Seattle is a powerhouse for tech and biotech startups. Home to giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the city ranks high in AI and big data innovation. With over 100 engineering centers and a robust support network, Seattle is ideal for budding entrepreneurs.
Join our Seattle City Squad to meet fellow innovators, exchange ideas, and scale your startup in this thriving community.
9+ years of experience in Product strategist, Product Partnerships, and Entrepreneurship.
Product leader with 10+ years of experience in high-growth companies scaling consumer and SaaS products, driving user and revenue growth, and building high-performing product teams.
Aaron leads creation of company culture, corporate strategy, investor relationships, and drives strategic partnerships. He is a graduate of CBID, an MSE focused on medical technology innovation, needs identification, and customer discovery, and holds a PhD in BioEngineering and an MBA in Innov Mgt.
Seattle’s startup ecosystem is robust, particularly in tech, biotech, healthtech, and cloud computing. The city is also strong in sectors like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and e-commerce, thanks to the presence of major companies like Amazon and Microsoft.
Seattle is home to several key accelerators, including Techstars Seattle, 9Mile Labs, and Madrona Venture Labs.
Startups in Seattle can access a variety of funding opportunities, including venture capital firms like Madrona Venture Group and Maveron. There are also angel investor networks such as the Alliance of Angels, and public funding programs through entities like the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Seattle offers several tax incentives for startups, including the High Technology B&O Tax Credit for R&D activities and various grants for small businesses. Additionally, Washington State does not have a personal or corporate income tax, which is a significant advantage for entrepreneurs.
The cost of living is relatively high compared to other U.S. cities, reflecting its vibrant economy and high quality of life. Office space can be expensive, but there are numerous co-working spaces and business hubs available at more affordable rates. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $3,000 – $5,000 on starting your small business, with some spending as much as $10,000 depending on the sector.
Seattle has a highly skilled and diverse talent pool, supported by top universities like the University of Washington. The city’s tech-driven economy attracts professionals from across the country and around the world, providing startups with access to a wide range of expertise and skills.
Seattle’s infrastructure is highly supportive of startup growth. The city offers excellent transportation links, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a comprehensive public transportation system, and well-developed road networks. Additionally, Seattle has a robust digital infrastructure with widespread high-speed internet access.
Seattle hosts several major networking events for startups, such as Seattle Startup Week, Techstars Startup Weekend, and the Seattle Angel Conference.
Seattle provides a supportive regulatory environment for startups, with initiatives aimed at simplifying business registration and compliance. The state and local governments have implemented various policies to reduce administrative burdens and foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.
