The startup picture in Pittsburgh

Venture activity is meaningful but not dominant: 818 of 5319 tracked companies have raised outside money, while 313 have shut down. Pittsburgh’s funded-company count exceeds several nearby comparison cities, though Baltimore is higher.

Startups in Pittsburgh - Funding, Founders & Investors

Everything startup in one place: who's building, how the landscape clusters, the people and investors behind it, and whether the capital is real.

PNC

PNC: Traditional Banking Services

est. 1845 · 52,906 staff · raised outside money

Mark Hoffman — Managing Director

William S Demchak — Chairman & President & CEO

UPMC

UPMC: Pioneering Healthcare with Global Reach

est. 1986 · 47,721 staff · raised outside money

Jeffrey A Romoff — CEO & President

American Eagle Outfitters

Expanding Global E-commerce and Digital Brand Experience

est. 1977 · 40,000 staff · raised outside money

Jay Schottenstein — Chairman & CEO

AEO

Manufacturer and brand of casual wear

est. 1977 · 40,000 staff · raised outside money

Jay Schottenstein — Founder & CEO

Kraft Heinz Company

Sustainable Packaging Initiative

est. 2013 · 38,000 staff · raised outside money

Bernardo Hees — Ex-CEO

Elio Leoni Sceti — Board Member

Dick's Sporting Goods

Digital-First Retail Expansion

est. 1948 · 31,670 staff · raised outside money

Edward Stack — CEO & Chairman

Wabtec Corporation

Offers train based freight transportation services

est. 1869 · 29,000 staff · raised outside money

Rafael Santana — CEO

GNC

Health Supplements for Athletes

est. 1935 · 12,400 staff · raised outside money

Barry McCockiner — CEO

Matthews International

Identification products and services with innovation

est. 1850 · 12,000 staff · raised outside money

Joseph Bartolacci — CEO

WESCO

Distrubition and supply chain services for electrical and communication

est. 1922 · 7,000 staff · raised outside money

John Engel — CEO

UScellular

Regional Wireless Expansion with Owned Infrastructure

est. 1983 · 5,300 staff · raised outside money

Laurent Therivel — CEO

Accion Labs

Cloud innovation and engineering for business transformation

est. 2011 · 5,000 staff · raised outside money

Tony Kernan — Co-Founder

Kinesh Doshi — Co-Founder & CEO · M. Tech. IIT Delhi

MSA Safety

MSA Safety: Tech-Enabled Safety Solutions for Oil, Gas, and Mining

est. 1914 · 5,000 staff · raised outside money

William Lambert — CEO

First National Bank

Commercial bank

est. 1864 · 4,100 staff · raised outside money

Vincent J Delie — CEO & President

Anthony Laslavic — Managing Director

ATI

Advanced Specialty Materials Production

est. 1996 · 3,946 staff · raised outside money

Bob Wetherbee — CEO

Eat'n Park

Chain of limited service restaurant offering burgers

est. 1949 · 3,726 staff · raised outside money

Larry Hatch — Founder

William D Peters — Founder

Think Through Math

Online Math Tutoring Platform

est. 2002 · 2,886 staff · raised outside money

Louis Piconi — Founder

The Laundry Chute

App-based laundry service using automated lockers and student labor

est. 2014 · 2,273 staff · raised outside money

James Janis — President & Co-Founder

WGL Holdings

Distributor of natural gas

est. 1848 · 1,648 staff · raised outside money

Terry McCallister — Chairman & CEO

Limbach

Provider of construction management services

est. 1901 · 1,500 staff · raised outside money

Charlie Bacon — CEO

Liberty Tire

Reclaimed Tires: Sustainable End-of-Life Solutions for a Greener Future

est. 2000 · 1,391 staff · raised outside money

Scott Whitney — CEO

NEP

Global Live Broadcast Production Solutions

est. 1984 · 1,390 staff · raised outside money

Kevin Rabbitt — CEO & President

Brian Sullivan — CEO · BA Villanova University

Argo AI

Self-driving tech for safer, accessible transportation

est. 2016 · 1,352 staff · raised outside money

Bryan Salesky — Co-Founder & CEO · BSE University of Pittsburgh

Peter Rander — Co-Founder & President

Industrial Scientific

Portable Gas Detection Solutions

est. 1985 · 1,300 staff · raised outside money

Kenton McElhatten — Founder

cluster · 932 companies

Business Services

59 founded since 2018 · 32 funded

Sub-themes

marketing services · 199it services · 139legal services · 108hr services · 91services for nonprofits · 54management consulting services · 46

e.g. Matthews International, WESCO, kef robotics

cluster · 477 companies

Enterprise Applications

103 founded since 2018 · 120 funded

Sub-themes

enterprise software · 128saas · 101hrtech · 83marketingtech · 82sales force automation · 27artificial intelligence · 25

e.g. Freemarkets, automated health systems, the acrelec group

cluster · 438 companies

Healthcare

28 founded since 2018 · 44 funded

Sub-themes

rehabilitation and long-term care · 84services for healthcare providers · 71clinic chains · 61home healthcare · 23fitness and wellness centers · 23biopharma outsourcing · 22

e.g. UPMC, Highmark Health, GNC

cluster · 434 companies

Consumer

77 founded since 2018 · 91 funded

Sub-themes

b2c e-commerce · 86professional consumer services · 50sports services · 38fashion tech · 37social platforms · 31road transport tech · 29

e.g. Dick's Sporting Goods, The Laundry Chute, Pittsburgh Pirates

cluster · 424 companies

Real Estate And Construction

18 founded since 2018 · 13 funded

Sub-themes

architects · 67real estate & infrastructure developers · 65real estate brokers · 49building materials · 41construction contractors · 40construction management services · 38

e.g. Michael Baker, St. Moritz Security Services, Limbach

cluster · 325 companies

Financial Services

14 founded since 2018 · 14 funded

Sub-themes

asset management · 74finance & accounting services · 60insurance carriers · 46insurance distribution · 36services for investment industry · 28banks · 28

e.g. PNC, ARMS, UPMC Health Plan

cluster · 255 companies

High Tech

70 founded since 2018 · 123 funded

Sub-themes

artificial intelligence · 31deep tech · 28industrial robotics · 28wearable technology · 25security & surveillance technology · 22professional service robots · 19

e.g. MSA Safety, 1888, Aerotech

cluster · 245 companies

Retail

41 founded since 2018 · 45 funded

Sub-themes

fashion tech · 37b2c e-commerce · 36internet first brands · 29e-commerce enablers · 21retailers · 20mom & baby care · 18

e.g. Dick's Sporting Goods, Giant Eagle, Seegrid

cluster · 224 companies

Healthtech

75 founded since 2018 · 97 funded

Sub-themes

healthcare it · 114disease self management · 30fitness & wellness tech · 26life sciences tech · 20healthcare booking platforms · 17wearable technology · 17

e.g. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, automated health systems, Net Health

cluster · 208 companies

Media & Entertainment

33 founded since 2018 · 29 funded

Sub-themes

internet first media · 56film & tv studios · 41internet first news publishers · 25social platforms · 22b2c e-commerce · 18radio tech · 15

e.g. NEP, rivers casino pittsburgh, post-gazette

Founder & Background	Role	Company
Elio Leoni Sceti Eps Holding Of Abi Shareholders, ex-Barry Callebaut, ex-Anheuser Busch Inbev, Italian State - Public Bar, 1988	Board Member	Kraft Heinz Company
Tony Kernan Accion Labs, ex-Nityo Infotech, ex-Igate, Duquesne University, 1982	Co-Founder	Accion Labs
Kinesh Doshi Co-Founder & CEO Accion Labs \| Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management MBA 2005	Co-Founder & CEO	Accion Labs
Ashutosh Bijoor CTO - Accion Labs, Ex-RowdyRascal, Verdigris Networked Environments, Realitylabs Interactive Solutions \| Indian Institute of Techn	Managing Director	Accion Labs
Anthony Laslavic Fnb, ex-Terex, ex-Sennebogen Maschinenfabrik, The Wharton School, 2024	Managing Director	First National Bank
Bob Wetherbee Ati, ex-Allegheny Technologies, ex-Minerals Technologies, University of California, Berkeley	CEO	ATI
Louis Piconi MBA, University of Pittsburgh, 1999	Founder	Think Through Math
James Janis Ex-Anderson & Carr Palm Beach Atlantic University, Corporate Finance 2014	President & Co-Founder	The Laundry Chute
Scott Whitney United States Naval Academy	CEO	Liberty Tire
Kevin Rabbitt Positive Coaching Alliance, Crestview Partners, ex-3 Day Blinds, 3 Day Blinds, GES Exposition Services, Texas Ice Stadium. Rice Un	CEO & President	NEP
Brian Sullivan Angel City, Technicolor, Astrolabs, ex-McKinsey & Company, 21st Century Fox, Sky Deutschland. Villanova University BA 1985	CEO	NEP
Bryan Salesky Co-Founder & CEO-Stack AV \| Ex-Argo AI,Google \| University of Pittsburgh BSE 2002	Co-Founder & CEO	Argo AI
Peter Rander Co-Founder & President- Stack AV \| Ex-Argo AI,Uber Advanced Technologies Center \| Carnegie Mellon University MS 1993,PhD 1998	Co-Founder & President	Argo AI
Kenton McElhatten Ex-National Safety Council, National Mine Service. Washington & Jefferson College 1970	Founder	Industrial Scientific
Thomas F Karam ex- VP EQT Corporation , ex-Midstream energy sector, ex-Founder Karbon Partners, PennTex Midstream Partners, Laser Midstream Partn	CEO & President	EQM Midstream Partners
David Porges Nextera Energy, ex-Eqt, Stanford GSB, 1981	CEO	EQT
David Head Operating Partner - Garnett Station Partners \| Florida International University Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management	CEO	Primanti Bros
Sathya sekhar Surabhi Ex-Ashco Industries, Nulab Equipments. Sri Krishnadevaraya University 1988	Founder & CEO	Caliber
Barry Malkin CEO Carnegie Learning, MDP, ex-Apollo Education Group, Bear Stearns, Career Education, Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan Chase. American Uni	CEO	Carnegie Learning
Jim Smith Qol Meds, ex-Pcma Board, ex-National Medical Health Card Systems, West Virginia University, 1971	CEO	Qol Meds

backgrounds shown where available

145 investors are on record backing Pittsburgh companies. The most committed:

Most active — backed 2+ companies

Northwood Ventures

The Carlyle Group

PNC

Innovation Works

Meakem Becker Venture Capital

Institutional

Innovation Works · VC fundMeakem Becker Venture Capital · VC fundBasil Partners · VC fundSJF Ventures · VC fundSaturn Partners · VC fundNew Markets Venture Partners · VC fundGSV Ventures · VC fundUSVP · VC fundMagnetar · VC fundSilversmith · VC fundPittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse · VC fundNewSchools Venture Fund · VC fundDraper Triangle · VC fundArc Capital Development · VC fund+ 28 more

Private & corporate backers

Northwood VenturesThe Carlyle GroupPNCBootUp VenturesNational Cancer InstituteHRSAHHSMilitary HealthUnited States Department of AgricultureHud Exchange+ 93 more

hover a name to see who they backed

Funded startups — peer cities

Pittsburgh

818

Baltimore

556

Cincinnati

460

327Detroit

284Milwaukee

Companies that have raised

Company	Industry	Rounds	Latest Round	Founded
Federated Hermes	investment management	1	2022-05	1955
JENNMAR	mining & metals	1	2024-05	1972
Steelers	sports	1	2009-09	1933
Laurel Networks	telecommunications	5	2005-01	1999
Targe Energy	coal mining	1	2006-06	2005
Avere	computer software	5	2017-03	2008
NexTier Bank	banking	3	2024-02	1878
First National Bank	banking	1	2012-11	1864
TandemLife	medical devices	0	—	1996
Moai Technologies	computer software	2	2000-04	1996
LyGenesis	biotechnology	4	2023-10	2017
ABARTA Oil	oil & energy	1	2015-01	1979
Foundation Radiology Group	hospital & health care	11	2017-09	2006
CoPilot	health, wellness and fitness	3	2023-10	2018
Efficient Computer	computers, parts and peripherals	1	2023-11	2022
Cellomics	enterprise systems (healthcare)	2	2004-01	2001
Stratus Materials	other materials	1	2022-06	2022
Celsense	biotechnology	17	2018-05	2005
ATRP Solutions	chemicals	7	2016-08	2006
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney	law practice	1	2012-04	1850
Flexuspine	medical devices	2	2012-09	2003
ThermalTherapeutic Systems	medical devices	2	2011-02	2006
SDC Nutrition	health, wellness and fitness	6	2016-10	2008
Wellbridge Health	hospital & health care	3	2017-02	2012
VLN Partners	e-learning	1	2011-05	2011

round amounts sparse for tier-3 cities — counts shown, dollar totals withheld

Company	Industry	Founded	Employees
Epiphany Environmental	computer software	2026	—
Fresh Scholarships	education management	2026	—
Killing Thyme	food & beverages	2026	—
Toaster Party	education management	2026	—
Seven Jewels	luxury goods & jewelry	2025	—
Aethl Bio	biotechnology	2025	—
Cherry Valley Organics	food & beverages	2025	—
Devx Intel	computer software	2025	—
Froghire	internet	2025	—
Mytho Labs	computer games	2025	—
Osclip	libraries	2025	—
Sensation Labs	computer software	2025	—
SoftwareHub	computer software	2025	—
OctaPulse	computer software	2025	—
Wolfepack Scouting	sports	2025	—
Ask Mike	leisure, travel & tourism	2024	—
Neuralume	computer software	2024	—
JointPain	health, wellness and fitness	2024	—
Aggequo Ventures	venture capital & private equity	2024	—
All Hands AI	computer software	2024	—

The startup picture in Pittsburgh

PNC

UPMC

American Eagle Outfitters

AEO

Kraft Heinz Company

Dick's Sporting Goods

Wabtec Corporation

GNC

Matthews International

WESCO

UScellular

Accion Labs

MSA Safety

First National Bank

ATI

Eat'n Park

Think Through Math

The Laundry Chute

WGL Holdings

Limbach

Liberty Tire

NEP

Argo AI

Industrial Scientific

Business Services

Enterprise Applications

Healthcare

Consumer

Real Estate And Construction

Financial Services

High Tech

Retail

Healthtech

Media & Entertainment

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