Tech startups here and abroad would really like to be in the center of action, and no other place like 'Silicon Valley' could provide the favorable environment for growth and innovation. However, if you are still on the initial stages of your startup and haven't gotten any funding yet from investors, then you might want to try some alternatives to Silicon Valley.
We all know that living in the Silicon Valley can be expensive, much more if you would be starting a business. In the aspect of real estate, coldwellbanker named Los Altos, California as the most expensive real estate market in the United States, which would mean that aside from your living allowance, you would also have to prepare for the rental cost, both personal and business rental needs. Now to help you choose for an alternative, here below are some United States regions you might want to check for they are slowly becoming a major tech hub according to mashable.
Austin, Texas
Texas tech hub offers an abundant data-focused startups and businesses which in recent years flourished. This might be your place to score for an investor, for VCs or Venture Capitalists in Austin are increasing in number. According to mashable, the "Austin Startup Report found that funding for Austin startups surpassed $993 million in 2014, a 123% increase from the previous year." The place is ideal for startup because of it showcases a "perfect mix of big business acumen and a unique, funky vibe" and not to mention a cost of living is within reach.
The Research Triangle
It is also known as The Triangle, consisting of eight-county region namely; "Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill cities in North Carolina; prestigious institutions like North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill." For entrepreneurs The Triangle is a place to set up and actualize your ideas, especially that its mantra is "inspiring bold ideas." It is a place rich of valuable of resources and collaborative community which would make it as another ideal tech hub.
South Florida
Kauffman Index ranked Miami as the number two city in the nation for startup activity this year, 2015. If you wanted to be part of its advancement, you should consider this place especially that they are doing things in order to be the number 1 next year, 2016. If you are seeking for a global expansion, this might be the tech hub for you, especially that Wall Street Journal back in 2014 "deemed Miami a burgeoning tech hub" because of its access to the Latin American demographic.
Colorado
This is not just your ordinary tech hub, for it includes companies that focus on natural foods, computer storage and biotech. If your startup focuses mainly on environmental issues and other green related advocacies, then Colorado should be the fitting region for you.
These are the four main regions mentioned by mashable that could be considered as an alternative for Silicon Valley. You might want to add another place or region on the list. Feel free to share and comment below.
