InvestorEmpowering Arizona's startups through innovation and funding.
The startup scene in United States
Phoenix has entrepreneur-support resources through Phoenix Public Library’s StartUpPHX, which lists free virtual programs. PHX FWD describes The List as a community-powered directory for Phoenix’s software ecosystem and invites Phoenix software companies to submit listings for review.
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Phoenix has entrepreneur-support resources through Phoenix Public Library’s StartUpPHX, which lists free virtual programs. PHX FWD describes The List as a community-powered directory for Phoenix’s software ecosystem and invites Phoenix software companies to submit listings for review.
Phoenix-linked company and university commercialization examples include WebPT, which says it was founded in Phoenix in 2008, and Skysong Innovations, which reports helping ASU faculty and researchers launch over 180 startups and attracting over $999 million in investment funding during the last decade and a half.
Regional funding figures describe Greater Phoenix, not Phoenix alone. GPEC, citing PitchBook, reported 98 deals totaling $659 million in 2025 year to date; Silicon Oasis, citing GPEC, reported 177 deals across 162 companies backed by 191 active investors and $849.3 million raised in FY26. These reports cover different periods and sources.
Venture Café Phoenix describes its programming as freely accessible and listed a Phoenix event for October 8, 2026; registration availability was not verified. The Arizona Innovation Challenge lists award terms of $100,000 in nondilutive funding and three months of customized support, while its Fall 2026 SaaS application is marked closed.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Phoenix ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | #6 | Up 5 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
 Global Cities Index | 2026 | #41 | No prior edition | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #53 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | #80 | Down 2 | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
99 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Phoenix
Investors 78
Investor
InvestorEmpowering growth with non-dilutive capital solutions.
InvestorInvesting in cancer innovations together.
The 3 most prominent of 78. Browse all investors
Accelerators 11
AcceleratorEmpowering Web3 founders through investment and resources.
AcceleratorAccelerating bioscience innovation.
AcceleratorEmpowering founders in healthcare and life sciences.
The 3 most prominent of 11. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 6
Venture studioDesigning and managing corporate startup studios.
Venture studio
Venture studioInnovating for social good through collaboration.
The 3 most prominent of 6. Browse all venture studios
Incubators 4
IncubatorEmpowering entrepreneurs through community and collaboration.
IncubatorSupporting bioscience and technology startups in Arizona.
IncubatorElevating startups through mentorship and personal growth.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all incubators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Phoenix
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Phoenix
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Phoenix
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Phoenix
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Phoenix
The ACA marks the Fall 2026 SaaS application closed.
Source: Arizona Innovation ChallengeAn Arizona Technology Council article names these regional firms.
Source: Why startups and VCs should bet on Greater PhoenixSilicon Oasis names Phoenix-based Bonus Homes and its seed round.
Source: Greater Phoenix’s Startup Ecosystem Is Growing. The Next Challenge Is Turning Activity Into OutcomesSilicon Oasis citing GPEC reports this FY26 regional capital.
Source: Greater Phoenix’s Startup Ecosystem Is Growing. The Next Challenge Is Turning Activity Into OutcomesSilicon Oasis citing GPEC reports these FY26 regional figures.
Source: Greater Phoenix’s Startup Ecosystem Is Growing. The Next Challenge Is Turning Activity Into OutcomesSkysong reports over $999 million in investment funding.
Source: Startups - Skysong Innovations
Questions about Phoenix
How does Phoenix rank as a startup ecosystem?
Phoenix is #53 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 4 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Phoenix?
78 investors based in Phoenix have a profile here, including Arizona Commerce Authority, Trinity Capital and CANCER FUND. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix has 11 accelerators, 4 incubators and 6 venture studios on record, including DAO8 | Web3 Accelerator, CO+HOOTS and Coplex - Venture Studios.
Which universities are in Phoenix?
One university has a profile: University of Phoenix.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Phoenix
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