Remember that girl who you always overlooked until the day you realized that she had blossomed into a beautiful woman? Well that woman is Denver and she is here to stay.
It is no secret that Colorado is the home to some of the best outdoor activities in the country. Recently ranked the fittest state in the US, being outdoors and taking advantage of the state’s natural assets is the norm of Coloradans. The Rocky Mountains and the San Juan Mountains bring skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, camping, white water rafting, rock and ice climbing and countless other activities. This diverse offering of activities has created a culture of people who love to be outdoors.
A VIEW OF MAROON BELLS LOCATED IN ASPEN, COLORADO.
This state is also considered to have one of the nations best beer scenes. Anchored by Coors and Fat Tire, Colorado also features 139 breweries. Many of these beers can be found on tap at any of Denver’s four major sports teams’ events, or at concerts at Red Rocks – recently named the #1 amphitheater in America. If none of these options sound appealing, on the right weekend you can attend the Great American Beer Festival, which happens to be the largest beer festival in the country featuring 450 breweries that bring 35,000 gallons of beer. The possibilities are endless.
However, what is commonly overlooked is Colorado’s business scene. Recently ranked #5 on Forbes’ list of best states for business, on a per-capita basis, Colorado is well ahead of other states in the areas of green technology, health care, telecom, energy, aerospace, bioscience, high tech, health food and organics. Powerhouse companies including: Arrow Electronics, Vestas Wind Systems, DaVita, and Lockheed Martin have even relocated their businesses to Colorado.
Specifically, the entrepreneurial scene in Colorado is exploding. Much of this success can be attributed to the help of tech startup guru Brad Feld who has been influential in building Colorado’s reputation. Feld not only provides free advice and interesting articles through hisblog, but also is a co-founder of the Boulder based Techstars – arguably the best accelerator in the world, as well as the venture capital firm- The Foundry Group. His name and international reputation has helped put the Colorado entrepreneurial scene on the map. In fact, Boulder was recently ranked the best US city for tech startups. Denver is not far behind.
A VIEW OF DENVER, COLORADO AS THE EVENING APPROACHES.
Once viewed as a cattle town, Denver has quickly become one of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities in the country. Each year, 40,000 new people move to the city. This growth has had a significant impact on the real estate market – particularly the housing and apartment markets. Denver’s vacancy rate is at an all time low of 4.2%- one of the lowest in the United States.
The startup scene has also begun to explode. Recently ranked the fourth hottest startup scene, Denver is already seeing growth from innovation that is being used to build momentum to create a prosperous economy into the future. Some of the most famous Denver startups include: Chipotle, Great Divide Brewing Company, The Gates Rubber Company, Samsonite and Ping Identity.
Much of Denver’s success can be attributed to its mayor, Michael B. Hancock. While in office, Hancock has been integral in facilitating this growth through events including Denver Startup Week featuring 500 companies, free workshops, mentoring and networking events as well as a city-wide business plan competition. Mayor Hancock has also been public in his support of the entrepreneurial spirit including quoted saying “Denver wants to be the startup capital of the nation” at the kickoff of Denver Startup Week.
The Colorado Technology Association (CTA) also had a tremendous impact on the startup scene. CTA is the largest and most influential technology association in the state. In addition to networking and business connecting activities, CTA works to guide public policies affecting technology businesses in Colorado. Because the technology sector is changing so rapidly, it is very tough for legislators to stay current with new opportunities on the horizon. As a result, laws can get in the way of startups without even meaning to. CTA opens the line of communication so that the state’s legislation caters to technology rather than hinder it. Colorado Technology Association is also a key contributor to Denver Startup Week and is responsible for putting on countless events at local venue Galvanize.
Galvanize, located in the Golden Triangle right on the outskirts of downtown, creates a ‘tech ecosystem’ providing entrepreneurs the resources they need to prosper and strive. This ecosystem is composed of three legs: community, capital and curriculum. Galvanize provides community through the shared office space and access to some of the states most successful entrepreneurs in Colorado, capital through the firms venture fund and curriculum through the world renowned gSchool producing cream of the crop developers. From its opening in October 2012, Galvanize has been widely accepted as the tech hub of Denver.
A BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF THE ATRIUM IN GALVANIZE.
This hub has allowed entrepreneurs to meet and make connections at an unparalleled rate. Jim Deters, Co-Founder and CEO, recently said in an interview “Everything is all about connections. It’s the most powerful thing you can create.” Within the year, Galvanize is opening another location in Denver, and a new location in Boulder. They also have their eyes set on two additional locations within a 3 year time-frame, growing this community and providing more connections.
So what is Colorado’s secret sauce you ask? I would be hard pressed that it be any one thing, rather a culmination of the outdoors, great beer, people, the atmosphere and one of the nations best and fastest growing startup scenes. Whatever it is, Denver is on the map, and it is here for good.