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The startup scene in United States
UCSB places OASIS in Goleta, outside Santa Barbara city proper. Procore said its Carpinteria location replaced three offices it had in Santa Barbara. [35726, 35728]
About
UCSB places OASIS in Goleta, outside Santa Barbara city proper. Procore said its Carpinteria location replaced three offices it had in Santa Barbara. [35726, 35728]
AppFolio says it was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Santa Barbara, and that its shares are listed on Nasdaq as APPF. [35727]
UCSB says an AI laboratory at OASIS received a four-year, $20 million National Science Foundation award. [35730] UCSB’s New Venture Program serves students across disciplines and invites students to join its 2026–27 program; the university says it holds information sessions each October. [35731, 35733]
The Santa Barbara Angel Alliance reports a Central Coast early-stage focus, a 2016 founding, and investments in more than 80 companies since 2016. It identifies software, hardware, and life sciences as its main sectors. The alliance says funding seekers should connect with a member who may present their company to the group. [35737, 35738, 35739]
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Santa Barbara ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #128 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | 71 to 80 | No prior edition | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
42 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Santa Barbara
Investors 36
Investor
InvestorInvesting in high-growth software companies.
InvestorEmpowering early-stage innovation in California's Central Coast.
The 3 most prominent of 36. Browse all investors
Accelerators 2
AcceleratorEmpowering technology entrepreneurs for sustainable growth.
AcceleratorAdventure-based training for high-growth entrepreneurs.
Incubators 2
IncubatorCultivating environmental leaders at UCSB.
IncubatorEmpowering the next generation of innovators.
Venture studios 2
Venture studioBuilding and operating technology enterprises.
Venture studioBuilding AI-native companies with exceptional operators.
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Santa Barbara
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Santa Barbara
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
- TechLAB Innovation CenterAccelerator
- UCSB Environmental Leadership IncubatorIncubator
- All accelerators
Scouting in Santa Barbara
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Santa Barbara
Its page says the next application cycle is forthcoming.
Source: The UCSB AcceleratorThe program pairs UCSB founders with weekly mentors and a VC Demo Day.
Source: The UCSB AcceleratorUCSB's database lists Transphorm as acquired and founded in 2007.
Source: UCSB Startup DatabaseUCSB's database lists AppFolio as active and founded in 2006.
Source: UCSB Startup DatabaseUCSB attributes hundreds of jobs across the wider area to campus startups.
Source: UCSB Startup DatabaseACTIVATE plans up to three $100,000 grants of up to 18 months.
Source: ACTIVATE Proof of Concept Grant Fund
Questions about Santa Barbara
How does Santa Barbara rank as a startup ecosystem?
Santa Barbara is #128 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 2 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Santa Barbara?
36 investors based in Santa Barbara have a profile here, including Manchester Capital Management LLC, Santa Barbara Venture Partners and Santa Barbara Angel Alliance. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Santa Barbara?
Yes. Santa Barbara has 2 accelerators, 2 incubators and 2 venture studios on record, including TechLAB Innovation Center, UCSB Environmental Leadership Incubator and Estalea.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Santa Barbara
City
123 km away
City
130 km away
City
139 km away
City
140 km away
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