StartUp was created by Ben Ketai, who also served as a writer and director on the series, and it premiered on Crackle on September 6, 2016.

Crackle gave the production a series order for a first season of ten episodes on January 27, 2016, with Adam Brody and Anne Clements among the producers.

Martin Freeman, Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, and Otmara Marrero were confirmed as the series' stars at the same time as the initial series order announcement.

Ron Perlman and Addison Timlin joined the main cast starting with season two, announced on April 19, 2017.

Mira Sorvino was announced to appear as a guest star in the third season on January 14, 2018, playing NSA agent Rebecca Stroud.

Principal photography for the first season began during the week of January 25, 2016, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

After debuting on Crackle, the series began streaming on Netflix on May 4, 2021, where it earned a place in the Netflix Top 10, sparking speculation about a possible fourth season.

The third season had its world premiere on September 21, 2018 at the second annual Tribeca TV Festival in New York City, followed by a panel with director Ben Ketai and actors Edi Gathegi, Ron Perlman, Adam Brody, and Otmara Marrero.