Startups change rapidly. In today's volatile economy, new enterprises face numerous challenges that require them to adapt and modify their operations constantly. Factors such as a weak economy, higher loan rates, and a lack of VC funding make it increasingly difficult for startups to thrive. Despite these tough circumstances, some new businesses are not only surviving but also thriving. From IT to retail, these are the fastest-growing firms of 2025.
One such company is AI Perplexity, founded in 2022 in San Francisco, California. This AI-powered conversational search engine has experienced a staggering 7,200% growth in search over the past five years. With 123.6 million monthly website visits and $915 million in Series C funding, Perplexity offers users accurate and contextually aware information through its generative AI technology.
Another rapidly growing startup is ZeroTier, founded in 2015 in LA, California. With a 456% growth in search over the past five years, ZeroTier specializes in secure peer-to-peer networks. The company has secured $15.9 million in Series A funding and supports over 2 million monthly active devices in 220 countries and territories.
Deepgram, founded in 2015 in San Francisco, California, is another fast-growing startup in the field of speech recognition and voice AI. With a 2,800% growth in search over the past five years, Deepgram offers automated speech-to-text and text-to-speech solutions. The company recently introduced its latest real-time text-to-speech API, Aura, for conversational AI agents and voice bots.
Scale AI, founded in 2016 in San Francisco, California, is a company that provides AI applications with high-quality training data and digital infrastructure. With a 579% growth in search over the past five years and $3.5 billion in Series F funding, Scale AI has become a key player in the AI industry.
Cradlewise, founded in 2019 in San Francisco, California, is a startup that specializes in smart baby bassinets equipped with monitors. With a remarkable 9,500% growth in search over the past five years and $7 million in seed funding, Cradlewise has seen significant success in the infant care market.
Photoroom, based in Paris, France, is a startup founded in 2019 that offers AI-powered picture and video editing services. With a 99x+ growth in search over the past five years and $64 million in Series B funding, Photoroom has gained popularity among users for its innovative editing features.
Preply, founded in 2012 in Brookline, Massachusetts, is a language tutoring platform that has experienced a 1,011% growth in search over the past five years. With $171 million in Series C funding, Preply has become a leading player in the online tutoring market.
Airalo, founded in 2019 in Singapore, is a startup that provides eSIM services to travelers in over 200 countries. With a 3,650% growth in search over the past five years and $67.3 million in Series B funding, Airalo has become a popular choice for global travelers.
Oura, founded in 2013 in Oulu, Finland, is a company that offers elegant rings that track various health metrics. With a 1,129% growth in search over the past five years and $421 million in Series D funding, Oura has gained recognition for its precise health tracking capabilities.
Tailwind, founded in 2012 in Oklahoma City, is a visual production platform that helps content creators stand out on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. With a 467% growth in search over the past five years and $10.7 million in Series B funding, Tailwind has become a go-to tool for over 1 million small businesses and influencers.
In conclusion, these startups represent the fastest-growing firms of 2025 across a wide range of industries. Despite the challenges faced by new enterprises in today's economy, these companies have managed to not only survive but thrive through innovation, adaptability, and a focus on meeting the evolving needs of their customers. From AI technology to infant care, these startups are leading the way in their respective fields and shaping the future of business.