Top 4 Pasadena Startups to Watch in 2026
Pasadena is home to a growing number of technology startups with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. Companies like Virtualitics, which applies AI to defense applications, have secured $103.9 million in funding.
The local scene also includes ventures in deep tech, such as Impossible Metals building underwater mining robots. Newer companies like Prorata.AI are also securing large investments, having raised $65 million in its first year.
Below is our list of 4 Pasadena startups worth keeping an eye on.
Failory's Top 4 Picks
Prorata.AI specializes in AI-powered search and advertising solutions that prioritize content attribution for creators. Their technology is designed to ensure original content makers are properly credited for their work.
| Year Founded | 2024 |
| Founders | William T Gross |
| Funding Amount | $65M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | SBI Investment, Mayfield Fund, Revolution Ventures, Touring Capital, Prime Movers Lab |
AuraChat.Ai develops an AI-powered sales agent that automates lead management and follow-ups for businesses. Their platform handles communication in multiple languages and integrates directly with existing CRM systems to streamline sales workflows.
| Year Founded | 2023 |
| Founders | Enrique Partida |
| Funding Amount | $568k |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Seed |
| Top Investors | UCLA Anderson School of Management, Uplist Ventures, Arva Family Office, Diego Mercado |
Virtualitics builds an advanced AI platform focused on readiness applications for the defense sector. Their system uses machine learning and natural language processing to help organizations improve their operational preparedness.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Ciro Donalek, George Djorgovski, Michael Amori, Scott Davidoff |
| Funding Amount | $103.9M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Debt Financing |
| Top Investors | Citi, Smith Point Capital, The Venture Reality Fund/VRF, Centricus, North Sound Ventures |
Impossible Metals develops autonomous underwater vehicles designed to harvest critical battery metals from the ocean floor. Their robotic system aims to responsibly collect polymetallic nodules without creating destructive sediment plumes.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Jason Gillham, Kenneth H. Nealson, Oliver Gunasekara, Renee Grogan |
| Funding Amount | $12.1M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Seed |
| Top Investors | Gaingels, Y Combinator, Liquid 2 Ventures, Rebel Fund, Starlight Ventures |
