Looking for small-cap stocks with high growth potential? You’re not alone. Many long-term investors hunt for promising small-cap companies because they often grow faster than large, established corporations. While small-cap stocks can be more volatile, they also offer the opportunity for outsized returns if the business executes well. Below are 10 small-cap stocks across technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer sectors that investors are watching closely in 2026.
1. Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ: CELH)
Celsius Holdings is a fast-growing energy drink company competing with giants like Red Bull and Monster. With strong brand loyalty, expanding retail distribution, and international growth opportunities, Celsius has become one of the most talked-about small-cap growth stocks. Its partnership with major beverage distributors has accelerated global expansion. As health-conscious consumers shift toward “better-for-you” energy drinks, Celsius is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. While the stock can be volatile due to rapid growth expectations, long-term investors see strong revenue momentum and scalable margins as key drivers for continued upside potential.
2. Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST)
Upstart Holdings leverages artificial intelligence to improve credit underwriting models. By partnering with banks and financial institutions, Upstart aims to expand access to credit while reducing default risk. The company operates in a massive total addressable market, including auto loans and personal loans. Although sensitive to interest rate cycles, Upstart’s proprietary AI platform gives it a technological edge in fintech. If economic conditions stabilize and lending demand rebounds, Upstart could experience significant growth acceleration. Investors interested in AI-driven financial innovation often consider this small-cap stock a high-risk, high-reward opportunity.
3. Samsara (NYSE: IOT)
Samsara provides IoT-connected operations cloud software that helps businesses manage fleets, equipment, and industrial operations. Its subscription-based revenue model delivers recurring income and strong retention rates. As industries modernize and adopt data-driven efficiency tools, Samsara benefits from digital transformation trends. The company continues expanding into new verticals, boosting its long-term addressable market. While still investing heavily in growth, improving operating leverage could enhance profitability over time. For investors seeking exposure to enterprise SaaS and IoT innovation, Samsara represents an intriguing small-cap growth story with scalable global potential.
4. DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG)
DraftKings is a leading online sports betting and iGaming platform in the United States. As more states legalize online sports wagering, DraftKings continues expanding its customer base. The company invests aggressively in marketing and product innovation to capture market share. While profitability remains a work in progress, revenue growth has been impressive. The long-term opportunity lies in nationwide legalization and improved customer lifetime value. For investors comfortable with regulatory risk and competition, DraftKings offers strong small-cap growth exposure to the rapidly evolving digital gaming industry.
5. ShockWave Medical (NASDAQ: SWAV)
ShockWave Medical specializes in intravascular lithotripsy technology used to treat calcified cardiovascular disease. Its innovative approach has gained strong adoption among physicians, addressing a large and growing patient population. As cardiovascular conditions remain a leading global health concern, demand for advanced treatment solutions continues to rise. ShockWave benefits from expanding product lines and international growth opportunities. With strong revenue expansion and a differentiated technology platform, this small-cap healthcare stock appeals to investors seeking exposure to high-growth medical innovation.
6. Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH)
Enphase Energy designs and manufactures solar microinverters and energy storage solutions. As global demand for renewable energy accelerates, Enphase stands at the forefront of residential solar innovation. The company’s advanced microinverter systems improve energy efficiency and reliability. While the renewable energy sector can be cyclical due to policy changes and interest rates, long-term clean energy adoption trends remain strong. For investors bullish on solar power and energy independence, Enphase offers compelling small-cap growth exposure within the expanding global renewable energy market.
7. The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD)
The Trade Desk operates a demand-side advertising platform that helps brands optimize digital ad campaigns. As programmatic advertising expands and connected TV viewership grows, The Trade Desk benefits from strong secular trends in digital marketing. Its data-driven approach and premium partnerships differentiate it from competitors. With international expansion and increasing advertiser demand for measurable ROI, the company has a substantial long-term growth runway. Investors seeking small-cap technology stocks tied to advertising innovation often view The Trade Desk as a scalable, high-margin opportunity.
8. Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM)
Axsome Therapeutics focuses on developing and commercializing novel therapies for central nervous system disorders. With multiple drug candidates targeting depression and other neurological conditions, Axsome addresses large unmet medical needs. Recent product launches and clinical milestones have strengthened its growth outlook. Biotech investing carries regulatory and trial-related risks, but successful approvals can significantly boost valuation. For investors comfortable with volatility, Axsome represents a high-growth small-cap biotech stock with promising pipeline-driven upside.
9. Cava Group (NYSE: CAVA)
Cava Group operates a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain rapidly expanding across the United States. With strong same-store sales growth and growing brand awareness, Cava is often compared to early-stage Chipotle. Its health-forward menu aligns with consumer preferences for fresh, customizable meals. Expansion into new markets provides a long runway for unit growth. While restaurant stocks can face cost pressures, Cava’s strong customer loyalty and operational efficiency offer compelling small-cap growth potential in the competitive food service industry.
10. Planet Labs (NYSE: PL)
Planet Labs operates a fleet of Earth-imaging satellites that provide high-frequency geospatial data. Governments, agriculture companies, and defense organizations use its data for monitoring and analytics. As demand for real-time Earth intelligence increases, Planet Labs continues expanding commercial partnerships. Its subscription-based model supports recurring revenue growth. Although still in early profitability stages, the long-term opportunity in space-based data analytics is substantial. Investors interested in the emerging space economy may find Planet Labs an exciting small-cap growth stock with disruptive potential.
Conclusion
Investing in small-cap stocks with high growth potential can be rewarding, but it also requires tolerance for volatility and longer time horizons. Diversification, research, and risk management are essential. While these companies show strong growth narratives, always evaluate fundamentals, earnings trends, and market conditions before investing. Small caps may be smaller in size, but their growth potential can be anything but small.