2025 LA Hard Tech 50 - by Jacques Sisteron and Nick Kim

This article highlights the LA Hard Tech 50, a list of 50 companies in Southern California's hardware industrial ecosystem that were selected by a group of LA-based hard tech investors for having the most consequential year in 2025. These companies raised a combined $7.8 billion, secured billions in government contracts, and recruited hundreds, if not thousands, of engineers. The selection process involved votes from 11 LA-based hard tech investors, aiming to spotlight collaborators in the LA hard tech investor community, share collective wisdom, and celebrate the accomplishments of the community. The list includes companies in various sectors such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, and critical resources.