Small businesses are often at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and growth, and this will continue into 2025. From food to fashion to health and technology many small businesses stand out from the pack showcasing entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement.
In this blog post, we'll showcase some of the top-performing small businesses that have not only carved out unique niches but also demonstrated impressive growth and resilience.
Whether it's redefining sustainability, revolutionizing personal wellness, or creating artisanal products that connect with their audience, these companies are shaping the future of their industries.
Food and beverage
Atlas Monroe
San Diego-based vegan fried chicken company, Atlas Monroe, shot to fame following their appearance on the show Shark Tank. The small business prides itself in being black and female owned and despite turning down an offer of $1 million dollars from Sharks, Mark Cuban and Rohan Oza, founder Deborah Torres is now the CEO of the world’s largest vegan fried chicken supplier.
The brand's success is down to its ability to captivate vegans and non-vegans alike. Their emphasis on taste and texture has helped them grow their brand and appeal to even the most dedicated meat eaters. In 2018, the brand was the first and only vegan vendor at the National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans.
Despite being completely vegan, one of the judges at the festival described their "chicken" and waffles as the most enjoyable dish he tasted out of the thirty-five festival vendors.
Brightland
This Californian-based small-batch artisanal olive oil brand has grown over the last six years due to its commitment to transparent sourcing and production. While they originally sold two types of olive oil they now carry 10 different variations along with premium vinegars and honey.
Brightland founder, Aishwarya Iyer, was inspired to start the brand after discovering that nearly 70% of American olive oils are either adulterated with inferior oils or actually rancid, she set out to provide an alternative with the help of $30,000 of her savings.
Aishwarya vision for Brightland is deeply connected to her personal history and heritage. Inspired by her ancestors, who were salt farmers in Tamil Nadu, South India, she emphasizes the beauty in details and the power of cooking and sharing meals. Their products are created with heirloom olives, farm-fresh fruit, and the dedicated work of multigenerational beekeepers, these products honor the connection between nature, quality, and artistry. Since 2018, the company has grown to a team of 15 employees, and in 2022, it raised $6.83 million in venture funding.
Fashion and apparel
Ninety Percent
Founded in London in 2018 by Para Hamilton and Shafiq Hassan, Ninety Percent is a fashion label based on responsibility, sustainability, and charitable causes.
The brand distributes 90% of its profits between charities closely aligned to it(80%) and the rest among the people who make their collections possible. Focused on transparency, traceability, and responsible material use, Ninety Percent aims to challenge conventional industry practices and minimize environmental impact.
Core to the company is its innovative factory, EchoTex, in Gazipur Bangladesh. Known for its ethical practices and commitment to worker welfare, the company leads the way in sustainable manufacturing initiatives like Zero Liquid Discharge water recycling, energy-efficient production, and the use of vegan and certified sustainable fabrics. Their dedication goes beyond environmental practices as the company provides comprehensive health coverage, professional development, and on-site amenities for workers.
Everlane
Everlane is a Californian clothing brand founded in 2010 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer. Headquartered in San Francisco, with stores in major cities like New York and LA, the brand focuses on timeless wardrobe staples made from responsibly sourced materials.
Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and self-described "radical transparency", Everlane aims for 100% of its materials to be recycled, organic, renewable, or responsibly sourced. One of its key distinctions is its choice to openly share the trust costs of producing its products from materials to labor so customers know exactly what they're paying for.
They choose to only partner with ethical factories. Before they commit, Everlane requires their factories to meet rigorous compliance standards that prioritize fair wages, reasonable hours, and environmentally sound practices. Their ethos has led to a very successful business and in 2023 they managed to secure $200 million in sales.
Health and Wellness
Eight Sleep
Eight Sleep was founded in San Francisco in 2014 and describes itself as the world's first sleep fitness company. Their innovative products help address critical sleep issues like temperature regulation and snoring reduction. The company's mission is to fuel human potential through optimal sleep, using detailed designs and proven science to get there.
The company has received backing from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Founders Fund, and Khosla Ventures, raising a total of $162.1M in funding. Their flagship product, the Pod has received critical acclaim and was included in TIME's "Best Inventions of the Year”. The company claims to have delivered over 90 million hours of improved sleep to users across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia and has earned accolades like Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2018, 2022, and 2023.
Remedy Place
Remedy Place, is a social wellness club founded by Dr. Jonathan Leary in 2019. They offer a range of traditional treatments like saunas, and physiotherapy as well holistic practices like acupuncture and meditation sessions. Their services are designed to be experienced in a communal setting that promotes both physical health and social interaction. The company’s success comes from its innovative approach to wellness that combines social engagement with heath treatments that address the modern challenge of balancing a healthy lifestyle and an active social life.
The unique model has helped them to attract a diverse clientele that’s helped them expand into multiple locations including West Hollywood and New York City’s Flatiron District. In 2022 the company completed a $5 million bridge funding round bringing its valuation to over $60 million. This capital is helping support the opening of two new clubs annually showcasing their plan for steady growth and increased presence in the coming years.
Hospitality and travel
Getaway
Getaway has carved out a niche in the travel and hospitality sector with its "Outposts". They provide tiny cabins in rustic areas within a two-hour drive of major cities like Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, and New York. The cabins are designed for guests looking for a break from modern distractions giving them the chance to unplug without Wifi and common areas, instead, they encourage visitors to engage in activities like cooking, chatting, or relaxing by the fire pit. This has become particularly popular after the pandemic, with booking surging 150% in 2020.
In the same year, the company raised $41.7 million in Series C funding, this capital fuelled their expansion of 12 Getaway's Outposts in 2020 to 17 in 2021. CEO Jon Staff believes that his mission transcends the cabins themselves and aims to address the overstimulation and constant connectivity of modern life. While the company is open to exploring additional products and services its main focus remains on delivering a tranquil experience for guests. This distinguishes the brand from traditional tourism models and embraces innovation by not fitting into typical industry standards.
Proper Hotels
Proper Hotels is a high-end hospitality brand founded in 2014 by Brian De Lowe. The company focuses on creating curated lifestyle experiences in cities like San Francisco, Santa Monica, Austin, and Downtown LA. Each hotel is intentionally designed with eclectic and thoughtful aesthetics and complemented by high-end food, beverage, and event programming. The brand caters to travelers aged 30 to 50 looking for authentic and memorable stays in non-traditional hotels.
The success of the brand comes from its commitment to what it describes as "uncommon luxury". They aim to blend world-class amenities with community-focused initiatives like Proper Giving that align with local causes. While remaining privately owned, Proper has achieved global recognition with its innovative approach and dedication to high standards.
Technology and Services
Nanit
Led by CEO Sarah Dorsett, Nanit is a high-growth technology startup that has revolutionized parenting with its innovative products. Nanit creates smart baby monitors that go beyond basic video and sound functionality. They use real-time data, recorded by their company devices to provide detailed sleep tracking and development insights. Nanit’s product suite includes cutting-edge cameras, wearable breathing trackers, Smart Sheets for growth tracking, and the Nanit App, which organizes sleep and activity data into actionable daily summaries. All their tools are backed by Nanit Lab, a knowledge hub that draws on insights from pediatricians, engineers, and industry leaders.
Since its launch the platform has tracked over 2.42 billion hours of sleep, logged 305 million parent visits, and recorded 234 million wake-ups. Their brand places a lot of emphasis on user feedback and a no-judgment ethos that has solidified its reputation as a trusted parenting companion. Nanit was listed on CNBC's Upstart 100 list and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. The company achieved rapid growth of 130% year-over-year even during the pandemic showing its widespread adoption and ultimate success.
Blackpoint Cyber
Blackpoint Cyber was founded in 2014 by former National Security Agency (NSA) cyber operations experts. They built a cybersecurity company that specializes in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. Utilizing proprietary technology, Blackpoint provides small to medium-sized businesses with real-time threat detection and response focusing on network visualization, tradecraft detection, and endpoint security to effectively counter cyber threats. They provide solutions like Cloud Response for hybrid and cloud environments, Managed Application Control for zero-trust application settings, and LogIC for efficient logging and compliance.
The company has experienced significant growth and as of June 2023, it secured $190 million in funding. This financial backing has helped Blackpoint expand its services and maintain a competitive edge in the cybersecurity industry. Their commitment to robust, comprehensive, and high-performing cybersecurity solutions has helped them earn the trust of their customers in a range of sectors and helped secure them as a leader in their industry.
Education and digital learning
Outschool
Founded in 2015, Outschool is an educational platform initially launched to help homeschooled students expand their extracurricular activities. Since then, it has expanded after gaining traction with traditional students looking to enhance their education through interactive and interest-driven learning. Outschool became particularly successful during the pandemic when families were looking to keep children engaged, social, and passionate about their interests. The platform serves over 1.5 million learners in 195 countries and provides more than 140,00 classes from traditional maths and sciences courses to Lego engineering and Taylor Swift-themed language lessons.
Outschool has had a positive impact on all of its users, their teachers have earned a collective $488 million thanks to their streamlined administrative processes. The company's rapid growth was fueled by a 2000% increase in bookings during the pandemic that attracted substantial investments including $45 million in Series B funding. The company's annual revenue run rate surpassed $100 million reflecting its sustained relevance. With a strong foundation rooted in educational innovation and a rapidly expanding global footprint, Outschool is helping redefine how children learn, offering opportunities for both academic enrichment and personal growth.
Learning Pool
Learning Pool is a leading provider of smarter learning tech solutions. It helps organization address their most pressing employee performance challenges with data-driven, personalized digital learning experiences.
Intending to transform workplace learning, the company offers an extensive portfolio of products including a learning platform, adaptive compliance courses, skills development tools, and AI-driven workplace conversations. Its solutions are used by over 1,400 clients across 30 countries, including major brands like Lidl, AT&T, and Pfizer, serving more than 26 million learners in 42 languages.
In 2022, Learning Pool achieved significant growth, with revenue increasing by 45% to £32 million, including a 235% rise in North American revenue following its acquisition of True Office Learning. The company also expanded its workforce by 89% and secured backing from Marlin Equity Partners to fuel future growth. Learning Pool’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned it numerous industry accolades, while its acquisitions and product advancements, such as the integration of People-Analytix, have helped position it as a strategic leader in global digital learning.
Homeware and handmade goods
Hoagard
Hoagard was founded in 2014 by two friends with a passion for designing steel samples. After recognizing the potential of their designs in the interior decor market they transformed their passions into an e-commerce brand specializing in modern metal and neon wall art. Despite initially battling slow sales, their determination paid off and they now generate close to $5 million in annual revenue with a small team of just 43 people.
Their strategic use of international e-commerce platforms and social media management helped Hoagard expand its reach and connect with customers across multiple continents. From abstract sculptures to motivational wall art, the brand offers an extensive range of decor items that transform spaces. Hoagard continues to innovate the interior design market and turn their dream of a vibrant, global company.
Curio
Curio is a London-based handblown glassware studio founded in 2015 by Olivia Thorpe. They initially launched a small lie of colorful speckled baubles and quickly gained recognition when the collection sold out. This led to a commission to design an exclusive range for luxury retailer Net-A-Porter. Taking inspiration from her background in fashion, art, and craft, Thorpe developed a core collection of vibrant, jewel-like glassware. Each piece is free-blown without molds ensuring that every piece is unique and has an artistic quality.
Since its inception, Curio has steadily grown reaching $803.9k in revenue by 2021. This consistent increase reflects the growing appreciation for its distinctive product and its adoption across various industries. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovative design, Curio has positioned itself as a niche luxury brand that appeals to customers who value functionality and artistry.
Pet products
Fable Pets
Fable Pets is a New York-based, family-run company founded in 2019 by siblings Sophie Bakalar and Jeremy Canade. The brand focuses on designing innovative, high-quality pet products that solve everyday pet owner problems. Inspired by their love of animals and the challenges of urban pet care, the team launched Fable to provide safe, functional, and stylish solutions. Fable prioritizes original designs, using durable, food-safe materials and creating their own safety standards to ensure their products are humane and safe for pets.
Since its launch, Fable has targeted the $23 billion U.S. non-food pet product market, with plans for global expansion. By focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and expanding retail partnerships, the company has grown fast. In 2021, Fable secured a $9 million Series A funding round led by 14W, with support from Female Founders Fund and Slow Ventures. This funding has allowed the brand to enhance its product catalog and scale marketing efforts. Fable’s combination of thoughtful design, strong fundamentals, and a focus on solving real-life problems has set it apart in the pet products industry, positioning it for continued success.
Bark Potty
Bark Potty is an LA-based company specializing in innovative and eco-friendly pet products. Drawing from her entrepreneurial success with other pet-based businesses, founder Natalie Youn launched Bark Potty to provide a sustainable and user-friendly alternative to traditional pee pads. Made from real bark, the product mimics the natural smell of grass, encouraging dogs to use it while its proprietary design neutralizes odors and prevents leaks. This all-natural solution is durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible, replacing up to 60 traditional pee pads per unit. Ideal for a range of settings, including small apartments, balconies, and travel, Bark Potty offers convenience and sustainability, reflecting Youn’s commitment to pets and the planet.
Since its inception, Bark Potty has posted substantial growth within the pet care industry and established a strong market presence. Youn’s dedication to addressing consumer pain points and improving on previous designs has propelled the company forward. Bark Potty operates on a direct-to-consumer subscription model, offering customers free shipping, eco-friendly features, and added benefits like personal training consultations. By combining innovation, sustainability, and convenience, Bark Potty continues to carve out a niche in the competitive pet care market, cementing its reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible pet products.
Personal care and beauty
Cocokind
Cocokind is a clean beauty brand founded in 2015 by Priscilla Tsa iwho left her career in finance to pursue her dream of creating sustainable and affordable skincare solutions. Inspired by her struggle with hormonal acne and her dislike of traditional harsh skincare treatments, Tsai developed Cocokind as a plant-based alternative that prioritizes transparency and efficacy. The brand has a wide range of gentle yet effective products that support hydration and skin barrier health while avoiding unnecessary fillers and essential oils.
Cocokind has grown from a niche startup to a globally recognized leader in the clean beauty movement, with products available in major retailers such as Target, Ulta Beauty, and Whole Foods helping them to grow their annual revenue to $13.3M a year. Cocokind drives social change through the Cocokind Impact Foundation, which supports female entrepreneurs in the health, wellness, and sustainability industries. By combining effective plant-based products, transparent practices, and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility, Cocokind has set a new standard for sustainable beauty and continues to innovate in the space.
Kinship
Kinship is a skincare brand co-founded by Alison Haljun and Christin Powell. They blend scienced-backed formulas with plant-based ingredients to cater to sensitive skin. The brand was inspired by a desire to create a clean, affordable, and effective skincare line that is accessible to Gen Z and younger millennials. Kinship’s unique formulations feature Kinbiome, a patented pre-probiotic technology designed to support the skin’s microbiome, alongside sustainably sourced bioactives like omega fatty acids, vitamin C ester, and hyaluronic acid.
Launched in 2018, Kinship has grown by leveraging a community-driven ethos. Gen Z consumers play a key role in shaping the brand, influencing everything from formulations to packaging. Backed by investors like Tiffany Zhong, Kinship has built a loyal customer base by addressing common skin concerns such as acne, redness, and inflammation with products that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity. This process has helped them to create an estimated annual revenue of $43.4M per year.
Health and wellness technology
WHOOP
Founded in 2012 by Will Ahmed, WHOOP is a wearable fitness technology company that has revolutionized personal health tracking. Ahmed was inspired to start his business after his own experience with overtraining led him to research performance optimization.
After researching over 500 medical papers, he developed a device that monitors key metrics like sleep, strain, and recovery, helping users optimize their health and performance. WHOOP's minimalist, screen-free design makes it easy for users to wear 24/7 ensuring lab-level accuracy. It has become a favorite among elite athletes, doctors, and everyday users with notable endorsements from Michael Phelps and Christiano Ronaldo.
The brand has experienced remarkable growth having raised $200 million in funding across nine rounds and achieving $750 million in annual revenue as of September 2024. The company continues to innovate by creating products with OpenAI-powered insights and strategic partnerships with fitness communities. WHOOP’s proprietary metrics and personalized recommendations distinguish it from competitors, offering users actionable data to improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Oura Ring
The ŌURA Ring, developed by Oura Health, is a wearable health and wellness device designed to provide detailed insights into sleep, recovery, and daily activity. Launched with the vision of offering a more personalized and data-driven approach to health tracking, the ŌURA Ring measures metrics like heart rate variability, body temperature, and sleep quality with research-level accuracy. They focus on recovery and optimizing performance, offering actionable insights to help users balance physical and mental load.
ŌURA has experienced remarkable growth since it first went to market, with revenue increasing from $30M in 2019 to $225M in 2023. This growth has been driven by strategic partnerships with major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, a subscription model introduced in 2022, and expanding B2B sales. The subscription service has bolstered profitability helping it compete against giants like Apple and Fitbit. The company is also exploring new opportunities, such as digital identity and payments, following its acquisition of Proxy, with expansion beyond health tracking into broader tech ecosystems.
Wrapping up
Small businesses continue to show their incredible ability to innovate by addressing real-world challenges, embracing sustainability, and creating authentic connections with their audiences.
These companies prove that size is no barrier when it comes to making a significant impact.
As small businesses continue to grow and inspire, they pave the way for other entrepreneurs to make their mark.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, streamline your operations, and build stronger relationships, try Capsule for free by signing up for your 14-day free trial and discover how Capsule can help you grow your business.
