A Guide to Startups in Massachusetts

How Boston Became a Startup Hub

Figure 1 Boston has become a successful startup hub

Startups have long been a sign of a creative and innovative city. But, after the experience of the last few years, more people seem to be looking into how to set up this kind of business and take control of their own future.

Silicon Valley may get all the attention when it comes to startups, but there are other hubs all across the US. The greater Boston area is one of those and whether it is a new tech entrepreneur, a firm pre-empting sports betting in Massachusetts, or a company providing healthcare for seniors, this is the place to be. Read on to find out why this location is perfect for a startup revolution.

History of Innovation

There used to be a way of thinking that you would have to look west for the innovation needed for a successful startup. But there are plenty of eastern cities that have an infrastructure already in place that is perfect for the formation of new businesses.

A diverse, metropolitan city like Boston is an ideal hub for the kind of innovation needed to produce startups. Tech businesses, universities, and medical centers are perfect for breeding the kinds of ideas that develop into success stories. The existing startup scene then attracts new innovators.

Access to Capital

Even the best startup idea is useless with some kind of access to venture capital. But, as with many of the factors listed here, success leads to greater success – and Massachusetts is now seen as somewhere that encourages new startups and supports them financially too.

With Boston now being regarded as a startup hub, there is greater access to capital and more venture firms than in even some of the biggest cities in the east. With finance available in this region, there is no need to go looking elsewhere – so that stops the drift westwards than once was the case.

Available Talent

Boston is home to more universities than any other city in the world and that provides a continual supply of talent and labor. These well-educated professionals are then able to come up with their own ideas and keep the cycle going. The number of startups is in direct relation with so many schools concentrating on tech.

There used to be a problem with graduates leaving the city after completing their studies. But that trend has been reversed and now many see Boston and nearby Cambridge as ideal locations for new startups. This diverse workforce is now transforming the look of the area.

Figure 2 There are a number of reasons why startups succeed in this region

Support Structure

Alongside finance, all startups need the support of some kind to grow and develop. This may include further investment, but the kinds of support can cover a lot of other bases. Boston and Massachusetts have an extensive range of organizations specifically designed to help startups reach their potential.

Many of these groups concentrate on specific areas of business – and that, once again, perpetuates the situation. Some may accelerate a startup’s growth, while others may take a more informally financial approach and help mentor individuals with an eye on future success.

A Look to the Future

With an excellent level of access to talent and investment, Massachusetts – and Boston in particular – has become a real success story for startups. This may be in the city’s DNA. The idea of being willing to pay it forward has long been a trait of the area.

The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship is almost handed down from generation to generation. As we have mentioned, the city’s success has led to greater success and there is a feeling that helping others is intrinsically important.

That is obviously good news for anyone interested in developing a startup business. If there is a belief that it can be done, there will be innovative young people that will take that as a sign to continue with their dreams.