In the early 2010s, Columbus, Ohio’s technology job scene began to take off due to investments that made it easier for entrepreneurs to start companies. Fast-forward to today, and the city has become a hub for attracting talent from across the country, thanks in part to its low cost of living and young, skilled workforce.
TechCrunch Live Panel Discussion
On this special episode of TechCrunch Live, three local leaders shared their insights on who’s hiring, how companies are retaining employees, and what the city’s jobs market will look like in the future. The panel included:
- Erika Pryor, founder of EPiC Creative + Design, a marketing coaching and marketing curriculum design company.
- Alex ‘Fro’ Frommeyer, CEO of digitally native dental insurance company Beam Dental.
- Ryan Landau, founder and CEO of Purpose Jobs, a company based in the Midwest that connects talent to companies.
Finding Tech Talent in Columbus
The panelists emphasized that finding great tech talent is no longer limited to the coasts. Columbus has become a hotspot for attracting top talent due to its unique ecosystem, which includes larger, more established companies creating innovation spaces and investing in helping employees develop new skills.
A Key to Success: Getting the Word Out
Looking to the future, the panelists highlighted that getting the word out about Columbus’ talent, tech ecosystem, and available jobs will be crucial. As more capital flows into the space, the city’s ecosystem is leaning towards distributing more of it amongst women and people of color as well as leveling out wealth across demographic groups.
External Validation and Future Growth
The panelists also pointed to external validation from companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Intel building facilities nearby. This will inspire other companies to establish a main headquarters or second headquarters in the area.
Thriving Startups in Columbus
Columbus’ startup scene is thriving, with many companies attracting talent from across the country. Some notable startups include:
- Beam Dental: A digitally native dental insurance company that’s disrupting the industry.
- Purpose Jobs: A company connecting talent to companies, with a focus on job matching and career development.
Why Columbus is Becoming the Midwest’s Tech Hub
Columbus’ unique combination of factors, including its low cost of living, young workforce, and innovative ecosystem, make it an attractive destination for tech companies. The city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation will only continue to attract more talent and investment.
Conclusion
Columbus, Ohio is quickly becoming the Midwest’s tech hub, with a thriving startup scene and a strong talent pool. As more capital flows into the space, the city’s ecosystem is leaning towards distributing it amongst women and people of color as well as leveling out wealth across demographic groups. With external validation from major companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Intel, Columbus’ growth is only just beginning.
About the Author
Christine Hall is a Senior Reporter at TechCrunch, covering enterprise/B2B, e-commerce, and foodtech for TechCrunch, as well as venture capital rounds for Crunchbase News. She has an undergraduate journalism degree from Murray State University and a graduate degree from The Ohio State University.
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