Tampa is quickly becoming Florida’s tech capital and was recently named as Forbes’ top emerging tech city in the US. It is home to over 50 software and IT companies and is responsible for over 25% of Florida’s tech jobs. Companies such as OPSWAT and Rapid7 now have a permanent presence in the city.
Why is Tampa Becoming a Tech Hub?
Low Cost of Living
Tampa is an affordable place for people to live and work. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Tampa is 5% lower than the national average and house prices are 11% cheaper than the national average.
Job Opportunities in Tech
CompTIA reported in the State of the Tech Workforce 2022 that Florida had 10,522 new tech jobs in 2021, second in the US to Texas who reported 10,851 new tech jobs. These tech jobs have an average wage of $98,430, according to the Gen Z IRL Tech Index.
Support for Tech Start-Ups
Tampa is a place where tech start-ups are encouraged and there is a lot of support available to help them succeed. Tampa Bay Wave, a non-profit organisation, was created to “empower tech entrepreneurs to build, launch and grow their businesses into successful ventures.” To date, they have supported over 450 start-ups and raised over $550 million.
Similarly, Florida Funders are “finding, funding, and building the next generation of tech companies.” They aim to go from “sunshine state to start-up state” by offering investments. To date, the company have invested in more than 80 companies.
Leader in Cybersecurity
The University of South Florida created a cybersecurity program in 2014 called Cyber Florida. This program was created to help position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research, and outreach. They assist in the creation of jobs and enhance the existing cybersecurity workforce, as well as attracting cybersecurity companies such as ReliaQuest to the state.
Investment in the City
Former hedge fund manager, Jeff Vinik is investing billions (through his own investment fund, alongside Bill Gates’ Cascade fund) in building an ecosystem in Tampa. This 50-acre development project will transform Tampa’s downtown, including corporate headquarters, residential hotel and various shops and restaurants.
As a result of Tampa becoming a tech hub in the US, Reperio has decided to expand and open an office in Tampa, alongside its existing office located in Raleigh, North Carolina. If you are a company in Tampa and the surrounding areas and need assistance hiring tech professionals or if you are an IT professional looking for your next job in this area, contact our team on +1 813 902 2700.
Written by Michelle Corry