Best Logo Design Companies for Startups

Your logo is the first thing people see when they find your business. It’s your brand’s face. A good logo helps people remember you and trust you. But choosing the best logo design companies for startups can be tough. There are hundreds of options out there. Some are expensive. Some are cheap but don’t deliver quality work.

This guide will help you find the best logo design companies for startups. We’ve looked at pricing, quality, and how well they understand startup needs.

TL;DR

Finding the right logo design company is crucial for startups that want to look professional, trustworthy, and memorable.

• Design Shifu is the best all-rounder for startups needing unlimited design support.
• Clay and Ramotion are ideal for tech startups with funding.
• 99designs and Designhill are perfect for small budgets.
• Pentagram suits established or well-funded startups seeking global-level branding.
  Your choice depends on your budget, timeline, and growth goals.

Why Your Startup Needs a Professional Logo

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why this matters.

A professional logo does three important things:

1. Makes you look trustworthy – People judge businesses in seconds. A good logo makes you look professional from day one.
2. Helps people remember you – Think about Apple, Nike, or McDonald’s. You know their logos instantly. That’s what you want for your brand.
3. Works everywhere – Your logo needs to look good on your website, business cards, social media, and even t-shirts. Professional designers make sure it works in all these places.

Now, let’s look at the best logo design companies for startups that can help you create that perfect logo.

1. Design Shifu – Best for Unlimited Design Needs

Starting Price: $399/month

Design Shifu is perfect if you need more than just a logo. They offer unlimited graphic design services for a flat monthly fee.

Here’s what makes them special:

• You get a dedicated designer who learns your brand
• Submit unlimited design requests
• Most designs delivered within 24 hours
• Unlimited revisions until you’re happy
• No contracts – cancel anytime
• 14-day money-back guarantee

• What they design: Logos, social media graphics, flyers, brochures, presentations, email templates, and more.
• Best for: Startups that need ongoing design work, not just a one-time logo. If you’re planning to create marketing materials, social posts, and other designs regularly, this is your best bet.
• What clients say: Clients praise Design Shifu for delivering designs six days a week with super responsive teams that handle requests efficiently and communicate clearly.

2. Clay – Best for Tech Startups

Starting Price: Custom quotes (usually $15,000+)

Clay is a San Francisco-based agency known for creating logos that feel intentional, with deep roots in UX and digital branding.

They’re experts at making logos that work perfectly on screens, apps, and digital products.

• What makes them different: They think about user experience, not just how pretty your logo looks. Every design decision supports your brand’s message and goals.
• Best for: Tech startups and SaaS companies that need a logo that works perfectly across all digital platforms.

3. Ramotion – Best for Modern, Clean Designs

Starting Price: Custom quotes (typically $10,000-$25,000)

Ramotion focuses on clean, modern logos for startups, especially in tech and SaaS, with a sleek, modern, and minimal style.

They have a strong background in UI/UX design. This means your logo will look beautiful on every screen size.

• What they offer: Logo design, brand identity, and visual systems that scale as you grow.
• Best for: Digital-first startups that want a sharp, professional look.

4. The Branx – Best for Tech Startups on a Budget

Starting Price: €5,000 to €11,000 ($5,500 to $12,000)

The Branx was founded in 2019 and focuses specifically on branding services for tech startups, with deep knowledge of the tech industry from SaaS to FinTech and AI.

They’re newer than some agencies, but they bring fresh energy and understand what modern startups need.

• What they do: They create full brand identities, not just logos. You get everything you need to look professional from day one.
• Best for: Tech startups moving from development to public launch who need complete branding support.

5. Pentagram – Best for High-Impact Designs

Starting Price: $50,000+

Pentagram is one of the most well-known and respected studios in the world, having created brand identities and logos for major brands like Mastercard, Windows, and the New York Times.

This is the top tier. Every project is handled by partner-level designers with decades of experience.

• What you get: Award-winning design backed by deep research and strategy.
• Best for: Well-funded startups or established brands that want a high-profile, high-impact logo from one of the world’s best design studios.

6. 99designs – Best for Budget-Conscious Startups

Starting Price: $299 for logo contests

99designs works differently. You post your design brief, and multiple designers compete to win your project. You might get 20-50 different logo options to choose from.

How it works:

• Write a brief explaining what you want
• Designers submit their ideas
• You give feedback
• Pick your favorite design
• Work with that designer to perfect it

• What you get: Lots of options at an affordable price. You own the rights to your final logo.
• Best for: Startups on a tight budget who want professional options without spending thousands.

7. LogoNow – Best for Small Startups

Starting Price: $140 to $1,400

LogoNow specializes in logo design and focuses on keeping costs low for new businesses and startups, with packages that include unlimited revisions and a money-back guarantee.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, but they work with clients worldwide.

• What makes them affordable: Their designs tend to be simple wordmarks and clean palettes. Perfect if that matches your brand style.
• Best for: Small startups with limited funding that need exactly what to expect with lots of revision flexibility.

8. Superside – Best for Scalable Design

Starting Price: Monthly subscription (custom pricing)

Superside uses a subscription model similar to Design Shifu. They offer on-demand access to high-quality logo design through a distributed team model that blends AI and human creativity for quick turnaround.

• Why they’re different: They use technology to speed up the process while maintaining quality. Great for fast-moving startups.
• Best for: Growing startups that need continuous design support with fast turnarounds.

9. Hodag Creative Co. – Best for Fitness and Sports Brands

Starting Price: Custom quotes (typically $2,000-$5,000)

Hodag Creative Co. was started by two friends who share a love of design and fitness, and the agency focuses specifically on health and fitness brands.

If you’re building a fitness app, gym, sports brand, or wellness company, these are your people.

• What they understand: The fitness industry inside and out. They know what works in this space.
• Best for: Athletic brands, fitness startups, and sports-related businesses.

10. Designhill – Best for Multiple Options Fast

Starting Price: $99 for logo contests

Like 99designs, Designhill uses a contest model. But they tend to be even more affordable.

How it works:

• Post your project
• Get dozens of design submissions
• Provide feedback
• Choose your winner

• Why it’s popular: You get many options quickly at a low price. Good if you’re not sure what style you want yet.
• Best for: Side hustles and very early-stage startups with minimal budgets.

How to Choose the Right Logo Design Company

Now that you know your options, how do you pick among the best logo design companies for startups?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What’s your budget?

• Under $500: Try Designhill or 99designs
• $500-$5,000: Consider LogoNow or The Branx
• $5,000-$15,000: Look at Ramotion or Clay
• $15,000+: Pentagram or other high-end agencies
• Need ongoing design: Design Shifu or Superside

2. Do you need just a logo or full branding?

Some companies only create logos. Others build your entire brand identity including colors, fonts, and guidelines.

If you need ongoing design work for marketing, go with a subscription service like Design Shifu.

3. What’s your industry?

Some agencies specialize in specific industries:

• Tech/SaaS: Clay, Ramotion, The Branx
• Fitness/Sports: Hodag Creative Co.
• General/All Industries: Design Shifu, Pentagram, 99designs

4. How fast do you need it?

Timeline matters:

• Need it in a week: 99designs or Designhill contests
• Need it in 1-2 weeks: Design Shifu
• Can wait 4-8 weeks: Most agencies
• Need it perfect, no rush: Pentagram or other high-end studios

5. Do you want one designer or many options?

Contest platforms give you lots of options from different designers. Traditional agencies assign you one designer or team who learns your brand deeply.

Both approaches work. It depends on your style.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all logo designers are good. Here’s what to avoid:

• Prices that seem too good to be true – If someone offers a “professional logo” for $50, run away. Good design takes time and skill.
• No portfolio – Always look at past work before hiring anyone. If they won’t show you examples, that’s a bad sign.
• No revisions included – Good designers expect revisions. It’s part of the process. If they charge extra for every small change, look elsewhere.
• They don’t ask questions – Designers should want to understand your business, audience, and goals. If they just start designing without learning about you, the logo won’t be right.
• Stock logo templates – Some cheap services just customize templates. You want an original logo designed specifically for your brand.

What to Prepare Before Hiring a Designer

Help your designer do their best work by preparing this information:

About your business:

• What do you do?
• Who are your customers?
• What makes you different from competitors?

Design preferences:

• Show examples of logos you like (and why)
• Show examples you don’t like (and why)
• Describe your brand personality (fun? serious? modern? traditional?)

Practical needs:

• Where will you use this logo?
• What colors do you like or need to avoid?
• Do you need a simple icon or a wordmark?

Budget and timeline:

• How much can you spend?
• When do you need it done?

The more information you share, the better your logo will be.

Making Your Final Decision

If you’re still unsure which option suits you best, remember that all the best logo design companies for startups share one thing: they focus on understanding your brand’s story and translating it into a visual identity that lasts.

• If you need ongoing design work and want reliability: Go with Design Shifu. You’ll get unlimited designs, fast turnarounds, and a dedicated designer who learns your brand.
• If you’re a tech startup with serious funding: Choose Clay or Ramotion. They understand digital brands and create logos that scale.
• If you’re just starting and money is tight: Try 99designs or Designhill. You’ll get professional options without breaking the bank.
• If you want the absolute best and have the budget: Pentagram delivers legendary work that makes a massive impact.

If you’re in fitness or sports: Hodag Creative Co. speaks your language.

Final Thoughts

Your logo is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your startup. It’s not just a pretty picture. It’s how people recognize and remember you.

Don’t rush this decision. Take time to look at portfolios. Ask questions. Make sure the designer understands your vision.

And remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. A great logo pays for itself by making your brand look professional and trustworthy from day one.

Good luck with your logo design journey!

Key Takeaways

• A logo is more than just a symbol, it builds trust and recognition.
• Design Shifu offers the best balance of cost, flexibility, and speed for startups.
• Choose contest-based platforms like 99designs for affordability.
• High-end agencies like Pentagram and Clay focus on strategy and digital-first experiences.
• Always check portfolios, revisions, and communication style before hiring.