From Real Estate to Climate Tech: Boulder Startups Making National Noise

Boulder, Colorado continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With the University of Colorado’s strong research engine, a deep talent pool, and a culture of creative risk-taking, the city has become fertile ground for groundbreaking startups. Here are three Boulder-based companies gaining major traction in 2025 — each offering a glimpse into the future of real estate, green tech, and AI analytics.

Ridley: Reinventing Real Estate with AI

Ridley is a home-selling platform created by Mike Chambers, who built the company after selling his own home without a realtor and documenting the process online. With a mission to simplify real estate, Ridley uses AI to guide homeowners through each step of selling a home — without the traditional 5–6% commission fees.

For a base fee of $999, users get a full checklist, tools, and optional add-ons like MLS access and legal support. Ridley is currently developing an “agent mode” for professionals who want a hybrid approach. In a market long dominated by real estate agents, Ridley is helping sellers take back control — and save thousands in the process. The platform has gained recent attention thanks to its unique model and fast growth in Boulder’s fast-moving market.

Electra: Revolutionizing Iron for a Greener Future

Boulder-based Electra is tackling one of the most carbon-intensive industries on the planet: iron and steel. These sectors account for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions. Electra’s breakthrough involves producing green iron using a zero-emissions process, with Colorado’s renewable energy supporting the operation.

In 2025, Electra became the first recipient of Colorado’s new industrial tax credit, securing nearly $8 million to fund a demonstration facility in Jefferson County. This company isn’t just another tech startup — it’s a sign that Boulder is embracing serious climate innovation with global implications.

Unsupervised: AI That Makes Sense of Your Data

Unsupervised is an AI-powered analytics platform designed to help businesses find hidden insights without needing a full team of data scientists. With over $50 million in funding and a growing list of enterprise clients, the company has created tools that scan large data sets and surface patterns that matter most — from inefficiencies to revenue opportunities.

Founded in Boulder, Unsupervised is redefining what’s possible for mid-size businesses and large organizations that want to act on their data quickly. Its simple, intuitive interface is helping level the playing field for non-technical teams. Startupsavant recently named Unsupervised one of Boulder’s top startups to follow in 2025.

Boulder’s Startup Energy Is Booming

These startups reflect a broader trend: Boulder is not just producing great ideas, it’s launching companies with the power to disrupt entire industries. CU Boulder’s Venture Partners launched 35 university-affiliated startups in the last fiscal year, the most in its history. New programs like Catalyze CU and the Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator are further expanding opportunities for founders across AI, climate tech, and biotech.

Whether you’re a student, an investor, or just curious about what’s next, Boulder remains one of the most exciting places in the country to watch the future unfold — one startup at a time.

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