Home to some of America’s most prestigious universities like Stanford and Caltech, and boasting the world’s leading technology hub in Silicon Valley, California is positively stacked with talent.
For most startups, whether they’re US-based or headquartered in another country altogether, tapping into this growing talent pool might seem like a pipe dream. But with remote work now commonplace and Employer of Record (EOR) platforms enabling seamless cross-state or cross-border hiring, that’s no longer necessarily the case.
In this post, we review seven of the best EOR solutions for global startups looking to hire in California.
1. Remote
If you’re looking for the most reliable partner for hiring in California, Remote sets the standard. The platform is designed to simplify the state’s notoriously complex labor and tax compliance requirements, from strict contractor classification rules to unique state benefits mandates.
Remote allows startups to onboard both full-time employees or contractors in California without creating a legal entity in the state, handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and equity with complete transparency.
What really makes Remote exceptional is its clear, flat pricing — you won’t run into hidden fees or confusing add-ons, which is a rarity in the EOR space. The platform also integrates seamlessly with existing HR systems, making it scalable for startups at any stage of growth.
With dedicated support and constant compliance monitoring, Remote is a future-proof choice for startups looking to confidently tap into Silicon Valley’s deep talent pool.
2. Papaya Global
Papaya Global has made a name for itself as a fintech-driven EOR solution with strong coverage in over 160 countries. In California, it’s a great option for startups needing not just compliance and payroll, but also integrated cross-border workforce management.
Papaya’s cloud-based platform consolidates payroll, benefits, contractors, and equity management into one dashboard. This makes it especially appealing for startups operating across states or countries who want to manage everything centrally.
Another major advantage is Papaya’s strong focus on automation. By streamlining traditionally manual processes such as tax reporting, employee data handling, and benefits administration, Papaya reduces the administrative burden on small HR teams.
One minor drawback: Because it’s optimized for global scale, some startups hiring primarily in California may find the platform’s US-specific policy expertise less in-depth compared to providers who specialize in US or California-only markets.
3. Remote People
Remote People is a rising competitor in the California EOR space, offering startups transparent and flexible pricing models starting from just $199 per employee per month. This makes it one of the most affordable solutions on the market, particularly attractive to early-stage startups that need to keep costs predictable while staying compliant with California’s strict labor laws.
Their platform is simple yet effective, covering payroll, tax management, and compliance while also providing tools for HR teams to streamline onboarding. Beyond core EOR functions, Remote People also offers recruitment support in California, giving startups a one-stop solution for hiring and managing their teams. Remote People also offers strong contractor management features, ideal for startups blending freelancers with full-time staff.
While they don’t yet have the same global infrastructure or advanced integrations as larger players like Velocity Global or Remote, their affordability and focus on California compliance make them a compelling choice for startups primarily focused on the Golden State.
4. Deel
Founded in San Francisco, Deel is a natural choice for California hiring. The platform provides end-to-end support for managing employees and contractors, from payroll to localized benefits.
What sets Deel apart is its user-friendly interface and fast onboarding process, allowing startups to get new hires up and running in days rather than weeks. Deel also offers advanced features like equity management, automated expense handling, and compliance tailored to California’s complex rules (such as AB5 contractor laws).
Startups benefit from Deel’s global reach, too — ideal if you plan to scale beyond California and into international markets. Their pre-built templates and contract libraries save valuable time and reduce compliance risks.
Deel has grown rapidly, and some users have found their customer support teams slow to respond, particularly during peak times. While the self-service resources are very good, time-sensitive cases may require a little patience.
5. Velocity Global
Velocity Global has long been recognized as a powerhouse for global expansion, covering 185+ countries. Through acquisitions like iWorkGlobal, it has strengthened its US and California presence, making it a trusted EOR for startups targeting the Golden State.
Velocity’s strengths lie in dedicated account management, rapid employee onboarding, and strong compliance expertise. Startups working with them get a reliable partner that can scale quickly as their hiring needs grow.
Another standout feature is their flexibility: they support full-time employees, contractors, and hybrid teams — perfect for startups that want to build diverse talent structures. Their reporting tools also provide valuable workforce insights, which can help in making data-driven HR decisions.
Pricing can be less transparent compared to flat-fee providers, however, so smaller startups may find the variable cost structure difficult to budget for, especially in early stages of growth.
6. Omnipresent
Omnipresent is designed for startups who value transparency and support. The pricing model is clear and competitive, which makes it easier for early-stage companies to budget without fear of hidden costs. In California, Omnipresent shines by providing localized benefits packages that ensure compliance with state-level regulations.
Another plus is their customer-first approach: startups get access to responsive account managers who can help resolve compliance or HR challenges quickly. This level of support can be crucial for companies navigating California’s strict and often complex employment environment.
Being newer compared to giants like Remote or Deel, Omnipresent’s feature set is still growing. This means startups with advanced needs like integrated equity management or deep analytics might find the platform less comprehensive than established rivals.
California’s startup ecosystem is unmatched in its depth of talent and opportunity, but it also comes with tough compliance requirements. That’s why choosing the right EOR is crucial.
Remote emerges as the best all-around choice for its transparent pricing and compliance expertise, while providers like Deel, Papaya Global, Velocity Global, Remote People, Omnipresent, and Rippling all offer unique advantages depending on your needs — whether that’s affordability or integrated HR solutions.
