From the outside, YaDoggie appears to be on a fast track to dog food domination. Customers are fierce brand ambassadors of the dog food subscription company, donning YaDoggie hats and wielding YaDoggie poop bags stamped with humorous text like “Ewww! It’s Warm!” or my personal favorite, “Nickelback songs.” They’re a darling of the press, landing a mention on the Today Show, a feature in TechCrunch, and an ABC News segment on their pen full of puppies at TechCrunch Disrupt. And perhaps most impressive, YaDoggie is “Skyler the Surfing Dog’s” kibble of choice.

SupplyShift helps large companies understand who is in their supply chain and what they are doing across a range of issues. The Santa Cruz based company founded by Alexander Gershenson and James Barsimantov tracks supply chains so businesses can ensure that they’re not using unethical practices.

By Molly Ressler

After a four-year hiatus, TechRaising 2018 is expected to attract up to 150 dreamers and doers for a highly anticipated startup weekend. Those looking to create their startup dream team, join a startup, or just learn how to move from pitch to product are all encouraged to come.

“TechRaising is for anyone with an idea they want to build or explore. It’s also for anyone who wants to help others and be part of a team,” explains co-founder Andrew Mueller.  

Santa Cruz is leading the state when it comes to solar energy. We have more solar installations per capita than any other city in California. As Allterra Solar marketing director David Stearns says, “We’re doing something right.”

By Joel Hersch 

Justis Earle—the local founder of a camera-stabilizing wrist strap known as “Hansnap”—thinks of himself as a longtime “troublemaker,” ever since he was young. But, in his view, that label doesn’t always add up to something problematic. Sometimes, it’s about creativity; not being afraid to march to the beat of one’s own proverbial drum, an eagerness to color outside the lines, and a devotion to throwing rulebooks out of windows whenever possible.