It's no secret that the Midwest is quickly becoming an emerging technology hub, with startups finding all the tools they need to develop thriving businesses. Columbus, Ohio is no exception, and is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing technology centers in the country. The rise of non-traditional tech hubs, such as Wilmington (Delaware), Columbus (Ohio) and Portland (Oregon), which were once smaller industrial cities, demonstrates the fundamental role that technology plays in driving radical change in traditional companies in all sectors. This statistic shows that Columbus has plenty of opportunities for its graduates to stay and live in the city. I've had the pleasure of visiting Ohio several times and I can attest: the only people who live in Ohio are those who don't know any better.
JobSohio, an economic development organization, has played a major role in attracting major tech companies to Columbus, as well as supporting local businesses. According to the Kauffman Entrepreneurship Index, Columbus has more new companies that reach 50 or more employees in their first 10 years than any other major metropolitan area in the country. So how did we get here? How did Columbus become one of the leading technology and startup ecosystems? What has been the recipe for creating such successful companies? And where is Columbus heading? One of the easiest indicators to spot a successful startup hub is funding, and in Columbus, there are three major drivers of investment in the startup ecosystem. As part of this strategy, the company has placed 40,000 technologists in 14 global technology centers, including centers in Columbus and Wilmington. In more recent history, Columbus' experience in health and insurance has become a common theme among successful startups in the city. Among them is Ohio TechAngel Funds, the largest network of private investors in North America, with 340 taxpayers.
The company continues to grow its presence in Columbus with growing engineering and product teams (and more). It has numerous regional, automotive and light-manufacturing insurance and financial services companies. In addition, it has a significant educational presence thanks to Ohio State University and, as the capital of Ohio, it also supports jobs in local and state governments. Columbus was embedded in these industries for a long time, creating an incredible talent pool for health and insurance-related startups. With a 20-year horizon in mind, let's look at the biggest challenges and opportunities that Columbus has ahead of us.
