Best niche startup hubs


So you’re looking to establish a company? It’s never been a better time to be a startup because there’s a growing need for innovation in the market. If you have an idea that you think could impact the world, go out there and show off what you’ve got. Of course, the big question is where do you set yourself up? Working in your bedroom might seem like a comfortable option, but it’s not necessarily viable. Startup hubs are brilliant places to work on your ideas, although the bigger they are, the harder it is to stand out. You need somewhere more niche to set up your company.

Why work in a startup hub?

Whether big or small, startup hubs can be hugely beneficial for your work ethic. You’re surrounded by people who are like-minded, some of whom can end up being the inspiration you need to get your idea off the ground. You have a better chance of attracting people to your company who are highly capable in their work, and a greater likelihood of catching the eye of investors. If you want to thrive, startup hubs are definitely the place to go.

Not everyone wants to work in somewhere like Silicon Valley though. While this hub may be the best place for emerging companies to establish themselves, it’s much easier to disappear into the crowd here. Working in smaller hubs can be a risk, but when done successfully, the payoff is spectacular.

Melbourne

The Australian city might not be the first place that comes to mind for setting up a startup, but that’s what makes it so great. While many startups in the area flock to cities like Sydney, Melbourne offers the same benefits while being slightly on the quieter side. It has close proximity to Asia which provides a big market for your business. Plus, with its standing as one of the most livable cities in the world, it’s not a bad place to live. If you want somewhere that can provide great startup opportunities with an excellent quality of life, this is the place to go.

It’s good to become a part of Melbourne’s startup community while it’s still relatively close-knit. You have a better chance of doing business while it’s still a niche market for companies, especially with the opportunities available. The prominence of investment firms and accelerators in the city mean that your company is in good hands if you act now.

Best niche startup hubs

Ann Arbor

The Michigan city of Ann Arbor is an interesting one for startup companies. Although it’s relatively small, the hub is standing up with some of the best out there. Ann Arbor is home to various promising startups, with the presence of the University of Michigan a massive help to these companies. There are few places better to recruit engineers whose skills are vital to the establishment of many startups.

While Ann Arbor’s small size might seem detrimental to the growth of a company, the city’s proximity to Detroit is a blessing in disguise. Growing connectivity between the two cities allows for people to quickly travel between the two, meaning Ann Arbor has access to a greater wealth of potential workers. If you’re a company looking for somewhere small but bursting with potential, this could be the place for you.

Best niche startup hubs

Pune

With a population of over 1.3 billion, it’s no surprise that India is home to some incredible startup hubs. One of the best is Pune over in the west. It’s considered an excellent place for IT companies to set themselves up and has seen a steady incline in the number of startups established in the city. With a high proportion of young professionals in the region, it makes a lot of sense.

One of Pune’s most significant advantages is that it sits so close to Mumbai, one of India’s most populated cities. Not only does Mumbai offer a wealth of workers, but it’s also a huge tech hub. People looking for somewhere a little quieter to show off their skills can be enticed to Pune, especially when there’s a better chance that their work will be recognized. In the last decade, Pune has gone from being a nobody in the startup scene to a growing force in India. Get in now while you still can.

Pittsburgh

Another American hub that’s worth settling down in outside of the Silicon Valley is Pittsburgh. The area is great for a wide variety of niche startup opportunities, including artificial intelligence and automated vehicle technology. While these innovations are undoubtedly the next step for technological development, few breakthroughs have been made in the different fields so far. If you think your company can find the solution that has evaded everyone else, Pittsburgh is the hub you need to move to.

Like Ann Arbor, Pittsburgh isn’t the biggest city in the States, but it’s doing incredibly well for its size. It’s received a good amount of venture capital deals over the last few years, and has continued to issue a growing number of patents. Pittsburgh’s standing as a worthwhile startup hub is mostly thanks to the presence of Carnegie Mellon University. It’s one of the best establishments in the country for computer science, which is why so many of its students have gone on to work for startups in the area. Pittsburgh is certainly not short of talented people looking to get your company off the ground.

Best niche startup hubs

Helsinki

Scandinavian countries might not have always seemed like the best countries for startup companies. However, after Swedish company Spotify gained immense success, the world has started paying attention to this part of the world. If you’re looking to get in somewhere that’s still blossoming but has the potential to be huge, consider moving to Helsinki. As well as being a beautiful city, this tech hub could provide you with everything you need and more.

Helsinki is quickly proving itself as one of the standout locations for startups dedicated to artificial intelligence and gaming, as well as health and life sciences. These are some fairly niche markets, which can be helpful if your company is trying to find its feet in a new area. The community of entrepreneurs and investors grows every year, which puts your company in a good position to get the help it needs to go big. It might be time to invest in some cold weather clothing and find your future in Scandinavia, because this might be the perfect place for your startup.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem might be most commonly associated with its rich history, but this is one city that’s definitely not stuck in the past. It’s found a way to blend the old with the new in a combination that not only offers a beautiful place to live, but also provides the modernity a startup company needs. In recent years, it’s started making a name for itself with mobile and internet startups, with a flurry of accelerators and investors now residing in the city. A lot of time and effort has been put into the startup community to help it thrive, and it’s finally paying off.

There aren’t many places in the world that can offer the variety of talent that Jerusalem can. As well as the presence of Hebrew University which creates efficient graduates every year, the city isn’t too far from Tel Aviv. It’s one of the biggest tech hubs in the world, and some of the resources and workers have drifted over to Jerusalem to help the city blossom. As this relationship between the two hubs continues, they’re sure to both thrive even more.

Best niche startup hubs

Tel Aviv

Speaking of Tel Aviv, there’s one startup hub in the city that’s begun to establish a space for itself. Re:Tech is a hub designed for startups developing adtech, fintech and e-commerce technologies, as well as tech related to fashion. That’s why notable brands from around the world have started partnering with the hub, including one prominent fashion retailer from the UK. With clothing an essential part of almost everyone’s daily lives, developing technology in this area is vital going forward. Any startup that’s interested in this industry and hoping to work with the biggest brands would benefit from setting themselves up here.

Calgary

Canada is more than just a beautiful place to live. It’s home to some of the most innovative tech hubs like Toronto, as well as some that are still growing. Calgary may be better known for its oil and gas industry, but the city is becoming more and more of a startup hotspot. Over the last decade, the resources designed around startups has grown in the area, which has naturally helped companies to expand. The availability of support and tech has helped Calgary to make a name for itself in a market it had never stood out in before.

Establishing your startup outside of the States can make contact with clients in America a challenge because of the time difference. However, Calgary has the advantage of being relatively central in Canada, meaning communication with people on both the east and west coast is never too difficult. Plus, with the city being home to many people skilled in banking, science and manufacturing (among others), you have your pick of talented workers to help bring your company into the spotlight. With so much on offer, it’s amazing that Calgary has never stood out in the startup market before.

It’s possible to become a successful company without moving to somewhere as prominent as Silicon Valley. While it might make sense to be in a hub already bustling with activity, establishing your startup somewhere that’s still growing can be just as effective. It’s all about knowing where is best suited to your company’s needs and making the most of the opportunities presented to you.

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