The number of new ventures in recent years has exploded, so there are no shortage of innovative start-up businesses. When we think of this culture, many people consider Silicon Valley and the tech industry. With the introduction of popular crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo investors are more accessible to budding entrepreneurs. Methods like social media also make consumer interaction and insight easier to come by.
Many of these innovative start-up businesses are crowdsourced in some way, such as the teams behind dignity-preserving dresses, transcribing conversation apps and inviting umbrella lights. Others are the result of accelerators, including informative corruption apps, free internet redistributers and phone-focused education. From display-changing wristwatches to urban thicket-growing services, start-ups all over the world are making their mark.
100 Innovative Start-Up Businesses
From Indie Podcast Collectives to Investment Opportunity Tools:
Alyson Wyers — Oct 31, 2014 — Business
100
Connected Carbon Fiber Bicycles
The Lightweight Bluetooth Bike Protects Riders from Unseen Dangers
99
Personalized Scent Subscriptions
Scent Trunk's Fragrance Subscription Will Find Your Perfect Scent
98
Contemporary Collapsible Bikes
Kolelinia's Foldable Halfbike is Compact and Practical for Riders
97
Cargo Carrier Bike Accessories
Fietsklik is a Startup That Makes Cycling with Goods Easier
96
Sweet Selfie Deliveries
Founder James Middleton Says Boomf's Next Step is Tricycle Delivery
95
Outsourced Handcrafted Products
Made By Gurus Lets You Pick Someone to Make Your Handmade Goods
94
Sarcastic Apparel Projects
A Kickstarter Project that Promises Lousy Shirt Rewards
93
Phone Projector Chips
Ostendo's Tic Tac-Sized Projectors Can Emit Holograms From Your Smartphone
92
Bodybuilding Exercise Sensors
The Beast System is About Tracking Weight Lifting And Goal Setting
91
High-Tech Golf Startups
The Arccos Golf Startup's Products Are Now Being Sold in Apple Stores
90
World Travel Start-Ups
Remote Year Helps People Find Work as They Explore the Globe for a Year
89
Wearable Keyboards
AirType Turns Your Hand into the Keyboard
88
Big Data Lingerie Lines
Startup True & Co Uses Big Data to Help Women Locate the Perfect Bra Fit
87
Display-Changing Wristwatches
The E-Paper Watch Allows Wearers to Customize with Different Designs
86
Affordable 3D Printing Technology
This Successful Indiegogo Campaign is for an At Home 3D Printer
85
Holographic Printed Chocolates
Morphotonix's Colorful Printing Method Results in Rainbow Chocolate
84
Wireless Custom Earbuds
These 3D Printed OwnPhones Are Uniquely Designed Not to Fall Out
83
Swiping Fashion Retail Apps
Kwoller's Fashion Price Tracking Feature Adds to a Tinder-Inspired App
82
Blindness Fighting Socks
This Startup is Taking on Preventable Blindness with Mismatched Socks
81
At-Home Call Center Platforms
Kallfly's Call Center Service Platform Can Be Operated from Home
80
Sustainable Smartphone-Charging
This St. Louis Public Charging Station Uses Renewable Energy
79
Discount Food Delivery Programs
The Munchery Plus Plan Aims to Cut Courier Fees for Meals
78
Dignity-Preserving Dresses
The Undress Lets You Change Clothes in Public Without Exposing Yourself
77
Valet-Summoning Apps
Caarbon's Personal Valet Services Solve San Francisco Parking Problems
76
Tablet Photo Viewer Apps
Retro by Tiny Whale is a Handy Instagram Viewer for iPad
75
Inviting Umbrella Lights
Umbrella Here Indicates to Strangers You Would be Willing to Share
74
High Speed Clothing Deliveries
This Fashion Label is Launching 1 Hour Delivery in San Francisco
73
Braille Smartphones
This Braille Phone is Designed By An Indian Start-Up
72
Personalized Typography Businesses
Let Nova Typo Design Your Own Stylish Typeface
71
Professional Personal Assistant Tools
The Fancy Hands Startup Company Provides Users with Support
70
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The Jinn App Allows You To Have Anything You Want Delivered in One Hour
69
Music Bookmarking Apps
Whyd's New iOS App is Part of a Larger Music Streaming Social Network
68
Shop-the-Runway Services
Luevo Lets You Pre-Order the Latest Fashions & Support Emerging Designers
67
Air-Sucking Water Machines
These Atmostpheric Water Generators Create Gallons of Drinking Water
66
Backpack Electric Vehicles
This Electric Skateboard-Like Contraption Fits in a Backpack
65
Holistic Shopping Services
Online Shopping Business Boxes Menswear Picks and Ships Them
64
Pain-Inflicting Fitness Trackers
The Pavlok Habit Forming Device Delivers a Shock of Electricity
63
Audible Translating Systems
Hands Can Talk Translates Signs Into Speech Using Kinect Sensors
62
Investment Opportunity Tools
Partner Hunt Helps Entrepreneurs Find Investors and Vice Versa
61
Workplace Fitness Startups
MOVABLE Promotes Healthy Lifestyles to Increase Employee Well-Being
60
Transparent Crowdsourced Startups
Agora is a Democratic & Online Community-Based Beverage Company
59
Live Local Newsfeeds
The Davai App is a Social Platform Startup Focusing on Meaningful Events
58
Precise Efficient Transit Apps
Ototo Unveils the Precise Transit App to Get You There on Time
57
Urban Thicket-Growing Services
This Social Enterprise Will Plant Forests in Super Small Spaces
56
Heat-Sensing Fire Alarms
Khusela's Smart Detector is Designed for Dense Slum Commmunities
55
Bus Tour Innovation Incubators
This Traveling Startup Accelerator Empowers African Entrepreneurs
54
Time-Saving Laundry Services
The 'Prim' Laundry Delivery Service Does Your Laundry for You
53
Alternative Mass Transportation
The Bridj Smart Transit System Uses Big Data to Get You To Work
52
Free Internet Redistributors
This WiFi Hotspot Setup Startup Gives the Public Access At No Cost
51
Student Survival Gift Boxes
The Pijon Box Lets Parents Send Essentials to Students Away at School
50
Touchscreen Music Knobs
The Tuna Knobs Lets You Turn Any Tablet into a DJ Turntable
49
Transformative Charitable Experiences
Omaze Offers Dream Experiences for a Good Cause
48
Beauty Booking Sites
Lookbooker Helps You Book an Appointment for a Salon Online
47
Crowdsourced Microjournalism Sites
Onpublico Turns Citizens with Smartphones into Photojournalists
46
AR Money Management Apps
The Pocketbook Google Glass App is a Powerful Expense Tracker
45
College Discovery Apps
Reachy Hopes to Connect Students with Potential Schools
44
Phone-Focused Education
This AMPION-Born Mobile Learning Startup Empowers African Teachers
43
Video Conversation Apps
This Creative New Startup Helps Video Conversations Suit Your Schedule
42
Energy-Wasting Tattletale Apps
Environmental Reporting App LightsOut Lets Users Note Harmful Acts
41
Senior Social Media Apps
This 7-In-1 App For Seniors Supports Facebook, Email & More
40
Weed-Reviewing Websites
Leafly Helps Users Find and Review Over 50,000 Marijuana Strains
39
Late Stage Crowdfunding Sites
Crowdlaunch.it as a Platform Specializes in Almost Finished Projects
38
Pre Job-Training Platforms
LearnUp is Closing the Skills Gap by Helping You Before You're Employed
37
Handheld Food Analyzers
The ConsumerPhysics SCiO Scanner Inspects the Content of Sustenance
36
Data Driven Cyclist Apps
WeCycle Aims to Make Safer Cycling Happen in London By Tracking Journeys
35
Randomized Photo Sharing Apps
The Fling Mobile App Lets You Send Photos and Text to Random People
34
Alarm-Connected Lighting
This Smart Night Light Can Alert You When Your Smoke Sensors Go Off
33
Wine-Focused Funding Platforms
Fundovino is a Crowdfunding Site Dedicated Solely to Wine Projects
32
Delivered Dinner Kits
Gobble Helps You Cook Healthy and Quick Meals in 10 Minutes with One Pan
31
One-Size-Fits-All Beds
The Casper Mattress is Made From Latex and Memory Foam for Optimal Comfort
30
Curated Food Apps
The Hotsauce App Spices Up Your Dining Experience
29
Magnetic Smartphone Cases
This New Phone Case is Ideal for Runners and Exercise Enthusiasts
28
Hydrophobic Hospitality Workwear
Fabricor's Stain-Proof Chef Jacket and Apron Actually Repels Food
27
3D-Printed Insoles
SOLS Creates Custom Orthotics with the Help of Instant Technology
26
Healthy Fast-Food Deliveries
Spoonrockets Deliveries Healthy and Organic Meals Within 10 Minutes
25
Upcyled Art Supply Sites
Creative Resale Helps Starving Artists Find Cheap Materials
24
Indoor Navigation Apps
The Inside App Makes Directories a Thing of the Past
23
Hub-Replacing Connective Panels
This Smart Home Controller Connects Your Smart Home Devices
22
Incentive-Driven Fitness Apps
The Fitmob App Makes Workouts More Financially Appealing
21
Megastore Food Subscriptions
Walmart Expands its Empire with the 'Goodies.co' Food Service
20
Parking Auction Apps
MonkeyParking Shows San Francisco Parking Spots Available to Bid Upon
19
Battery-Less Beacons
Ifinity's 'AirBeacons' Are Powered By Electromagnetic Waves
18
Memory-Retaining Wristbands
Sheepdog Creates a Device to Develop Long-Term Memory While You Sleep
17
Convenient Contraceptive Deliveries
The Dollar Rubber Club Will Deliver Condoms to Your Home
16
Futuristic Eye-Tracking Headwear
The Fove Head-Mounted Display Contains Eye-Tracking Technology
15
Vinyl Subscription Services
A Vinyl Record Club Offers Monthly Music Paired with Cocktail Recipes
14
Experience-Based Startups
Keep Your Social Calendar Full with ‘Joylister’
13
Indie Podcast Collectives
The PRX's Revolutionary Radiotopia Public Radio Network is Story-Driven
12
Personalized Printed Papers
Startup PaperLater Reformats Online Articles Into Print News For You
11
Informative Corruption Apps
This Bribery App Tells You How Much Bribes Cost Anywhere on Earth
10
App Advancement Services
FbStart by Facebook Provides a Free Package to Improve Mobile Apps
9
Gameplay Video Apps
Kamcord's App is a Dedicated Place for Gamers to Watch Gameplay Videos
8
Impromptu Bellhop Services
The 'Urban Bellhop' Handles Check-Ins for Airbnb Hosts
7
PR-Eliminating Web Services
JustReachOut Connects Brands to Relevant Journalists For Startup Press
6
Immortality-Securing Gadgets
Yourbot Lets You Share Your Wisdom With Future Generations
5
Airport Car Sharing Services
FlightCar Puts Idle Automobiles in Long-Term Parking to Good Use
4
Premium-Pooling Platforms
This P2P Car Insurance Startup Lets Groups Combine Premium Payments
3
Water-Repelling Trunks
These Hydrophobic Frank Anthony Shorts Will Never Get Wet or Stained
2
Transcribing Conversation Apps
Startup RogerVoice Allows for Hard of Hearing and Deaf Phone Calls
1
Trip Transportation Planning Sites
Mozio Helps Tourists With Their Hotel to Airport Transportation
Related Ideas
Professional First Impression Tips
This Job Interview Advice Infographic Lists Things to Avoid
Muesli Delivery Services
Yousli Lets You Customize Museli Bowls and Get Breakfast Delivered
Food-Inspired Fashion Shops
Anya Hindmarch's Fashion Pop Up Presents Luxury Goods Like Groceries
Sweet Selfie Deliveries
Founder James Middleton Says Boomf's Next Step is Tricycle Delivery
Wearable Adhesive Beacons
The Versatile Estimote Stickers Connect Everyday Objects to Smartphones
High-Speed Photography Apps
The MIOPS Camera Trigger Sets the Conditions for Dynamic Photos
Men-Only Shopping Services
Selfridges' Personal Shopping Service Caters Specifically to Men
Trip Sharing Social Apps
This Travel Journal App Lets You Share Details of Your Trip Securely
Drink Pre-Ordering Apps
Starbucks' Mobile App Will Soon Let You Order and Pay in Advance
Blindness Fighting Socks
This Startup is Taking on Preventable Blindness with Mismatched Socks
Beaded Statement Necklaces
Etsy's Li Telle Jewelry Shop Features Hand-Embroidered Accessories
Bobbi Paidel of Tribe of Lambs (INTERVIEW)
Change-Driven Retail
Sustainable Smartphone-Charging
This St. Louis Public Charging Station Uses Renewable Energy
Selfie Travel Packages
Mandarin Oriental's Unique Hotel Package is Designed for Phonetographers
Branded Innovation Labs
Cole Haan Collaborated with Flavorpill to Inspire Idea Generation
Charitable Musical Collections
The OBEY Awarness Collection Partners with Adam Yauch's Foundation
Secret Streaming Infographics
Workplace Confidential Explores Americans Watching Videos at Work
High Speed Clothing Deliveries
This Fashion Label is Launching 1 Hour Delivery in San Francisco
Office Friendship Stats
This Infographic Explores Data on the Benefits of Having Friends at Work
Braille Smartphones
This Braille Phone is Designed By An Indian Start-Up
Boombox Beer Cases
Beck's Beer Packaging Design Houses Brews Inspired by Music Genres
Outsourced Apology Services
Japan's Apology Agencies Help You Tell Someone You're Sorry
Head Gear Generators
This Chin Strap Harnesses Mouth Energy to Power Small Devices By Chewing
Silhouette Perfume Campaigns
Karlie Kloss Stars is the Face for the Latest Chanel Perfume
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The Jinn App Allows You To Have Anything You Want Delivered in One Hour
Music Bookmarking Apps
Whyd's New iOS App is Part of a Larger Music Streaming Social Network
Continuous Crowdfunding
Forever Funding Removes Deadlines for Successful Indiegogo Campaigns
Shop-the-Runway Services
Luevo Lets You Pre-Order the Latest Fashions & Support Emerging Designers
Ephermeral Messaging Apps
Instagram Bolt Shares Images Instantly to Smaller Groups of People
Connected Smart Home Gadgets
The mydlink Home Lets You Control Home Electronics From Your Phone
Versatile Video Messaging Apps
Skype Qik Offers Distinct Advantages Over Snapchat
Artisan Beard Oils
This Handmade Collection Contains Essential Haircare Products for Beards
Crowdfunding Mobile Apps
The Indiegogo App Helps the Social Platform Expand Its Reach
Maternal Community Apps
Smile Mom is an App That Connects Nearby Mothers
Braille Clothing Tags
Rip Curl's Braille Clothing Tags Communicate Colors to the Visually Impaired
Universal Smartphone Bike Mounts
Finn is a Simple and Affordable Mobile Accessory for Cyclists
Audible Translating Systems
Hands Can Talk Translates Signs Into Speech Using Kinect Sensors
Volunteer-Rewarding Packages
The Ritz-Carlton Do Good, Feel Good Package Offered a Luxury Upgrade
Crossover Wallet Apps
Starbucks' Mobile Payment May Soon Let You Make Other Purchases with Its App
Sustainable Radio Shows
Sea Change Focuses on the Triple Bottom Line
Speedy Bike Delivery Services
Hurrier Picks Up Food, Packages and More for Busy Torontonians
Non-Profit Incubators
Beespace Supports Social Innovations in New York City and Beyond
Investment Opportunity Tools
Partner Hunt Helps Entrepreneurs Find Investors and Vice Versa
Low-Rent Innovation Labs
Venture House Will Turn a Foreclosed Property Into a Startup Incubator
Workplace Fitness Startups
MOVABLE Promotes Healthy Lifestyles to Increase Employee Well-Being
Recreated Restaurant Recipes
Forage Delivers Prepped Ingredients So You Can Cook Quick Meals
Girls-Aiding Accelerators
The Girl Effect Accelerator Focuses on Poverty and Women's Empowerment
Eco Awareness Fragrances
These Climate Change Products Take the Form of Fleeting Fragrances
Incentivized Barcode Research
Customer Feedback is Given on Free Products by Scanning Unique Codes
Heat-Sensing Fire Alarms
Khusela's Smart Detector is Designed for Dense Slum Commmunities
Bus Tour Innovation Incubators
This Traveling Startup Accelerator Empowers African Entrepreneurs
Anonymous Advice Apps
Agonyapp Lets You Broadcast Your Complaints, Rants and Problems Online
Design Tweaks Outsourcing
Swiftly Will Take on Your Company's Small Design Jobs in Under an Hour
Free Internet Redistributors
This WiFi Hotspot Setup Startup Gives the Public Access At No Cost
Ukraine Protest Photography
Journey Through Ukraine Reveals Life Under Civil War
Ballpark Beacons
These Major League Baseball Beacons Enhance the Ballpark Experience
Matchmaking Shoe Apps
The SoSho Footwear App is Like Tinder for Shoes
Charitable Acceptance Speeches
The VMAS Miley Cyrus Speech was Made in Honor of Homeless
Ingredient Delivery Services
Popcart's Recipe Finder Tool Gathers Ingredients & Sends Them to You
Formerly Homeless Tour Guides
The Homeless Tour Guides Help Tourists Discover Barcelona
Phone-Focused Education
This AMPION-Born Mobile Learning Startup Empowers African Teachers
Video Conversation Apps
This Creative New Startup Helps Video Conversations Suit Your Schedule
Travel Simulation Booths
Marriott Hotel Shares a 4D Virtual Reality Travel Experience with Guests
Employment Barrier Charities
CheckIn Works is a Scottish Organization Galvanizing Opportunity
Late Stage Crowdfunding Sites
Crowdlaunch.it as a Platform Specializes in Almost Finished Projects
Map Messenger Apps
Jink is a Location-Sharing App that Combines Messaging with Geotagging
Bulbous Mobile Speakers
The Meggabeat iPhone 5 Amplifier is a Small Product with Big Sound
Wine-Focused Funding Platforms
Fundovino is a Crowdfunding Site Dedicated Solely to Wine Projects
Senegalese Solar Initiatives
Akon Lighting Africa Hopes to Provide Clean Energy to the Continent
News Viewing Devices
The FlipIt Frame Aims to Change the Way People Consume News Stories
Charitable Bonding Activities
This Charity Bike Build Encourages Team Bonding
Call-Simulating Apps
The Knock Android App Replicates a Call Every Time You Send a Text
Recruiter Resume Recommendations
This Infographic From Reed Offers CV Tips to Land the Job
Question-Answering Apps
The Jelly App is a Social Media Forum to Answer Questions
Beacon Airport Navigation
The indoo.rs Indoor Navigation at SFO Helps Blind Travelers Get Around
Beacon-Enabled Airports
Miami International Airport Has Integrated the Tech in a World's First
On-Demand Beauty Apps
The PRIV App Provides Cosmetic & Wellness On-Demand Beauty Services
Snapshotting Design Apps
The Schnapps Mac Plug-In Takes Time Lapsed Videos of Your Design Process
Crocheted Fruit Cozies
Etsy Shop BooBoosAttic Creates Accessorizes One's Apple Snacks
Cooling Golf Apparel
This Nike Apparel is Helping Golfers Beat the Heat at the PGA Championship
Crowdsourced Bill Payment Websites
The 'Turn On Detroit's Water' Campaign Helps Settle Water Bills
Spontaneous Picnic Services
Lay's Partners with Uber for a Potato Chip Delivery Promotion in NYC
City Hotspot Maps
Taxi Stockholm's Map Points Out the Hottest Spots in the City
Nostalgic Music Generators
The Nostalgic Machine is a Musical Time Machine
Data-Donating Initatives
The #4Good Campaign Lets Mobile Users Gift Their Unused Data to Charities
Rapid Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart Delivers Groceries to Your Home Within the Hour
Blind-Assisting Subway Beacons
The wayfindr System Guides the Blind Through London's Subway System
Mileage Countdown Campaigns
SEAT's Summer Campaign Charts the Route to Relaxation
Sea Predator Fragrances
Tara Reid's Shark by Tara Fragrance Was Inspired by Sharknado 2
Ad-Transmitting Beacons
The NFL's Beacon Network Sends Fans Personalized Ads
Fan Engagement Services
This Audio Content Platform Connects Influencers and Their Audience
Classroom Chat Apps
The Class Chat App Helps Students Keep in Touch with Other Classmates
Energy-Harnessing Boots
The 'Kinetic Boot' is Being Developed by Lockheed Martin & STC Footwear
Washroom-Locating Beacons
Levi's Stadium's Beacons Help Fans Find Washrooms, Parking Spots & More
Deaf Danger Apps
This Sound Translation App Recognizes Risk and Notifies the Hard of Hearing
Bicycling Route Apps
The CycleMap App Charts the Best Bike Routes Around the World
Affordable Motion-Control Guns
Trinity Magnum by TrinityVR Makes Gaming More Immersive
Inspirational Shark Week Emblems
Etsy's Stitch Culture Shop Creates Hand-Embroidered Art Pieces
Revolutionized Streaming Apps
Rdio's Streaming Service Has Undergone a Complete Redesign
Signaling Bicycle Bracelets
The Intelligent Blinker Lets Cyclists Flash Turn Signals
Celestial Astronaunt Footwear
The Missions Sneakers Commemorate Neil Armstrong's First Moon Steps
Vocal Halloween Apps
Sainsbury's Voice-Changing App Lets Kids Take Costumes to a New Level
Massive Group Umbrellas
The Sport-Brella Unique Umbrella that can Fit a Crowd of People Under it
Hybrid Synthesizers
The Modulus.002 Blends Classic Analog Sounds with Digital Capabilities
Vocal Response Radio Advertising
XAPPmedia Runs Interactive Radio Ads With Audio-Based Asks
Group Bonding Apps
The Vingle App is a Place to Mingle with Like-Minded People
Organizational Messaging Apps
The Snowball App Harmonizes Your Messaging Apps
Dog Radio Stations
Pedigree's K9FM is a Radio Station with Canine-Friendly Content
Brooklyn Basketball Beacons
The Brooklyn Nets Are Using Beacon Technology to Improve Fan Access
Ugandan Eye Care Apps
This Blindness Prevention Mobile App was Developed Specifically for Uganda
Speedy Golf Courses
The KwikLink Courses Offer Golfers the Chance to Play in Record Time
Context Awareness Apps
The Location Tracking PlaceUs Uses Automation to Maintain Close Connections
Buzz Word-Mocking Songs
Mission Statement From the Weird Al Mandatory Fun Album is Nonsensical
Creative Cosplay
Trend Hunter Editor Meghan Young Discusses Clever Comic-Con Outfits
Conceptual Commuter Gondolas
The Proposed East River Skyway Will Alleviate Overcrowded NYC Transit
Tailored Spa Services
The 'Spa by JW' Marriott Hotel and Spa Experience Suits Individual Needs
Remixable Radio Ads
Red Bull's Radio DJ Ad Attracts New Talent to the Campus Clash Competition
Speedy Messaging Apps
The Tap App Claims to Be the World's Fastest Messaging App
Transcribing Conversation Apps
Startup RogerVoice Allows for Hard of Hearing and Deaf Phone Calls
Fantasy TV Fansites
Supernatural Wiki is an Online Space for Avid Fans of the Television Show
Trailblazing Golf Irons
The Nike Vapor Iron Collection is Built for Maximum Power and Precision
Celeb Gaming Fundraisers
Will Ferrell Hates Cancer and is Playing Video Games for Charity