leadership roles in Baton Rouge's established corporate landscape or its most ambitious scaling ventures.

Integer Technologies

For the junior developer captivated by the tangible world of robotics and automation, Integer Technologies represents the deep tech frontier. This startup operates at the compelling intersection of software and hardware, building systems where code directly controls physical machines, processes sensor data, and executes real-time automation. Here, you move beyond pure web development into the realm of real-time systems, sensor fusion, and control algorithms.

The learning curve is intentionally steep but the work is groundbreaking. You'll engage with a specialized stack including Python, C++, and robotics middleware (ROS), working on projects where your software has an immediate, observable effect in the physical world. This isn't abstract business logic; it's code that moves, measures, and manipulates. As part of the region's growing software startup ecosystem, they offer a rare entry point into applied R&D.

This specialization is particularly valuable in the Baton Rouge metro area, with its strong ties to petrochemical, manufacturing, and industrial automation. The experience provides a highly differentiated skill set, preparing you for the future of smart infrastructure and Industry 4.0. Integer often engages with local talent pipelines and university partnerships, looking for foundational skills paired with a deep passion for the domain. For the engineer who wants to see their work operate in the real world, this is the ultimate kitchen - where the recipes involve physics, motion, and precision engineering, not just pixels and databases.

Velocity Squared

Velocity Squared has perfected the model of a "developers first" kitchen where modern stack mentorship is baked directly into their innovative processes. This firm builds high-traffic applications using .NET, Microsoft Azure Cloud, and integrated Machine Learning models, offering juniors a direct path to working with cutting-edge, production-grade technology.

What truly sets them apart is their explicit, public stance that coding bootcamp experience is equivalent to a four-year degree. This philosophy makes them one of the most accessible top-tier employers in Baton Rouge for non-traditional talent. Their Jr. Software Developer job description emphasizes "good attitude, curiosity about how things work, and an eagerness to learn" alongside technical proficiency, signaling a culture that values growth mindset.

This approach ensures juniors aren't just given responsibility but are structurally supported in handling it on major projects from day one. They represent a critical bridge in the local ecosystem, actively converting raw talent into enterprise-ready engineers. For the aspiring developer, whether from a bootcamp or a traditional path, Velocity Squared offers a meticulously prepared kitchen where the tools are modern, the recipes are sophisticated, and the chefs are invested in teaching you how to master both.

365 Labs

Topping our list is 365 Labs, the definitive high-stakes production line for junior developers in Baton Rouge. Frequently cited as one of the fastest-growing software companies in the U.S., this public safety software firm is scaling at a pace that creates immediate, critical needs for engineering talent. For a junior, this translates to being thrust directly into a C#, .NET, and SQL environment where your code impacts mission-critical software for agencies that depend on it.

The environment is built for rapid skill acquisition through real responsibility. They actively recruit for Junior Software Developer and Entry Level Software Tester roles, offering clear starting salaries around $65,000 and explicitly seeking candidates with a high GPA or demonstrable full-stack project experience. This clarity and high expectation set the tone for a kitchen where performance is measured by tangible impact, not tenure.

Deeply embedded in the local ecosystem as a member of Nexus Louisiana, they are a primary destination for talent from local pipelines. Monitoring platforms like ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor reveals their consistent hiring presence for these dedicated junior roles. This combination of explosive growth, clear entry paths, and serious technological stakes makes 365 Labs the ultimate launchpad. It’s the kitchen where you prove you can not only handle the heat but also help expand the entire restaurant while the dinner rush is at its peak.

Conclusion: Your Ticket to Impact

The Baton Rouge tech scene in 2026 doesn't just offer jobs; it offers apprenticeships in immediate impact. The trade-off is clear: you'll exchange the massive, structured training programs of a Fortune 500 for the dynamic, hands-on responsibility of a startup kitchen. In return, you gain unparalleled ownership, seeing your code ship to real users and learning how technology directly fuels business growth and survival.

This path demands preparation. The "work-horse" culture values demonstrable skill and a readiness to contribute from day one. For those building the necessary foundation, affordable, flexible bootcamps like those offered by Nucamp provide a critical on-ramp. Their AI and backend development programs, with tuition from $2,124 to $3,980, focus on the very Python, cloud, and integration skills prized by local startups, making career transition financially viable within the region's lower cost of living.

From the creative fires of Pixel Dash to the high-stakes production line at 365 Labs, the common thread is trust. These kitchens are betting on hungry talent. Your mission is to master your fundamentals, walk in, and prove you belong on the line. The ticket to your impact is ready; the only question is which unique apprenticeship you'll choose to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did you choose which startups made the list?

We ranked startups based on their ability to provide rapid skill development, like a 'kitchen' where junior developers take on production-level responsibility from day one. Key factors included mentorship quality, tech stack relevance, and integration into Baton Rouge's growing ecosystem anchored by LSU and hubs like Nexus Louisiana.

What's the typical salary for a junior developer at these Baton Rouge startups?

Salaries vary, but top startups like 365 Labs offer around $65,000 for entry-level roles, which is competitive given Baton Rouge's lower cost of living. This allows for a comfortable lifestyle while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic tech scene.

How can I improve my chances of getting hired by one of these startups?

Network actively by attending local events like Baton Rouge Startup Week and monitoring founders on LinkedIn, especially after funding announcements. Engaging with talent pipelines from the LSU Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs and community hubs such as Nexus Louisiana can also open doors.

Are these startups stable enough for someone starting their career?

Yes, focus on startups with recent funding and growth signals, like Moxey's $1.25M seed round, which indicates stability and expansion. Look for active hiring and client announcements to ensure they're in a scaling phase, reducing risk for junior hires.

Why should I consider Baton Rouge over larger tech hubs for my first developer role?

Baton Rouge offers a lower cost of living, proximity to major employers like ExxonMobil, and a tight-knit tech ecosystem that accelerates learning. Junior developers here often gain more responsibility faster, providing a fast track to career growth in a supportive community.

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Irene Holden

Operations Manager

Former Microsoft Education and Learning Futures Group team member, Irene now oversees instructors at Nucamp while writing about everything tech - from careers to coding bootcamps.