Successful communities have certain attributes that put them in the running to attract the talent that a vibrant economy requires. Fortunately, St. Petersburg is rich in the cultural and infrastructure assets that resonate with tech entrepreneurs and startup founders. These include a great quality of life, walkable urban spaces, a thriving arts scene, a research university that ranks in the top ten for U.S. patents, and a nearby airport that travelers named #2 in a national J.D. Power’s 2020 customer satisfaction study. And of course, weather and natural beauty that can’t be beat.
Another fundamental requirement is a well-functioning startup ecosystem. That means a concentration of talent and a network with a sense of place, where ideas can be exchanged, mentors and support services obtained, and investment capital attracted. In this department, we have a mix of strengths and opportunities for improvement.
