At a previous job, I was exposed to tech founders from all over the world, each with the same mission: to expand their operations to the U.S.
I witnessed their struggles, shared in their against-all-odds optimism and mentored them through their journey. As we explored and were amazed by the dynamism of the tech landscape, I came to know and love New York City through the eyes of these courageous foreign startups. Many of them declared it the perfect landing zone for a firm entering the American market.
Yet despite the city’s reputation and prestige, most of the world does not know it to be the No. 2 hub for cutting-edge tech and innovation. Here are some reasons why I believe it is the best ecosystem for U.S. market entry.
All stakeholders are in your backyard. A driver for New York’s rapid growth, the population density remains one of the most prevalent upsides to New York’s tech scene. In Manhattan (and in many of the outer Boroughs), you will find everything you need to build and scale a business. Clients, VCs, Partners, and Talent are all just a few subways stops away. The accessibility and convenience of New York City’s famous grid make for faster deals, more collaboration opportunities, and a sense of community unrivaled by car-reliant cities.
Diversity is inevitable. New York City is undeniably one of the most diverse places on the planet. Nearly 60% of the city’s population are immigrants or children of immigrants. This diversity leads to a broader understanding of your market and allows founders to make products and services that cater to a more dynamic set of users.
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