Startups change rapidly. In today’s ever-evolving economic and technological landscape, new enterprises must adapt quickly to survive and thrive. With a weak economy, higher loan rates, and a lack of VC (venture capital) funding, many firms face significant challenges that require them to modify their operations and strategies. Despite these obstacles, some startups are experiencing rapid growth and success across various industries, from technology to retail. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fastest-growing firms of 2025.

1. AI Perplexity:
With a staggering search growth of 7,200% in the past 5 years, AI Perplexity is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in generative AI-powered conversational search engines. They have revolutionized the way users interact with search engines by providing accurate and contextual information in a chatbot-like format. With a Series C funding of $915 million, AI Perplexity is at the forefront of AI technology, serving 10 million monthly users and generating $20 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

2. ZeroTier:
Founded in 2015 in LA, California, ZeroTier has seen a search growth of 456% over the past 5 years. This company deploys and maintains secure peer-to-peer networks, offering encrypted virtual networks that enhance security and privacy. With a Series A funding of $15.9 million, ZeroTier has over 2 million monthly active devices in 220 countries, solidifying its position as a leader in network security and innovation.

3. Deepgram:
Based in San Francisco, Deepgram has experienced a search growth of 2,800% in the past 5 years. Specializing in speech recognition and voice AI, Deepgram’s products include speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and audio intelligence AI models. With a Series B funding of $85.9 million, Deepgram continues to innovate in the AI space, providing solutions for NASA, Sharpen, and Five9.

4. Scale AI:
With a search growth of 579% over 5 years, Scale AI is a San Francisco-based company that provides AI applications with high-quality training data and digital infrastructure. Specializing in annotating and labeling large datasets, Scale AI received $1 billion in Series F funding at a valuation of $13.8 billion in May 2024. This funding will allow Scale AI to expand into new markets and develop innovative products, solidifying its position in the AI industry.

5. Cradlewise:
Founded in 2019 in San Francisco, Cradlewise has experienced a search growth of 9,500% in the past 5 years. This company sells baby monitor-equipped smart bassinets that track sleep depth and soothe infants when they wake up. With seed funding of $7 million, Cradlewise has established itself as a leader in smart baby products, generating $8 million in revenue in 2023.

6. PhotoRoom:
Founded in 2019 in Paris, France, PhotoRoom has seen a search growth of 99x+ over the past 5 years. This company offers AI-powered picture and video editing, allowing users to remove backgrounds, choose from a variety of new backgrounds, and edit photos with ease. With 150 million app downloads and 30 million active users, PhotoRoom raised $43 million in Series B funding at a valuation of $500 million, showcasing its rapid growth and popularity among users.

7. Preply:
Established in 2012 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Preply has experienced a search growth of 1,011% over the past 5 years. This company offers one-on-one language tutoring services, utilizing a marketplace concept similar to Upwork. With over 1 million active students and 50,000 tutors from 180 countries, Preply has established itself as a leader in the online education space, providing students with access to quality language instruction from around the world.

8. Airalo:
Founded in 2019 in Singapore, Airalo has seen a search growth of 3,650% over the past 5 years. This company provides eSIM services to travelers in over 200 countries, offering data subscriptions for 3G-5G networks. With over 10 million users globally, Airalo has established itself as a reliable and convenient solution for travelers seeking connectivity and convenience while abroad.

9. Oura:
Established in Oulu, Finland in 2013, Oura has experienced a search growth of 1,129% over the past 5 years. This company produces elegant rings that track heart rate, sleep habits, and body temperature, providing users with valuable health insights via a smartphone app. With a Series D funding of $421 million, Oura has sold over 1 million rings and received praise from Wired for its precise data collection and lightweight design, positioning itself as a leader in the wearable technology industry.

10. Tailwind:
Founded in 2012 in Oklahoma City, Tailwind has seen a search growth of 467% over the past 5 years. This company offers a visual production platform that helps content developers stand out on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. With over 1 million small businesses and influencers utilizing their services, Tailwind automates tedious tasks like hashtagging, color palettes, and scheduling, making it easier for brands to create engaging and visually appealing content.

In conclusion, the landscape of startups is ever-changing, with new enterprises emerging and growing rapidly in response to economic and technological shifts. The companies highlighted above represent a diverse range of industries and innovations, showcasing the creativity and resilience of today’s startups. As these firms continue to evolve and expand, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of business and technology, driving innovation and progress in the years to come.