The 2025 LA Hard Tech 50 is back, and we’re excited to highlight the momentum taking place in Southern California. The 50 companies on this year's list collectively raised $7.8 billion in 2025, secured billions in government contracts, and recruited hundreds of engineers to tackle problems in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, and critical resources.

This year we also evolved the methodology, inviting nine other LA-based hard tech investors to submit votes alongside Upfront.

2025 Voting Participants

Of the 50 companies selected, 31 returned from last year's list, 13 made their debut, and 6 came back after skipping a year. Seven companies earned unanimous votes from all eleven participating voters - SpaceX, Anduril, Apex, Varda, Senra Systems, Radiant, and General Matter.

From SpaceX launching their Falcon 9 rocket 165 times, accounting for 81% of global mass to orbit, to Anduril's relentless product velocity and winning a $159M prototyping award, to breakthrough moments like Varda's successful reentry missions and General Matter's $900M HALEU contract, 2025 proved that when it comes to industrial hardware, LA reigns supreme.

Congratulations to everyone on this list, and we can't wait to see what 2026 brings. Check out the full list from Upfront Partner Jacques Sisteron and Nick Kim here.

Some of the Companies Featured in 2025