Which cities outside of SF are becoming large Startup Hubs?
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I've recently seen more cities that are growing teams and building offices that seem to be growing rapidly?
SF seems like it's one of many hubs that have been growing in the recent years. I'm trying to see which cities people are looking into and where people think will be the next startup hub?
I've seen mixed opinions on cities like New York and Toronto but would love to hear what other people think as well!
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I see it less as one hub replacing SF and more like a network of hubs: NYC, London, Singapore, Bangalore. The startup world is going multi-polar
Onyx
@nevil_ling That makes a lot of sense. Have definitely seen a rise in Asia as well like Seoul as another city that has many startups!
minimalist phone: creating folders
Poland is going up up up! :)
Onyx
@busmark_w_nika Mind sharing some startups you've had an eye on in Poland? Would be curious to learn! 👀
minimalist phone: creating folders
@justin_tahara I found the whole article on it: https://www.seedtable.com/best-startups-in-poland
BUT Sweded is also very exposed lately (Spotify, Lovable etc.) – I mean Scandi countries.
Onyx
@busmark_w_nika Sweden is definitely on the rise! Worked there in the summer before and it was such a nice country!!
minimalist phone: creating folders
@justin_tahara I was there only one day, and I can confirm their mentality is so beyond my comprehension, they are so nice!
Scade.pro
Spain—Barcelona and beyond—is a magnet for highly intelligent and talented people, and I consider it a true startup hub.
Onyx
@maria_anosova Wow!! Did not consider Barcelona as a hub but definitely will keep an eye out! Been wanting to go to watch FC Barcelona but maybe I can also see some startup scenes when I'm there!
Scade.pro
@justin_tahara Write to me when you go to Barcelona—I'll introduce you to cool communities.
Onyx
@maria_anosova will do!!
Cal ID
For AI and dev tools, SF is still where the money and network are, but talent and cost are pulling some teams east.
Seeing Bangalore here would’ve been an obvious call out, but lately, other cities are also buzzing with new product-led startups and founders flying in from all over. Feels like smaller cities have less legacy baggage, faster execution, and more hustle per capita.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the next breakout company picks a city most people aren’t watching closely right now.
Onyx
@sanskarix That makes sense. I think right now the US is definitely going through some changes that will force talent to leave the US and enter new countries that have limitless potential which would be nice to see!
Triforce Todos
I think Eastern Europe is underrated, Vilnius and Warsaw are quietly becoming big tech spots.
Onyx
@abod_rehman Know any specific startups that are growing over there?
Vancouver has always been established in terms of its startup space as well! To me, seems like Vancouver is to Toronto as Seattle is to SF.
Onyx
@rbhagat I do see a lot of big tech companies with offices in Vancouver as well so definitely makes sense! Gotta keep an eye out for great talent from Canada as well 😉
US-Based: Atlanta and Chicago are probably most interesting from an up-and-coming perspective.
Onyx
@leah_madden Is this for all startups or specifically ones that are in finance?
HyNote AI
Shenzhen is definitely the largest and densest startup hub, and 90% of the founders I know aim for the global market. The cost of living is very low, but the cultural and language barriers can be a challenge for international founders looking to set up a business here.
Onyx
@sandy_kong Makes sense! Do you think the culture in Shenzhen is different to that of Silicon Valley? If so in what way is it different?
St. Louis, MO has a pretty big start-up crowd. I'm not sure it'll ever reach "hub" like SF or New York are. It's definitely a viable place, and a cheaper cost of living than the coasts.
Onyx
@ryan_from_ashlight Wow!! Are you from there? Definitely will keep on my radar for a next time visit
@justin_tahara Yep, that's where I'm at! There's a couple of great incubators. If you ever make it down see if you can make contact with some folks in the T-Rex Building downtown. That's a long-running incubator and collaboration space.
Austin and Miami are definitely picking up a lot of traction for startups lately, and even smaller hubs like Denver are getting attention. I came across a list on socialswagstar.com that also highlighted Bangalore as a fast-growing tech hub, which was pretty interesting.