Reno Named Smokin’ Hot for Startups

Featured image showing an illustration of a rocket man over Reno, NV's skyline

Reno Named Smokin’ Hot for Startups

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From big tech spinoffs to cottage industry success stories, new companies in Reno are attracting big investments. Livability.com recently published an article outlining some of the sweetest startup scenes in the region and lists all the reasons why Reno, Nevada was named smokin’ hot for startups. See the original article on livability.com

Reno, Nevada’s Start-up Scene Is Smokin’ Hot

Northern Nevada start-ups garnered a record $1.4 billion in external funding in 2021, more than 15 times the amount raised the year before. Why do so many start-ups start, grow and thrive in Reno? Read on.

First, A Brief History Recap

Nine years have whizzed by since Reno’s Startup Row became a thing. Granted, it was a small thing by today’s standards, but it was the beginning of Reno’s evolution from a casino-driven economy to a veritable start-up mecca.

The pivot away from Reno’s once-unflappable casino industry was the solution to a very big problem: Reno had most of its economic eggs in one neon lights-lined basket. When the recession hit in 2008, that basket was obliterated. And though initially devastating for businesses and the real estate market alike, smart, entrepreneurial-minded people saw big opportunity in Reno — and so Reno’s reinvention began.

By 2013, a collection of start-up businesses began to cluster, collaborate and grow in the Biggest Little City. Reasons included Nevada’s business-friendly taxes and incentives, and an abundance of inexpensive office space. Also alluring were the proximity to the West Coast and the promise of the coveted work-life balance, given the region’s year-round outdoor recreation. Other start-ups started noticing, too, and following the newly blazed trail.

Fast Forward To $1.4 Billion

Now, onto that show-stopping, jaw-dropping figure: $1.4 billion in external funding among Reno start-ups just last year. It’s a huge testament to the ever-growing triumphs and the vibrant, supportive start-up community that’s blossomed in less than a decade. Founders of manufacturing and technology companies like Tesla, SoFi and WorkDay have found fertile ground in Northern Nevada, spinning off tech successes Redwood MaterialsFigure and Ridgeline, each of which has attracted top investor dollars. Redwood Materials, the battery recycling firm founded by a former Tesla executive, led the way with a whopping $750 million in Series C funding last year. A financial technology company came in second on the list with $200 million in Series D funding, and a gaming start-up that raised $116.5 million in venture funding rounded out the top three.

Having learned from history, Reno very deliberately focused on diversifying its start-up portfolio to include several industries. This strategy contributed greatly to the record $1.4 billion investment total and has helped businesses off the ground in industries like advanced manufacturing, biotech, fintech, e-commerce and software as a service (SAAS), to name a few.

Speaking Of Success In Reno…

One of Reno’s start-up darlings, Nanotech Energy — a leading manufacturer of graphene and the sole producer of non-flammable, graphene batteries — raised $64 million in Series D funding in 2021. Dr. Jack Kavanaugh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Nanotech, spoke about the company’s expansion in Reno.

“Reno’s start-up scene is smokin’ hot… Surrounding businesses and state government exude a can-do attitude. It took us three days in Reno to do what took us one and a half years in another location. It’s very business- and job-friendly.”

Dr. Jack Kavanaugh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Nanotech

Accordingly, the energy company is in the midst of expanding its operations, building a 517-acre manufacturing plant just east of Reno in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center. Once it is built out in about five years, the campus is projected to bring upwards of 1,500 jobs to the area, including manufacturing, research, and engineering opportunities.

“I love the approach Nevada is taking,” Kavanaugh said. “I can see a lot of businesses moving to the Reno area.”

Another start-up with its own take on “Why Reno?” is Talage, a Submission Management Platform (SMP) that is streamlining the process of selling commercial insurance (much like Kayak has done for booking travel).

Adam Kiefer, the company’s co-founder, described Talage’s path to Reno this way: “We came for the mountains, lakes, and lifestyle Reno offers, and stayed for its business tax implications and government assistance.”

We couldn’t have summed it up any better.

Reno’s Workforce Is Leveling Up, Too

As start-ups continue to flock to Reno, the area’s workforce continues to grow, diversify and hone the necessary skills to support incoming industries such as technology, manufacturing and renewable energy.

A few major factors are driving the uptick. For starters, the University of Nevada Reno has experienced exceptional growth in computer science, mechanical and biomedical engineering, plus other fields like AI and blockchain. In fact, the Carnegie designated  Tier 1 school of more than 17,000 students ranks in the top 5 fastest growing universities in the nation, and its school of engineering has doubled in the last three years alone.

Another factor bolstering Reno’s workforce is the abundant local educational opportunities in technology, manufacturing and other skilled trades. Accredited schools include Truckee Meadows Community CollegeWestern Nevada College, and the Career College of Northern Nevada, among others. These schools are fully ingrained in Reno’s business community, working closely with companies to shape the curriculum for today’s world and to pair promising students with specific skill sets with employers in need.

Finally, the cost of living and quality of life are two additional factors helping bring Reno’s start-up scene full circle. Because Reno is an affordable place to live compared to other start-up hubs like Silicon Valley and Manhattan; because the city consistently lands on Best Places To Live lists; and because there are thousands of incredible job opportunities and counting, the Biggest Little City has become uncommonly common ground for both talented workers and start-up happily-ever-afters. Like yours.

Starting Up? Start Here.    

Part of the beauty of starting a business in Reno, or expanding there, is that you can be a pioneer in your field instead of jumping through hoops to get set up. Resources abound, including the start-up team at the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and its workforce resource. The way we see it, if a company the size of Nanotech can cut the red tape from one and a half years down to three days, imagine what your start-up can accomplish.

This article was sponsored by EDAWN.

About Livability

Livability explores what makes small-to-medium-sized cities great places to live. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles, and original photography and video, they examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing, and the economy. Then they leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns, and their annual “Top 100 Best Places to Live”. Want to learn more? Visit their website.

Consider Reno

Work Live Play Reno Tahoe is a community-wide initiative powered by EDAWN to recruit skilled workers with all levels of expertise to join the Northern Nevada workforce. Get started by submitting your resume, browse hiring companies, and connect directly with Lindsey, our Community Liaison who will help lead your quest for employment. Working Remotely? Check out our extensive list of Remote Worker Resources. Students can also participate! Visit our new Student Portal to start making connections for your future.

Source:

“Reno, NV.” Livability, Livability – Journal Communications, Inc, 2 Dec. 2022, https://livability.com/nv/reno/.

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