Many professionals and even those early in their careers seek the excitement and opportunities that go along with working for a startup. There’s something great about getting in on a company’s ground floor and helping it grow to be a big success that gives meaning to your work, not to mention the potential for big returns. It’s not a career for everyone, but for those who love it, working for an established brand just doesn’t have the same appeal.
Why work for a startup?
There are many reasons that professionals choose to work primarily for startups. In big companies, teams get a lot of focus, but in a smaller startup environment, each individual stands out on their own. If you crave being entirely responsible for your department, a startup career might be for you. Another reason to work with startups is the pioneering instinct that many startup CEOs possess.
Corporate culture is generally pretty set and resistant to being shaken up; employees are often creating the culture and in startups. It can be an incredibly exciting position to be in and allows these small teams to make history by innovating.
If you want to help take a startup from a garage to an acquisition or IPO, these are seven of the best cities to search for a job in.
Richmond, VA
Startup CEOs in Richmond say that they sometimes face resistance from investors outside of the area. When operating their companies, however, they say that the support from the local economy and the city is phenomenal. Angel investors are starting to focus on the area, and newly established co-working spaces give companies the space they need to mature and thrive.
Richmond itself is in the process of developing a stronger business community and successful startups employees will be key factors in that growth. If that concept excites you, Richmond is a brilliant place to start your career.
Detroit, MI
After a substantial downturn in the Great Recession, Detroit and it’s surrounding areas are rapidly coming back to life as entrepreneurs in the area look to create a new culture of entrepreneurial brilliance. Some CEOs have referred to the business expansion in Detroit as an entrepreneurial gold rush, citing the lower cost of living and cost of operating a business combined with the talent network in the city.
It’s worth noting that you’ll probably collect a smaller salary at a Detroit based startup than you will at one based in San Francisco, but it’ll often balance out, considering the cost of living.
San Francisco, CA
As one of the hotbeds of the Silicon Valley expansion, San Francisco is a fantastic place to search if you’re looking to take your career in the direction of a startup. Although many great businesses are forming around the country, some of the most exciting tech startups in particular get their feet wet in the Bay Area. There is no shortage of financiers to notice and support smart startups in the area, which lends to exciting opportunities for creative, IT and engineering professionals.
Potential downsides? Since the tech boom happened here, and the area is so well known for its tech possibilities, the pool of candidates can make the job search competitive. Even if you’re amazing, this can make it difficult to get noticed. The cost of living in the Bay Area is also very high, making it difficult for entry-level job seekers to make ends meet.
Austin, TX
The city of Austin, Texas, does more than just keep itself weird; in the past several years, it has garnered a reputation for being a fantastic community for tech-based startups. They have websites focused on connecting excited professionals with startups that are looking for people, allowing you to narrow down the possible employer options from the get-go.
Angel investors are taking Austin companies much more seriously, and are seeing a real push to grow the area.
Denver, CO
Each year, the city of Denver hosts its own Startup Week, a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that connects startups with excited professionals and potential investors. Denver was one of the first cities to start to build a strong tech startup community outside of the Bay Area, and with the accessibility afforded by low-cost online tools, the area has continued to grow by drawing on some of the best minds around the world.
Denver businesses are actively growing, taking advantage of the lower cost of living than in other major cities, and hiring new employees. Plus, the skiing is absolutely fantastic.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, and its twin city of St. Paul, are rapidly growing hotbeds of entrepreneurial expansion. With a lower cost of living than the Bay Area and rapid access to the nearby Great Lakes, the city has been drawing growing attention from the startup community.
Three different entrepreneurial accelerators have gotten off the ground in the Twin Cities in the past few years, and they’re garnering major attention from businesses and investors alike. The proximity to Target and Best Buy headquarters also makes the area a major draw for those who are creating Internet of Things style devices or services.
Phoenix, AZ
Another growing entrepreneurial community in the southwest, Phoenix hosts its own five-day Startup Week event, focused on growing the startup community and expanding knowledge of how the community works, and how businesses get off the ground. Phoenix has been rapidly expanding its startup community in the past few years, and has fostered a number of businesses that have expanded onto the national and international stage. For a gorgeous community and an interesting, growing, vibrant entrepreneurial edge, make sure to check out Phoenix.
Your Home Town
So should you move to a brand new city to find the startup energy you crave? You certainly can, but the truth is that with the advent of the current digital economy, you can work for some startups from where you’re living right now.
Especially when you work in the fields of marketing, content development, or software, you can be at home, on your couch, in your PJs (or in your home office like a professional), and still excel at your job. This gives you the flexibility to stay where you are, combined with the experience you desire.
What cities do you recommend to professionals looking to expand their startup experiences?