The Best Places Worldwide to Start Your High-Growth Startup
Want to start a high-growth startup? The rules are different when it comes to choosing the right location.
Instead of looking for cities with lower labor costs and overall business growth, focus on access to angel and venture capital funding, business incubators and accelerators, and a supportive startup climate.
While your startup can be successful anywhere, these cities have a proven track record of being startup-friendly.
To determine which cities made the cut, I consulted Compass’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report for 2015. If you want to learn more about starting a business in a specific city on this list and explore what each city offers for startups, I’ve included resources to get you started.
1. Silicon Valley, California, USA
Silicon Valley, the hub for startup and entrepreneurial innovation, takes the top spot. It’s home to tech giants like Google, Apple, Intuit, and more. With a highly skilled workforce, abundant investors, and a thriving startup culture, Silicon Valley sets the standard for other cities.
Compass evaluated each city based on performance, funding, market reach, talent, startup experience, and fastest growing. Silicon Valley came in first in performance, funding, talent, and startup experience.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Silicon Valley, check out these resources:
- Silicon Vikings Entrepreneur Resources
- Top 10 Hot Incubators to Join in Silicon Valley
- Silicon Valley Innovation Center Accelerators
- Silicon Valley Startup Incubation and Acceleration Meetup
- World Best Startup Scene—Here Is Your Guide to Silicon Valley!
- AngelList Silicon Valley
2. New York City, New York, USA
New York City takes the second spot, ranking first in market reach and second in performance and funding. It’s also known for its entrepreneurial environment, research universities, and economic clout.
With "Silicon Alley" gaining momentum and offering tax incentives, NYC attracts startups from various industries.
If you’re interested in starting your company in New York City, check out these resources:
- START-UP NY
- Up New York City
- The Ultimate List of 550+ Startup Resources in New York City
- On Grid Ventures’ Guide to 14 New York Accelerators
- A Founder’s Guide to the New York Startup Scene
- AngelList New York
3. Los Angeles, California, USA
Los Angeles takes the third spot, ranking second in market reach and fourth in performance and funding.
Access to content production sets LA apart as a hot startup market.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Los Angeles, check out these resources:
- SoCalTech’s Startup Resources
- Los Angeles and Orange County: Startup Resource Library
- Los Angeles Works: Start Your Business in L.A.
- Startup Resources and Events in Los Angeles
- 10 L.A. Accelerators, Incubators, and Startup Studios to Jumpstart Your Company
- A Beginner’s Guide to the Los Angeles Startup Ecosystem
- Los Angeles Startup City Guide
- AngelList Los Angeles
4. Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Boston is ranked fourth by Compass, but it has the potential to climb higher in the future.
A 2016 report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation ranked Boston as the top U.S. startup hub, with a focus on education, energy, and healthcare tech companies.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Boston, check out these resources:
- Startup Resources and Events in Boston
- Boston and New England: Startup Resource Library
- Dmitri Gunn’s Boston Startup Resources
- Boston Startups Guide
- Boston Startup Incubator Roundup
- A Guide to Boston’s Startup Scene
- AngelList Boston
5. Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv ranks fifth overall, with the third highest availability of talent and fifth highest funding.
Israel, the "startup nation," offers a booming startup activity with a strong venture capital ecosystem.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Tel Aviv, check out these resources:
- The Complete Guide to Israeli Startup Accelerators
- Tel Aviv: The Startup City Guide
- Tel Aviv Startup City
- Startup Resources and Events in Tel Aviv
- TelAviv.gov: Tel Aviv Startup City
- AngelList Tel Aviv
6. London, England
London takes the sixth spot, ranking third in market reach and fourth in fastest growing.
Known as the "tech startup capital of Europe," London offers a growing scene, particularly in fintech.
If you’re interested in starting your company in London, check out these resources:
- London Startup City Guide
- London Startup Guide 2016
- Tech London: Your Guide to the Startup Community, Events, and Jobs in London
- London Startup Ecosystem
- Official List of London Business Accelerators and Incubators
- AngelList London
7. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago ranks seventh overall and second in fastest company growth, only behind New York City.
The city has a thriving tech scene, attracting startups from various industries.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Chicago, check out these resources:
- Built in Chicago Startup Guide
- Chicago Tech Events Guide to the Chicago Tech and Startup Scene
- Chicago Guide for Startups—Networking in the Windy City
- 20 Incubators and Accelerators in Chicago You Need to Know
- AngelList Chicago
8. Seattle, Washington, USA
Seattle ranks eighth overall, third in startup experience, and fourth in available talent.
While venture capital availability is weaker, Seattle’s tech sector is vibrant.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Seattle, check out these resources:
- Startup Resources and Events in Seattle
- Mapping Seattle’s Incubators, Accelerators, and Coworking Spaces
- A Guide to the Seattle Startup Community
- AngelList Seattle
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin jumped to the ninth spot with its recent startup growth.
Berlin’s creative business scene attracts startups from various industries, offering a diverse ecosystem.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Berlin, check out these resources:
- Startup Resources and Events in Berlin
- TechBerlin
- Berlin Startup City Guide
- Berlin City Beat—The Ultimate Guide for Those Who Wish to Startup in Berlin
- Berlin: The Startup City Guide
- Berlin Venture Capital and Incubators
- AngelList Berlin
10. Singapore
Singapore climbed to the tenth spot, representing the only region outside the U.S. and Europe on this list.
Singapore’s government support and inclusive startup community contribute to its rise as a startup hub.
If you’re interested in starting your company in Singapore, check out these resources:
- All You Need to Know About the Singapore Startup Scene
- Entrepreneur’s Guide to Singapore
- Singapore Startup Guide
- Singaporean Accelerators and Incubators You Should Know
- AngelList Singapore
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