Steadfast LA
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit founded in 2025 by Rick Caruso to accelerate rebuilding of Los Angeles communities impacted by the January 2025 wildfires, delivering free modular homes, small business grants, AI permitting tools, and redesigned public infrastructure to wildfire survivors and affected businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2025
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Steadfast LA does
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization founded in February 2025 by Los Angeles real estate developer Rick Caruso to accelerate rebuilding of communities impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades. The organization operates a portfolio of programs rather than a single product: the Modular Housing Initiative delivers free factory-built homes (primarily the Samara Backyard XL, 950 sq ft) to uninsured or underinsured survivors through a partnership with Samara, backed by a $15 million commitment from Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia; the Small Business Initiative distributes grants of up to $50,000 to fire-impacted businesses via LiftFund as administering CDFI, seeded by a $1 million donation from Banc of California; the AI Permitting initiative deploys Archistar's eCheck computer-vision and machine-learning tool free of charge to LA City and LA County to compress plan-check timelines from weeks or months to hours or days; the Builders Alliance extends a homebuilder coalition platform; and the Palisades Recreation Center redesign engages Gensler, SWA Group, and Latham & Watkins in a public-private partnership with LA Strong Sports and the City of Los Angeles. Governance runs through a dual-entity structure (a 501(c)(3) Steadfast LA Foundation and a 501(c)(4) operating entity), with day-to-day operations led by Managing Director Nick Geller and Executive Director Najla Kayyem and strategic oversight by a coalition of more than 25 named industry leaders.
Underlying technology combines AI-driven plan-checking (computer vision, ML, automated rulesets for zoning and building-code compliance), modular construction (steel-frame, fiber-cement, double-insulated factory homes meeting California Wildland-Urban Interface codes), and an Archistar-hosted web portal accessed by LA City and LA County applicants. Eligibility, financial verification, and process integrity for the Modular Housing Initiative are handled by HomeAid OCLA, loanDepot, and Armanino respectively, while LiftFund administers SMB grant disbursements and Samara manufactures and installs the modular units.
Revenue mechanics are nonprofit-donor dependent rather than commercial: Steadfast LA receives tax-deductible charitable contributions, philanthropic grants, and matching pledges (Gebbia $15M, Banc of California $1M, Caruso Family Foundation seed, Autodesk, Amazon, LA Rises) and provides all programmatic outputs at no cost to eligible beneficiaries. The economic model is one of fund-raising throughput, in-kind professional services from coalition partners, and downstream coordination value rather than pricing or subscription revenue.
Steadfast LA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Steadfast LA
- Legal name
- Steadfast LA
- Website
- https://steadfastla.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2025
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit founded in 2025 by Rick Caruso to accelerate rebuilding of Los Angeles communities impacted by the January 2025 wildfires, delivering free modular homes, small business grants, AI permitting tools, and redesigned public infrastructure to wildfire survivors and affected businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Steadfast LA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disaster Recovery and Community Rebuilding Services (Nonprofit)
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs (BPAGAAAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO), Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)
Keywords
Where Steadfast LA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Steadfast LA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: As a nonprofit organization, Steadfast LA raises funds through donations and grants to support its rebuilding initiatives. The Steadfast LA Foundation (501(c)(3)) accepts charitable donations to fund initiatives including Modular Housing, Small Business Grants, and the Palisades Recreation Center rebuild. Major donors include Banc of California ($1 million), Joe Gebbia ($15 million), and Caruso Family Foundation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Small Business Grants - up to $50,000 per business |
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Steadfast LA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit that coordinates a coalition of private-sector leaders to accelerate Los Angeles wildfire rebuilding through four primary programs: (1) the Modular Housing Initiative, which provides free factory-built homes to uninsured or underinsured homeowners via partner Samara; (2) Small Business Grants of up to $50,000 to fire-impacted independent businesses, funded by Banc of California and administered by LiftFund; (3) the AI-powered eCheck permitting tool developed by Archistar, provided free to LA City and County to accelerate building permit approvals; and (4) the Palisades Recreation Center public-private rebuild with LA Strong Sports and the City of Los Angeles.
Product overview
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization (not a traditional technology company) that offers a portfolio of rebuilding programs and initiatives rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include: the Modular Housing Initiative (providing free factory-built homes via Samara partnership), Small Business Grants (up to $50,000 grants for wildfire-affected businesses), AI Permitting tool (AI-powered eCheck software for automated building code compliance), Builders Alliance (homebuilder coalition with technology platform), Palisades Park Rebuild (public infrastructure project), and Altadena Urban Design Group (community planning initiative). Technology plays an enabling role rather than being the primary product offering. The AI Permitting tool is the main AI-powered technology product, while other initiatives are humanitarian programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Modular Housing Initiative: Program providing free factory-built modular homes to eligible wildfire survivors who lost their homes and lack insurance coverage to rebuild.
- Small Business Initiative
- AI Permitting (eCheck)
- Builders Alliance
- Altadena Steadfast LA Urban Design Group
Products and services
- AI Permitting (eCheck) AI-driven software tool developed by Archistar that enables instant automated checking of building designs against local zoning and building codes for permit approvals. Uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to reduce plan-check time from weeks or months to hours or days. Provided free to LA City and County to accelerate LA wildfire rebuilding.
- Modular Housing Initiative Program providing free factory-built modular homes to low-income wildfire survivors in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades who lost their homes and lack insurance to rebuild. Delivered through partnership with Samara, with the majority of recipients receiving the Samara Backyard XL two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 950 sq ft model; homes are fire-resistant, meet California's Wildland-Urban Interface codes, and installable in weeks.
- Small Business Grants Direct grant program providing up to $50,000 to small businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades impacted by the January 2025 wildfires. Funded by Banc of California's $1 million donation, with grant administration by LiftFund; $525,000 has been disbursed to 13 businesses across two rounds as of November 2025.
- Builders Alliance Nonprofit coalition of homebuilders using technology, collaboration, and shared resources, including an online platform with AI-powered tools, to help Angelenos rebuild homes faster and more affordably after the wildfires.
- Palisades Park Rebuild Public-private partnership to fund, redesign, and rebuild the Palisades Park and Recreation Center in collaboration with LA Strong Sports, the City of Los Angeles, Gensler (architecture), SWA Group (landscape architecture), and Latham & Watkins LLP (legal counsel); early design plans developed with input from local community groups.
- Altadena Steadfast LA Urban Design Group Community design initiative sponsored by Steadfast LA in partnership with Altadena Heritage, seeking to amplify local voices in shaping a more resilient, accessible, and vibrant future for Altadena's public infrastructure.
Quantifiable outcome
- AI permitting tool reduces plan review time from weeks/months to hours/days
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Steadfast LA
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Steadfast LA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature2 records
Steadfast LA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn BargermajorSupervisor Kathryn Barger's office helped expedite permitting and coordination for first modular home installation in Altadena. County adapted permitting systems to simplify approvals for modular homes.
- SWA GroupmajorLandscape architecture firm working with Gensler on Palisades Recreation Center redesign. Co-CEO Gerdo Aquino presented updated designs at community meeting.
- LiftFundcoreIndependent nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) administering small business grants. Over 30 years of experience providing financial and technical assistance to small businesses, especially in disaster relief. Deployed $400,000 in emergency grants within days of January wildfires.
- HomeAid OCLAcoreNonprofit specializing in post-disaster recovery serves as point of contact for eligible modular housing candidates who have completed screening. Guides candidates through the process and assists ineligible candidates in finding alternative resources.
- loanDepotcoreNation's leading mortgage provider volunteers expertise to verify candidates' financial need, insurance status, and other eligibility factors for modular housing grants.
- ArmaninocoreTop national accounting and consulting firm donates services to ensure integrity, fairness, and security of the eligibility screening process for modular housing grants.
- ArchistarcoreAI technology company developed eCheck permitting tool using computer vision and machine learning to check designs against local zoning and building codes. Already used by 25+ municipalities including Vancouver, Austin, Houston, Seattle. Coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon identified and worked with Archistar.
- Governor Gavin Newsom / State of CaliforniacoreState of California partnered with tech sector and community leaders to launch AI permitting tool for LA fire recovery. Governor Newsom announced the initiative to help boost local progress.
- City of Los Angeles and LA CountycoreLA City and LA County committed to using AI permitting tool. LA County passed Board Resolution to establish unified permitting authority for Altadena one-stop recovery center. Mayor Karen Bass signed Executive Directive for AI pilot program.
- LA Strong SportscorePublic-private partnership with Lakers coach JJ Redick's foundation to fund, redesign, and rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center. Includes Charles and Jenna Jackson and Kylee Kilgore. Coalition working with Gensler (architecture) and Latham & Watkins LLP (legal).
- GenslercoreGlobally renowned architecture and design firm (6,000 professionals, 57 offices) working on Palisades Recreation Center redesign. Andy Cohen, Gensler CEO, serves on Steadfast LA coalition. Delivered award-winning projects like Shanghai Tower and BMO Stadium.
- Latham & Watkins LLPcoreWorld's leading law firm providing legal counsel on Palisades Recreation Center rebuild. George Mihlsten, Of Counsel, serves on Steadfast LA coalition with experience in real estate, regulatory, and legislative issues.
- SamaracorePartnership to provide free factory-built modular homes for fire survivors who lack insurance coverage. Samara builds homes in 5-6 months in a factory setting. First initiative launched by Steadfast LA. Samara CEO Mike McNamara serves on Steadfast LA coalition.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Steadfast LA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Habitat for Humanity Greater LA: Nonprofit focused on building affordable housing and rebuilding homes for low-income families in the LA region. Directly comparable to Steadfast LA's Modular Housing Initiative serving wildfire survivors, though operating through volunteer-led traditional construction rather than factory-built modular.
- Rebuilding Together Los Angeles: Nonprofit providing free home repair and rebuilding for low-income homeowners in Southern California, including disaster recovery work. Comparable to Steadfast LA in targeting uninsured/underinsured homeowners in fire-affected LA neighborhoods.
- SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project): National nonprofit focused exclusively on shrinking the time between disaster and recovery through home rebuilding and resilience programs. Closest peer in mission and operating model for Steadfast LA's post-disaster housing recovery work.
- Team Rubicon: Veteran-led nonprofit that deploys rapid disaster response teams, including wildfire recovery operations in California. Comparable civic-coalition model and LA wildfire footprint parallel Steadfast LA's coordinated volunteer/expert deployment.
- All Hands and Hearts: Nonprofit providing disaster relief and long-term recovery, with active California wildfire operations targeting underserved communities. Comparable disaster recovery mission, recipient-vetting model, and home rebuilding focus.
- LA Rises: Philanthropic coalition co-funding Archistar's AI permitting tool deployment for LA wildfire recovery. Directly comparable civic-coalition model addressing LA wildfire recovery with Steadfast LA, and an active funding/operating partner rather than distant peer.
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit driving affordable housing and community development, including disaster recovery and resilience programs in California. Comparable mission around housing access for low-income communities and post-disaster rebuild.
Broad incumbents
- California Community Foundation: Established statewide philanthropic foundation that has launched wildfire recovery funds (including for the 2025 LA fires). Comparable in donor-advised grantmaking role, but operates across all of California rather than the LA-only focus of Steadfast LA.
- Airbnb.org: Airbnb's nonprofit arm providing free temporary housing for disaster survivors globally, including 2025 LA wildfire evacuees. Comparable disaster-recovery mission with connections to the Caruso/Gebbia LA civic ecosystem.
Regional players
- Pasadena Community Foundation: Local philanthropic foundation operating in Pasadena and Altadena with active wildfire recovery grant programs. Comparable regional disaster-recovery grantmaking focus to Steadfast LA's Small Business Initiative in Pasadena/Altadena.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Steadfast LA social profiles
Digital presenceSteadfast LA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Steadfast LA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Steadfast LA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Steadfast LA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments11 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Steadfast LA
What does Steadfast LA do?
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit that coordinates a coalition of private-sector leaders to accelerate Los Angeles wildfire rebuilding through four primary programs: (1) the Modular Housing Initiative, which provides free factory-built homes to uninsured or underinsured homeowners via partner Samara; (2) Small Business Grants of up to $50,000 to fire-impacted independent businesses, funded by Banc of California and administered by LiftFund; (3) the AI-powered eCheck permitting tool developed by Archistar, provided free to LA City and County to accelerate building permit approvals; and (4) the Palisades Recreation Center public-private rebuild with LA Strong Sports and the City of Los Angeles.
Is Steadfast LA a public or private company?
Steadfast LA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Steadfast LA founded?
Steadfast LA was founded in 2025.
Where is Steadfast LA based?
Steadfast LA is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Steadfast LA make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Grants.
Who are Steadfast LA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Habitat for Humanity Greater LA, Rebuilding Together Los Angeles, SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project), Team Rubicon, All Hands and Hearts, LA Rises and Enterprise Community Partners. Broad incumbents are California Community Foundation and Airbnb.org. Pasadena Community Foundation is listed as a regional player.
Does Steadfast LA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Steadfast LA.
What industry is Steadfast LA in?
Steadfast LA's product category is Disaster Recovery and Community Rebuilding Services (Nonprofit). Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAAAK, Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs, with a secondary code of BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.