Want to be on the ground floor of a whole new tech boom? Pay a visit to one of these up-and-coming tech cities around the world. Here’s why they rock - and how to enjoy them on your time off.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is sweeping the European tech scene as an enticing new hub for digital nomads, and it’s already home to several hundred startups. The nation has pioneered something called E-Residency, which allows entrepreneurs to launch an EU-based business online. Not surprisingly, Estonia has one of the highest rankings of startups per capita in Europe, and giants like Skype and Transferwise were founded there.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll want to pay a visit to Telliskivi Creative City, the city’s creative center housed in a former industrial complex. Here, you can rub elbows with creatives, big thinkers, and leaders of NGOs. On your downtime, you can explore the beauty of Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 13th century. Tallinn is home to almost 600 cultural events, so no matter when you’ll in town, you’ll surely find something to do.
Raleigh, North Carolina
As part of the Research Triangle (a research university region consisting of Raleigh and the nearby cities of Chapel Hill and Durham), Raleigh has long attracted some of the smartest and most innovative thinkers in the US. As tech industry continues to spring up around the Research Triangle, you’ll find tons of career opportunities, with major companies flocking there and plenty of room for new startups to grow. In fact, startups in North Carolina raised over $1 billion in 2018.
On your off time, you can enjoy the city’s low-key pace and booming food scene. Bida Manda, a favorite Raleigh eatery, was named the best restaurant in North Carolina. Don’t forget to hit up happy hour at the Raleigh Beer Garden, the record-breaking bar with the world’s largest beer selection - more than 350 on tap - and charming atmosphere.
Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen’s startup scene is expanding by the minute. More than half of China’s international patent filings stem from Shenzhen, and here, ideas flow like wine. If you’ve got a startup idea you’re ready to grow, this is the place to do it - talent abounds and venture capitalists are everywhere you turn.
Off the clock, spend some time getting inspired at the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park, where you can rub elbows with creatives. When you’re ready for a break from the city grind, you can escape to the nearby Nanshan Mountains or stunning local beaches.
Bengaluru, India
Bengaluru has long been an IT hub, but these days, the city’s tech scene is expanding to fresh startups and big, bold ideas. A stop into any local bar will give you the chance to get to know local developers, VCs, and innovators who are ready to change the world.
Make sure you take time to enjoy the city by paying a visit to KR Market, one of Asia’s largest flower markets. Wandering among the vendors is an adventure in itself. For a bit of quiet inspiration, spend time at Lalbagh Botanical Garden or the National Gallery of Modern Art. Don’t forget to fuel up at VV Puram Street Food, a foodie’s paradise.
Tampa Bay, Florida
With a series of tech companies, startup incubators, and business accelerators regularly popping up in Tampa, this city has everything you need to thrive: a beach, a great tech scene, and, oh yeah, did we mention the beach? This city has long been known for its warm, sparkling Gulf of Mexico waters, and the abundance of tech opportunities only makes it that much more of a paradise. Arriving in Tampa today would mean getting in on the ground floor of a scene that’s just getting started. Tampa Bay’s IT and software companies have brought over 2,000 jobs to the city in the last two years, and they’re in need of skilled workers.
It’s no secret that when you’re off the clock, one of the best ways to spend your time in Tampa Bay is lounging in the sand or out on the water. If you’re looking to head out and socialize, look no further than Tampa’s Latin quarter. Don’t forget to hit up some of the city’s most popular breweries while you’re out!