SAN DIEGO – February 23, 2026 – Connect, San Diego’s original startup accelerator and a leading catalyst for innovation, today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of strong capital formation, ecosystem engagement, and continued growth for the region’s innovation economy.
The report places Connect’s impact within the broader regional context: in 2025, San Diego companies raised $3.6 billion in venture capital, with 13% of that capital raised by Connect companies, underscoring the organization’s role as a key contributor to the region’s innovation pipeline.
At the program level, Connect supported 355 startups, facilitated 5,572 direct and indirect investor introductions, and engaged 65 experts, mentors, judges, and speakers across its initiatives. Collectively, Connect companies raised $580 million in total capital in 2025.
The report also reflects a broader market shift toward capital formation, with venture funding increasing year-over-year even as mergers and acquisitions activity remained limited, signaling sustained investor confidence in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem.
“Connect exists to clear paths for founders and strengthen the infrastructure that allows innovation to thrive,” said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. “This report reflects the momentum of our community and the collective work being done to build the next generation of impactful companies right here in San Diego.”
2025 Impact at a Glance
Beyond these metrics, the 2025 Impact Report highlights Connect’s expanding role as a connector of capital, talent, and opportunity—
View the full 2025 Impact Report: https://connect.org/
