The one thing theyd agree on is the need for the right people.
Whether thats investors, employees, customers, or partners.
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In fact, its one of 11 global ecosystems flaunting four or more billion-dollar companies.
Secondary cities dont have the established ecosystems of their major city pals, but size isnt everything.
In Manchester, the startup community is smaller, but more easily penetrable.
Theres lots of jobs, not enough people to fill them, and agaping digital skills gap.
Universities in Manchester continually churn outtop-class graduates with a range of specialties.
Plus, graduates dont ditch once theyve finished their studies 51% of them stay local post-graduation.
And its no wonder.
This year Time Out Magazine named Manchester thethird best city in the world.
One graduate who never left is David Leitch, cofounder ofPeak.
Despite the pandemic, Peak has nearly doubled in size.
Access to a steady stream of capable applicants from the local pool has made this possible.
Theres a really strong academic community here and an excellent pipeline of talent.
Weve built brilliant relationships with the universities and worked with lots of graduates.
The local code camps have helped us fill our technical roles, too.
Without the eye-watering overheads, budding entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to life at a reduced cost.
Meanwhile, young professionals are being priced out of larger cities with astronomical rents.
Within 10 minutes of arrival, I had been greeted by three strangers.
And 20 minutes later, I was bantering with a group of writers about our undying hate for SEO.
Major city startup scenes can feel impenetrable for new founders.
Smaller communities make it easier to reach the right people.
This sentiment is echoed by Andy Etches, cofounder of sports tech platform,Rezzil.
According to Andy, being based in Manchester helped them secure local and international partnerships.
The company that does our filming is a 10-minute walk away.
And for half the price.
Our first location was a coworking space, which was also home to Tech Nation.
We entered the Rising Stars competition and connected with so many awesome businesses.
Those early relationships still benefit us today.
It goes without saying, you dont become Europes fastest-growing tech city without funding opportunities.
Back in 2018,GC Angelswas set up to target the early-stage funding gap across the Greater Manchester region.
Who cares about location in a post-COVID world?
Both Rezzil and Peak have flexible remote working policies.
Andy shared:
Nothing will ever compare to a founder showing up in person and demonstrating their product.
Being in Manchester means we can do that on a local level, and internationally.
The city is so well connected that we can always be where our partners and customers need us.
Employees are lusting after that face-to-face time, too.
A recent study by Accenture found that a whopping83% of employees favor a hybrid work setup.
People get energy working around others, David shared.
More and more people are returning to the office.
With COVID protocols in place, were pretty much back to full capacity.
Its pretty motivating when the lift doors open and you see loads of cool things happening.
When we expand to the US we wont be moving our head office.
Well always be headquartered in Manchester.
The lure of major cities is unlikely to fade for new founders.
Theres a sense of safety that comes with an established scene, where those before you have succeeded.
Manchester delivers on talent, community, and investment opportunities.
Find out moreabout all the opportunities the city has to offer both founders and tech talent.
