Cool Companies

The fastest, most-exciting startups in Southern California

 

Cool Companies is Connect’s annual capital program designed to match San Diego’s top-performing technology and life sciences startups ready to raise Series A — with quality venture capital. Each year Connect receives well over a hundred applications to be part of the program. Each applicant is reviewed by a panel of judges who select the cohort to present for everyone to see. 

ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2023

2023 Cool Company Badge

 Since 2015, Cool Co’s have raised over $850M+
And counting!

( just in Institutional Series A )

 

Have Questions About Cool Companies?

Learn more about the Cool Companies program with these Frequently Asked Questions.

Or…

Ask Program Manager, Matt Alamo

If you feel your company is ready for venture capital, but would like to discuss your business with an advisor before applying, be sure to check out our Springboard program(companies will be helped on a first-come, first-serve basis)

Thank you to the 2023 Cool Companies Program Sponsors

Connect San Diego California Tech LifeSci Bio Innovation Startup Company Sponsor Logo 2021 Marsh McLennan logo
Qualcomm Ventures
Procopio
BDO
JLL
Connect San Diego 2021 Business Innovation Sponsor PACWEST logo 01

Connecting Tech & LifeSci Startups w/ Capital

Meet the 2023 Cool Companies

  • All
  • Tech
  • LifeSci
  • Consumer

Meet the 2022 Cool Companies

  • All
  • Tech
  • LifeSci
  • Consumer

Meet the 2021 Cool Companies

  • All
  • Tech
  • LifeSci
  • Consumer

2020 Cool Companies

2019 Cool Companies

2018 Cool Companies

2017 Cool Companies

2016 Cool Companies