5 Startup websites we love and why
Over the years we’ve had the privilege of working with some awesome startups. So we’re well aware that a kick-ass digital presence can open one heck of a lot of doors. Combining solid UX and UI design, with robust development, will not only help you attract potential customers, but investors too.
So don’t cut corners! Invest in something that’ll help you put your best foot forward. Let’s check out 5 startup websites that we love and why. We hope they inspire!
Our top startup website picks:
1. 56K.Cloud ☁️
The first one on our list is the consulting startup, 56K.Cloud. This tech company focuses on Automation, Cloud, Containers and DevOps. If you’re not a tech wizard, you’re probably like “huh?” Basically their main goal is to help companies structure their businesses correctly in the cloud. Allowing teams to access files and applications from any device, wherever they are.
They put a lot of energy into creating the perfect brand and site (and it paid off).
Why we love the 56K.Cloud site:
Is it just me or do I feel like I’m floating on a cloud as I scroll down their home page? We love their use of transitions and subtle animations. It really brings the site to life.
We absolutely LOVE the bold illustration! It gives the site a unique and “wow” feel.
Kudos to their use of typography! It not only communicates the tone and theme of the website, but adds a little more design flavour.
The site looks great on desktop, and mobile devices.
Check out the 56K.Cloud website here. It doesn’t disappoint!
2. Impossible Foods™ 🍔
Impossible Foods has an awesome goal: make food that’s better for people and the planet. Can I get a “whoop whoop!”
The California based startup has developed plant-based alternatives to beef and pork. Unlike many of its competitors Impossible Foods has done the impossible. Through science, it’s actually made plants taste like meat! How? Well, I won't get into that, but if you’re interested check out the science behind Impossible™ here.
Impossible Foods is trying to do a lot of good and to top it all off they have a pretty rad site.
Why we love the Impossible Foods site:
Colour! They’re not afraid to use it - in a way that makes design sense, might I add.
We love their mix of photography and illustration. They compliment each other in terms of quirk, colour and just plain happiness.
We dig 😉 how some of their images are looping animations.
They use white space just right. It keeps the site uncluttered and makes content easier to scan.
Their links are styled in an interesting way with a cool animation on hover. Love this kind of attention to detail.
If you’re looking for a bright, happy site to inspire, check out the Impossible Foods site here.
3. Boom ✈️
Boom is a supersonic aviation startup based in Denver, USA. They aim to whizz people around the world in aircrafts that are faster than the speed of sound. Afternoon in New York? Totally possible (dollar dollar bills aside). Think three hours and fifteen minutes of flight time vs the customary seven!
A lot of thought and care has gone into the Boom site. Let’s see why it makes our list…
Why we love the Boom site:
We love their use of black with pops of bright yellow. It makes the modern, bold aesthetic a little more approachable.
We never thought an aircraft could offer up so much visual candy! The sleek, clean photography does a great job at capturing all the features and aspects of their aircrafts. We love how photography is one of the most prominent aspects of the design aesthetic.
The new era of travel section on the home page is just awesome. It’s pretty cool how the background image “lights up” as you scroll. Can you say drama?!
They’ve included lots of little bits and pieces to interact with around the site. It makes for an interesting and immersive experience. For example check out their XB-1 program timeline.
If you’re a gadgety sort of person, this site is for you. Check it out here.
4. Ritual 💊
Ritual is a Los-Angeles startup that is shaking up the multivitamin world. It offers vegan certified, gluten free and non-GMO vitamins designed specifically for women. We love how they seem to be super transparent about the ingredients in their capsules, as well as where these ingredients are sourced.
This site had us intrigued from the moment we opened it! All we need now, is for them to ship to our neck of the woods!
Why we love the Ritual site:
They make vitamins look like fashion accessories! The transparent, golden capsules are beautifully portrayed in clean, colourful and simple photography.
We love how they carry through the theme of transparency. Check out their clever header copy on the home page: The Future of Vitamins is Clear. As well as the list of ingredients and sources on the Ingredient’s page. It all ties into their brand ethos perfectly. I mean even their capsules are transparent in design!
Vitamins delivered to your door?! We love how their subscription service makes it easier to access a little goodness.
The fun, modern design and bold colour palette makes buying vitamins all the more enticing.
Their site is full of surprises. From interesting hover effects to interactive sections (check out the Essential Prenatal page and scroll down to the Our Pill Works Smarter section).
Whether you’re looking for a new multivitamin, or just need a little eye-candy, check out the Ritual website.
5. Wealthsimple💰
Wealthsimple provides investing without the high fees and account minimums you get with traditional investment companies. The Canadian startup focuses on helping younger generations secure their financial futures through investing.
The company caught our eye because they seem pretty approachable compared to a lot of financial companies out there. We found their site... well, simple. And that’s not a bad thing!
Why we love the Wealthsimple site:
It’s clean and free of clutter! They keep their content short and sweet and easy to digest.
We love the 3-D animated images. It adds visual interest and depth to the overall design.
They’ve colour coded their product offerings. Grey for Wealthsimple Invest, gold for Wealthsimple Cash, mint for Wealthsimple Trade, and blue for Wealthsimple Tax. This is a great tool to help the user visually separate their offerings.
We love how impactful their Product’s dropdown menu is in terms of design.
They have some awesome resources to help you learn. Check out Lesson 1: The Stock Market - their video style is fun and engaging! We also love their Personal Finance 101 pages - super useful.
Wealthsimple’s site is everything a site should be. Simple, clear and to the point. It’s easy to navigate and has a heck of a lot of useful information. Check it out here.
Let’s get designing!
Inspired? I’ll say! We hope our perfect mix of startup sites will help inject a little design enthusiasm in your current, or next project :)
Remember, for a startup website to be successful you need a clear product offering, coupled with solid UX and UI design. High-quality design will not only create an enjoyable experience for your users, but will also help make you look credible and trustworthy.
Questions? We’re here to help! Reach out to us and let’s make your startup’s website the best it can be.
Need some guidance on getting your app started? Why not check out our App design for newbies: A complete guide to building your first app (with pictures)?