Best California Startup Branding Agencies

370 Companies - Rankings updated: April 02, 2026

DesignRush assesses agencies using expertise standards and verified client experiences to help you make better decisions. Certain agencies have paid placements.

United States × California ×
  • Let’s Do Good Together!

    Let’s Do Good Together!

    Nika transforms companies by designing best-in-class experiences, driven by strong creative and rooted in technology, data, and strategy. We combine these capabilities to create a brand experience that grows businesses and people love.  [... see all Nika reviews ]
    Location
    San Jose, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $130/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • Digital Experiences, Re-Imagined.

    Digital Experiences, Re-Imagined.

    We pride ourselves on delivering innovative, digital experiences that make an impact. Since 2012, weve proudly partnered with start-ups, SMBs, Fortune 500 companies and everyone in between to unlock value through creativity, technology, and business-minded thinking.  [... see all Big Drop reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Crafting Websites, Apps, and SaaS Products for Today's Leading Brands and Growing Startups

    Crafting Websites, Apps, and SaaS Products for Today's Leading Brands and Growing Startups

    Vrrb builds custom websites and platforms that drive conversions while helping your brand dominate in today's market.  [... see all Vrrb reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed
  • Building Brands for High Growth Companies

    Building Brands for High Growth Companies

    From cohesive brand systems to high-performing websites, to data-driven marketing strategies and content that resonates with diverse audiences, we deliver scalable solutions that help you lead; whether you're a mission-driven startup, an investor, an enterprise, or a nonprofit.  [... view Wunderdogs profile ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
    Portfolios Count
    25 Projects Listed
  • Marketing Agency That Blends Creative Branding With Emotional Advertising.

    Marketing Agency That Blends Creative Branding With Emotional Advertising.

    Sagon-Phior is a full-service creative agency specializing in emotional marketing and brand growth.  [... view Sagon-Phior profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    12 Projects Listed
  • UI/UX Design, Branding & Web Design Agency

    UI/UX Design, Branding & Web Design Agency

    Webgamma is a UI/UX design, branding, and web design agency that helps businesses turn complex ideas into meaningful digital experiences. From intuitive interfaces to distinctive brand identities, we design and build websites that connect with users and drive real results.  [... see all Webgamma reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Drink With Your Eyes®

    Drink With Your Eyes®

    For 50 years, CF Napa Brand Design has set the standard in the drinks industry. Under the leadership of Owner & Creative Principal David Schuemann for the past 24 years, we have developed and restaged countless brands through story, packaging, and visual ethos.  [... view CF NAPA Brand Design profile ]
    Location
    Napa, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Portfolios Count
    24 Projects Listed
  • Brands Aligned. Workforces Transformed.

    Brands Aligned. Workforces Transformed.

    Evviva is a San Francisco-based brand agency specializing in technology, energy, financial services and startups. We build powerful brands that make people take notice and take action.  [... see all Evviva Brands reviews ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Portfolios Count
    9 Projects Listed
  • Your strategic partners in data-driven, user-inspired, & future-ready digital innovations.

    Your strategic partners in data-driven, user-inspired, & future-ready digital innovations.

    Tentackles is a premier UI/UX design agency, serving global clients since 2018. We specialize in innovative and user-centric digital solutions that captivate audiences and drive conversions. Our expert team crafts visually engaging and seamless user experiences. Need top-tier design? Connect with us  [... see all Tentackles reviews ]
    Location
    Walnut, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $20/hr
    Portfolios Count
    16 Projects Listed
  • Your digital partner blending strategy, design, and technology to drive growth.

    Your digital partner blending strategy, design, and technology to drive growth.

    Whether you need strategy, consulting, hiring support, or a fresh website, we partner with you to build solutions that fit your goals, budget, and long-term growth.  [... see all Amasta Media reviews ]
    Location
    Dublin, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • Telling Stories Through Design

    Telling Stories Through Design

    We provide UI/UX design services for growing companies. Our team creates heart-racing experiences by applying design thinking and bold creativity. Whatever your mission is, ours is to accompany you to success and generate powerful results.  [... see all Evo Design Studio reviews ]
    Location
    Mountain View, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $40/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Make Every Click Count!

    Make Every Click Count!

    Straight North is a full-service Internet marketing firm that works with you to customize the best mix of online marketing from PPC and email campaigns to SEO-based responsive websites to provide results that move the needle.  [... view Straight North profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    18 Projects Listed
  • Affordable & Creative Design Company

    Affordable & Creative Design Company

    Pace Digital is a cutting-edge digital marketing agency offering innovative solutions for businesses. With expertise in SEO, social media marketing, web design, and more, we help clients optimize their online presence and drive targeted traffic. Our team of experts utilizers data-driven strategies to deliver  [... see all Pace Digitals reviews ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    1000 & Up
    Average Hourly Rate
    $70/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • Where Genuine Brilliance Effortlessly Shines.

    Where Genuine Brilliance Effortlessly Shines.

    We help our clients succeed by creating unique costume websites, brand identities, digital experiences, and print materials that communicate clearly, achieve marketing goals, and look fantastic.  [... see all Dino Code LA reviews ]
    Location
    Del Rey, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $45/hr
    Minimal Budget
    Under $1,000
  • Top-Rated Social Media Marketing & Podcasting Agency

    Top-Rated Social Media Marketing & Podcasting Agency

    We specialize in content workflow automation, social media content, and branded podcasts that help companies scale, sell, and build trustall while running on autopilot.  [... see all Venture Media reviews ]
    Location
    Irvine, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    7 Projects Listed
  • Design by people for people

    Design by people for people

    IXD Büro is a cozy European atelier specializing in custom web design and exceptional UX/UI solutions. As a boutique studio, our small, dedicated team approaches each project like true craftsmen.  [... see all IXD Büro reviews ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $40/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • Legendary brands for legendary founders

    Legendary brands for legendary founders

    La Visual is a branding agency for startups launching new products and medium-sized businesses that need to rebrand. Our proven process is driving results in the age of AI, which allows us to work with restrictive budgets while delivering stellar quality.  [... see all La Visual reviews ]
    Location
    Pasadena, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Your Vision. My Expertise. Powerful Branding & Web Design.

    Your Vision. My Expertise. Powerful Branding & Web Design.

    We help Brands & Businesses stand out online and thrive in a connected world. Crafting user-friendly websites and impactful brand identities to help brands and businesses thrive online.  [... see all Donna Melger Designs reviews ]
    Location
    Santa Cruz, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • A Creative Partner For Your Team.

    A Creative Partner For Your Team.

    Nemomakes helps countless companies, startups, founders and entrepreneurs create web and mobile products for their businesses that deliver phenomenal and tangible results.  [... view Nemomakes profile ]
    Location
    Walnut Creek, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    20 Projects Listed
  • Obsessed with Function. Driven by Design.

    Obsessed with Function. Driven by Design.

    BexBrands specializes in developing genuine communication touchpoints to foster brand-customer relationships. Our services span advertising and graphic design in print, web, email and social media to maintain brand consistency. We excel in package design, finding your unique mark in the marketplace.  [... see all BEXBRANDS reviews ]
    Location
    San Diego, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Your One-Stop Print, Design & Mailing Shop

    Your One-Stop Print, Design & Mailing Shop

    J-n-K Services, Inc. is a certified woman- and minority-owned commercial printing and creative design studio founded over 30 years ago and based in Chatsworth, California. The full-service firm specializes in graphic design, custom branding, large-format signage, vehicle wraps, mailing services, and  [... see all J-N-K SERVICES, Inc. reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed
  • Digital Solutions that Drive Your Business Forward

    Digital Solutions that Drive Your Business Forward

    For over a decade, FYC Labs has been a leading design and development agency dedicated to empowering businesses. We offer a range of services including engineering expertise, UI/UX web and product design, and strategic guidance.  [... view FYC Labs profile ]
    Location
    San Diego, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    11 Projects Listed
  • Crafting Unique Experiences, and Building Lasting Relationships.

    Crafting Unique Experiences, and Building Lasting Relationships.

    We are a design studio located in West Sacramento, CA specializing in brand development, logo design, print and layout, and web design. We collaborate with startups, non-profits, and small businesses to create unforgettable user experiences that tell their unique story.  [... see all Hoerl Design reviews ]
    Location
    West Sacramento, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Your imagination, Amplified. Digitally.

    Your imagination, Amplified. Digitally.

    We help ambitious brands leverage video, ad & brand films, branding, UI/UX design, and full-service creative solutions to achieve rapid growth seamless experiences, intuitive results.  [... see all Smoking Chimney reviews ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $20/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • Growth Partner for Strategic Innovation

    Growth Partner for Strategic Innovation

    At Make My Brand (MMB), we transform ideas into industry-leading brands using our proprietary Brand Development Lifecycle (BDLC) framework. We deliver measurable growth through tailored strategies, real-time insights, and flexible models including Growth-as-a-Service, Staff-as-a-Service, AI Innovation, and  [... view Make My Brand profile ]
    Location
    Emeryville, California
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $15/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    14 Projects Listed
  • Were a Full-Stack Creative Studio

    Were a Full-Stack Creative Studio

    Sketchy Digital is a creative studio that helps SMBs and large corporations to grow their businesses with high quality project management and scaled creation of graphic design and digital illustrations.  [... view Sketchy Digital profile ]
    Location
    Walnut Creek, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $80/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    16 Projects Listed
  • Designing Digital Innovation, Delivering Impact

    Designing Digital Innovation, Delivering Impact

    Signature Creative is a Los Angeles based digital product and design agency founded in 2004. With a lean, senior-led team, they specialize in transforming brands through a combination of award-winning branding, UX/UI, creative technology, and full-stack development. The firm partners with Fortune 500s  [... view Signature Creative profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    12 Projects Listed
  • We Authentically Care & Deliver

    We Authentically Care & Deliver

    Want to boost your revenue? We create high-converting, future-proofed websites, apps, and brand assets.  [... view Charly Agency profile ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $70/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    12 Projects Listed
  • Generating Creativity

    Generating Creativity

    Whether marketing memorable brands, or designing alluring interiors, at Desert Society were passionate about generating creativity to help the people and businesses of the SoCal region shine that much brighter.  [... view Desert Society profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    12 Projects Listed
  • Media innovation for beauty and personal care.

    Media innovation for beauty and personal care.

    Dillie is a media innovation partner for beauty and personal care brands.We specialize in AI video marketing by building, scaling, and optimizing branded content and performance driven media. Breaking through with trending content to produce quality, unique branded assets, we ideate and activate  [... see all Dillie reviews ]
    Location
    California City, California
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Your Marketing & Growth Partner.

    Your Marketing & Growth Partner.

    A top-rated digital marketing and design agency based in California. We help small to medium-sized businesses grow with paid advertising, content marketing, website design and branding.  [... view Just Digital profile ]
    Location
    Beverly Hills, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $175/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    10 Projects Listed
  • Supercharge Your Growth Marketing With a Results & Data-Driven Approach

    Supercharge Your Growth Marketing With a Results & Data-Driven Approach

    Established in 2001, HypeLife Brands is a progressive music marketing + brand development + marketing agency helping consumer-focused lifestyle startups & challenger brands engage the Millennial Generation.  [... view HypeLife Brands profile ]
    Location
    Oceanside, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
  • Advertising That Matters!

    Advertising That Matters!

    Daniel Brian Advertising elevates brand recognition and drives customer acquisition for purpose-driven brands in the healthcare sector, hospitals, wellness, food chains, finance, higher education and sustainable consumer products.  [... view Daniel Brian profile ]
    Location
    West Hollywood, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • We Believe The Only Strategy Is To Be Irreplaceable.

    We Believe The Only Strategy Is To Be Irreplaceable.

    RNR is a high-end web atelier built by passionate creatives and builders.  [... view RNR profile ]
    Location
    San Diego, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $70/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    10 Projects Listed
  • We develop high quality, SEO ready WordPress and Shopify websites for businessessince 2008.

    We develop high quality, SEO ready WordPress and Shopify websites for businessessince 2008.

    We develop high quality, SEO ready WordPress and Shopify websites for businesses—since 2008. We help websites and ecommerce businesses increase performance and sales through online marketing and SEO.  [... view Otter Creative Studio profile ]
    Location
    San Diego, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    11 Projects Listed
  • Visionary Sparks, Global Diffusion.

    Visionary Sparks, Global Diffusion.

    Designing Scalable, User-First Products for SaaS, AI & Beyond  [... view VSDesign profile ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $45/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    11 Projects Listed
  • Want to GROW and extend your brand? You need Movere.

    Want to GROW and extend your brand? You need Movere.

    At CRC, Movere stands for emotionally-resonant branding & messaging that moves people: it lights up their heart (giving them the feels), and sparks their mind, motivating them to take action (read: sales).Movere is what delivers actual results to our clients... Growth, extension, and expansion.  [... see all ChrisRubinCreativ (CRC) reviews ]
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Smart Design, Strong Concepts.

    Smart Design, Strong Concepts.

    We focus on creating comprehensive branding and identity systems, products and packaging, exhibitions and events, websites and apps, marketing and advertising, and aim to foster ineffable experiences for humans (and also sometimes dogs).  [... see all Gyst Design reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $120/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed
  • Design Deliver Dominate

    Design Deliver Dominate

    We convert businesses into brands by building booming and beautiful online presences for them.  [... see all Apex Web Studios reviews ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $40/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Design That Converts. Strategy That Scales

    Design That Converts. Strategy That Scales

    We build standout Squarespace websites and brand identities that drive clicks, calls, and conversions: optimized for local SEO and Yelp growth across the entire Bay Area.  [... view Chikara Digital profile ]
    Location
    San Jose, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $45/hr
    Portfolios Count
    13 Projects Listed
  • Boost Your DTC Profitability

    Boost Your DTC Profitability

    Binaery is a boutique Shopify Plus agency specializing in theme development, UX/UI ecommerce design, and conversion optimization. The team partners with growing direct to consumer brands to create engaging, high performance online storefronts.  [... view Binaery profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $120/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    4 Projects Listed
  • Simplify Your Production Workflow

    Simplify Your Production Workflow

    Framework Films is a full-service creative media production house specializing in ultra high definition (UHD) aerial, drone, timelapse, hyperlapse, motion stabilized cinematography, motion graphics, and 3D Animation. Above all, we discover new creative frontiers and inspire lets shoot for the stars.  [... view Framework Films profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Portfolios Count
    10 Projects Listed
  • Avaans Means Advantage

    Avaans Means Advantage

    If you're a company in hyper-growth mode, in a regulated or emerging industry, we're the agency for you. As a boutique PR firm, we pair executive expertise with your business goals. From startup through IPO, see why our clients love us. Inc. Power Partner since 2023.  [... view Avaans Media profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed
  • We Transform Brands Through Exceptional Experience Design & Strategy.

    We Transform Brands Through Exceptional Experience Design & Strategy.

    Campground is a design studio that specializes in creating brands and experiences for bold companies. As a hands-on creative partner, we strengthen and invigorate brands through effective strategy and thoughtful design.  [... view Campground profile ]
    Location
    Carlsbad, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $200/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • Digital Marketing Advertising Agency

    Digital Marketing Advertising Agency

    Sansarahub, your trusted hub for comprehensive digital solutions. With over 13+ years of experience, we specialize in driving digital transformation to help your business grow, scale, and lead the market.  [... view SansaraHub profile ]
    Location
    California City, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $50/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    9 Projects Listed
  • Better Performance, Greater Impact

    Better Performance, Greater Impact

    Insign US is a marketing agency focused on multi-location brands.Scaling across locations is complex: each market has its own realities.We help networks manage different models (corporate and franchise), audiences, competitors, and local regulations adapting locally and staying consistent.  [... see all Insign US reviews ]
    Location
    Beverly Hills, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed
  • Building Brand Awareness & Executive Impact

    Building Brand Awareness & Executive Impact

    JMAC PR is a Los Angeles-based boutique communications agency specializing in PR support for tech startups. We partner with founders and leadership teams to amplify their stories, shape market positioning, and drive meaningful media coverage. Through bold storytelling, targeted outreach, and audience-first  [... view Jmac PR profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Masters of beauty with the DNA of luxury.

    Masters of beauty with the DNA of luxury.

    Full-service digital agency specializing in interior designers, architects, artists and luxury brands. Our services include branding, social media marketing and high-end web design. With an artist's touch, we aim to deliver extraordinary results to the most discerning clients with heartfelt service  [... view Nakada Design profile ]
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed
  • We Design and Develop with Innovation

    We Design and Develop with Innovation

    Creasions, an digital advertising Dallas Agency, offers top-notch digital marketing strategies that will help your business stay ahead of the competition. Our digital marketing services are designed to increase your online visibility and help your website rank higher on search engines.  [... view Creasions Digital profile ]
    Location
    Irvine, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $80/hr
    Portfolios Count
    8 Projects Listed