2013 has been an overall successful year for numerous startups. But how about the year ahead of us? Following, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the top 6 startups to watch in the months to come. From SnapChat to Distractify, read below to see which startups are worthy of your interest in 2014.
No. 6: Distractify
Distractify is yet another website that focuses on sharing viral stories and photo collages. So what’s so interesting about that, you may ask. Well, in the first month since it was launched, the website reached over 21 million unique visitors, as reported by Google Analytics. This fast growing media startup is expected to increase in popularity even more over the next few months, so keep an eye on it.
No. 5: Ambro
Ambro is the newest and hottest food startup in town. The Finland-based company plans to completely revolutionize the notion of healthy eating. Ambro is basically a liquid meal, 100% organic, which can fulfill an entire day’s worth of nutritional requirements. Currently, the company serves only about 120 clients across North America and Europe, but it is planning on starting shipments in February 2014.
No. 4: Whisper
If there’s one startup that was an instant hit, Whisper is it. The company, which distributes an app meant to enhance online anonymity and let users post their thoughts without divulging who they are, received its first round of capital worth $3 million in April 2013. By July of the same year, the company was already being valued at $100 million. With Whisper rapidly becoming of the most liked and popular social platforms, it is interesting to see how this startup will perform in 2014.
No. 3: Oscar
With the Affordable Care Act (better known as Obamacare) soon to be enforced, one startup you should definitely watch in 2014 is Oscar. The New York-based startup, which already raised $40 million for its launch, is looking to service customers who wish to get insured under the new health care act. Oscar is projected to become one of the biggest insurance companies in the US, rivaling big names such as UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) and Aetna Inc (NYSE:AET), so it will certainly be worthwhile watching in 2014.
No. 2: Circle Internet Financial
The now infamous Bitcoin has generated countless headlines in 2013 and this is probably why Circle Internet Financial, a payment platform, has decided to make it easier for buyers and sellers to use the electronic currency. The startup raised about $9 million in October 2013 from Accel Partners, General Catalyst Partners, and Jim Breyer. With the Bitcoin receiving more and more recognition, it will be interesting to see how things will go for Circle Internet Financial in 2014.
No. 1: SnapChat
2013 has been a rather busy year for SnapChat, the popular mobile phone app. It started out with two offers turned down, one from Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), worth a reported $3 billion and one from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) worth $4 billion and ended up with the company only making $2 billion in revenue by the end of December 2013. In addition, SnapChat founders are still involved in a lawsuit with the ousted board member Reggie Brown. Whether 2014 will make or break SnapChat, this is definitely one startup worth watching this year.
