Last Updated on 2024-10-11
Whether for mentorship or plain networking, joining tech startup communities has undeniable benefits. Check out where you can join your own tech community in the US.
If you’re a techie entrepreneur, there’s a good chance you’re looking for a tech startup community to join. And if you’re not, you should be! A strong tech startup community is one of the best resources an entrepreneur can have. Not only do they provide access to valuable resources like funding and mentorship, but they also offer networking opportunities and a sense of camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere.
In this article, we’ll discuss where to find tech startup communities in the United States. We’ll also give you a list of detailed options for each area so that you can get the most out of your search. Let’s get started!
Finding Tech Startup Communities in the US
As a tech entrepreneur, it’s important to have a community of like-minded individuals to help you through the ups and downs of starting and running your own business. A strong tech startup community can offer access to valuable resources like funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
These communities can be found online or offline, and each has its own set of benefits. So, if you’re looking for a supportive group of people to help you achieve your goals, look for a tech startup community in your area!
Tech Startup Communities In Your Area: Major Cities
Some of the best places to find tech startup communities in the United States are in major cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Boston. These cities have a large number of startups, established tech companies, and investors, which creates an environment that is conducive to networking and collaboration.
Additionally, these cities have various resources available to entrepreneurs, including accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces, and event spaces. Some colleges even have their own startup communities. A great example of that is Mizzou Startups.
California is home to Silicon Valley, where you can find some of the worldโs biggest names in tech, such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. As such, the influence of these tech giants ripples across the area in inspiring communities, including tech entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, New York Cityโs tech scene is flourishing. The Big Apple boasts a wide talent pool, venture capital activity, and business opportunities. In fact, it has already surpassed San Francisco as the top tech city in all of America. Similarly, the community for technopreneurs in NYC is also growing.
If you’re looking for a tech startup community in one of these major cities, here are some options to consider:
TechCrunch Disrupt SF
TechCrunch Disrupt is an annual event where top startups and investors in the tech industry meet. This event usually showcases a number of disruptive startups making waves in the industry. There are also talks from top-billing speakers from venture capital firms, big names in tech, and more.
Y Combinator
One of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world, Y Combinator, is based in Silicon Valley. They have a community of carefully vetted startups that have high growth potential. Since their foundation in 2005, they have already funded over 3500 startups. Over the years, they also grew a community of more than 9000 founders.
If accepted into their program, you’ll have access to resources like office space and equipment. You will also get mentorship from some of the top entrepreneurs in the tech industry as well as exposure to A-list investors.
TechStars
TechStars is another top accelerator program. They provide tech startups with access to mentors, investors, and resources. Since they started, they have funded over 3000 early-stage startups. These startups hail from multiple industries, including FinTech, Web3, HealthTech, and more.
TechStars operates dozens of accelerator programs around the world. Some are open to all types of startups, while others focus on niches like EnergyTech, AgTech, crypto, and human longevity. These targeted programs are great opportunities if you happen to be building tech in one of their program niches.
WeWork Labs
WeWork Labs is a global network of co-working spaces for early-stage startups. They offer membership plans that give access to resources like workspace, events, and mentorship.
Essentially, they are an incubator that connects startup founders and SMBs to the global market. They aim to allow businesses to grow, upskill, and network with each other to foster a dynamic and healthy ecosystem.
Smaller Tech Startup Communities
In addition to major cities, there are also many smaller communities across the United States where tech startups thrive. One of the cities that support tech startup activity is Austin, Texas.
CNBC recently named the Texas capital the #1 place to start a business in America. Austinโs culture also contributes to the growth of small businesses in the city. That is one of the reasons many new businesses are popping up left and right.
Another state with growing support for tech startups is Illinois. Chicago is one of the top tech hubs, not just in the midwest but also in the United States. The city has an impressive innovation culture that contributes to its growth. As reported, Chicago startups raised more than $7 billion in funding last year.
Its neighboring state, Missouri, is also gaining traction in startup activities. This fuels the uprise of tech startup communities not just in these neighboring states but in the midwest area. Many businesses are also moving to less congested cities for lesser competition, more affordable resources, and newer opportunities. Even if youโre not in Silicon Valley or NYC, you can find tech startup communities around you.
These communities may not have the same resources as larger cities, but they offer a more intimate environment where you can get to know other entrepreneurs personally. If you’re looking for a tech startup community in a smaller town or city, here are some options to consider:
Techstars Cloud
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Techstars Cloud is a sub-accelerator program that focuses on cloud computing startups. Just like its parent company, TechStars Boulder, it offers access to resources like office space, mentorship, and events.
Capital Factory
This Austin-based organization is a hub for startups and tech entrepreneurs. They help entrepreneurs grow by introducing them to investors and mentors. Moreover, they can also help a tech startup find employees and customers.
TechNexus
TechNexus is a venture capital fund and startup incubator based in Chicago, Illinois. This group upholds a culture of inclusivity, equity, and diversity in the world of startup entrepreneurship. As such, they uplift entrepreneur communities that are often overlooked and marginalized. They believe that diverse viewpoints will result in unique professional and personal experiences in business.
Many online communities support tech startups. These communities can be a great way to connect with other entrepreneurs worldwide, learn about new resources and opportunities, and get advice and feedback on your business.
Indie Hackers
This online forum is a place for tech startup founders to share their experiences and learn from each other. Through this online community, you can connect with other founders and creators. So whether your goal is to seek advice or help other entrepreneurs, this community will fit you.
Hacker News
This online community is a place for tech enthusiasts to discuss the latest news and trends in the industry. The Hacker News online space is within the top industry accelerator Y Combinator platform.
GrowthHackers
GrowthHackers is an exclusive, invite-only community for top founders and business leaders. This online community focuses on helping startups grow their businesses through marketing and growth hacking strategies. If you want to be part of this community, you need to apply and showcase your edge as a startup with a potential for growth.
Startup Hustle
Startup Hustle is a podcast that talks about startup entrepreneurship and the community. Hosts Matt DeCoursey and Matt Watson invite podcast guests who are entrepreneurs from different walks of life.ย
This popular business podcast covers anything and everything related to managing a startup, from early-stage tips to networking and connecting with your community. Since its conception, the show has aired over 1,000 episodes and has been downloaded over 4 million times.
Work With A High-Growth Company Today!
No matter where you are in the United States, there is a tech startup community that can help you grow your business. By networking and connecting with other entrepreneurs, you’ll have access to the resources and advice you need to take your business to the next level.
The best part about this is you could work with one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States right now!
Serial entrepreneurs Matt DeCoursey and Matt Watson led Full Scale to be one of the most highly-coveted software development companies in the market today. We are a Kansas City-based company that provides software development services to global clients.
At Full Scale, we host a roster of top-tier talent who are ready to join your team. Weโve already handled the recruitment, testing, and assessment of our professionals to ensure we only give you the best.
Grow Your Startup Today with Full Scale!
Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.