Among the reasons why San Francisco is considered the tech capital of the world is that it is home to a large number of startups. It is also home to some of the world’s leading universities, including Stanford and Cal Poly. These schools don’t necessarily have the best location for tech companies, though.
Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley has all the essential elements for starting and growing a global technology company. The region is home to talented people, investors, mentors and experienced service providers. Its innovation-friendly environment draws people to attend startup events like Demo Days, launch parties, summer barbeques, co-working spaces, etc. It is also home to startups that aspire to become the next Google or Facebook.
Silicon Valley is one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs, with over a third of all venture capital invested in the United States taking place in the region. Other leading innovation centers include New England, the New York Metro area, and Los Angeles County. The Valley is made up of over 20 cities, including Palo Alto and Los Altos, as well as several smaller ones. It is also home to several notable institutions of higher learning, including Stanford University and Silicon Valley University. Three University of California campuses are also located in the area.
Exploratorium
If you love science and technology, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Exploratorium. It’s a hands-on science and technology museum that’s moving from its current location on the Embarcadero to Pier 15 on the Bay. Founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium opened its doors in 1969 and is now one of the largest museums and science centers in the world. Its galleries are divided by subject matter. Some are dedicated to physics, electricity, magnetism, living systems, and the local environment.
The Exploratorium has a stellar board of directors, including Google’s Jeff Huber and Khan Academy founder Craig Silverstein. The Exploratorium has also partnered with several leading tech industry figures including Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Another notable board member is Khan Academy’s exec Craig Silverstein, and Google’s Reid Hoffman.
Chabot Space and Science Center
If you love science and technology, you should check out the Chabot Space and Science Center in San Francisco. With 130 years of history, it has many educational programs and exhibits for people of all ages. There are also award-winning interactive exhibits and a planetarium show. For young children, the Tyke Explorers Workshop is the perfect place to start their exploration of science. K-12 students can also enjoy the 25-class field trip/outreach program, which offers hands-on science classes that map to the Next Generation Science Standards. Even high school students can participate in the Galaxy Explorers program, which provides structured training for young scientists and engineers.
The Chabot Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was established to raise funds for the Center. They aim to cultivate interest in the sciences and promote public awareness. The Foundation Board and Executive Director work closely together to support the mission of the Chabot. They meet on a bi-monthly basis and oversee the work of the Center. Chabot also offers teacher training programs throughout the year. These programs include field trips, guest speakers, and access to online resources.
Startups
In recent years, San Francisco has become a magnet for app innovation. Companies such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Square have sprung up in the area, attracting a younger crowd. Meanwhile, the tech industry is changing, from chips to Web-based businesses. In addition to attracting young professionals, San Francisco has a thriving nightlife.
This proximity to Silicon Valley means that companies can quickly create synergies. Startups here also require a large amount of capital to launch and grow their businesses. The proximity to Silicon Valley and the European flavor of the city also attracts foreign talent.
Tax breaks
Tax breaks in San Francisco, the tech capital, have helped attract major tech companies to the city. Companies like Uber, Dropbox, and Pinterest have taken advantage of these breaks to relocate to the city. Other tech companies that have relocated or expanded in the city are Airbnb, BitTorrent, Square, and Zendesk. Salesforce, one of the biggest names in the industry, is also taking advantage of tax breaks to expand its San Francisco headquarters.
The city’s incentive program aimed to attract tech companies to Mid-Market Street, and has helped revitalize the area. However, the tax break expires May 20. This Chronicle package looks at how the Mid-Market tax break has changed the neighborhood, and whether it is beneficial for city residents and businesses.
Jobs
Jobs are one of the most compelling factors that make San Francisco the tech capital of the world. The city has a very educated population and many college graduates relocate there to find tech jobs. These young professionals tend to be high-earners, interested in the latest technologies, and involved in a thriving nightlife.
The tech ecosystem in San Francisco is extremely strong, which draws many younger and older tech founders to the region. These founders often own property in the Bay Area, and they have vast networks in the region. They want to keep these contacts and would prefer to hire people who are native to the Bay Area.