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There are many established ‘tech hubs’ in America. Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, Boston – all of these spots have been at the forefront of innovation and technology development for the last few decades, cultivating an environment that fosters creativity, talent, and entrepreneurship.

But while these sectors have been proving themselves at the top of the tech tree, that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for more. Denver, for instance, is steadily emerging as a genuine tech hub in America.

Over the last few years, a number of developments have made it an increasingly attractive destination for tech companies, investors, and professionals – each of which are beginning to see the city as one of the most exciting, blossoming epicentres of growth not just in the US, but the world.

So why is this the case? Below, we’re going to look at 3 ways Denver is emerging as a genuine tech hub, as well as a few words on where we think it could go in the next decade.

The Possibility of Gaming Prowess

One of the biggest tech markets around the globe is the gaming market. Worth around $290 billion – and anticipated to grow to around $665 billion by 2030 – this is one of the fastest growing sectors, driven by advances in technology and, specifically, the rise of mobile gaming.

So far, the US has had a strict view on iGaming, but in 2020, Colorado legalised online sports betting after a public vote, leading to several licenced online sportsbooks operating legally in the state. This is likely to now lead to the overall legalisation of traditional iGaming platforms. Across the pond, in regions like the UK, iGaming options are already legal and widely accessible.

For online slots UK based companies have been bolstering the market, leading to significant expansion and innovation, and the same can be true for Denver – with multiple companies choosing Denver as their new hub, and subsequently boosting the tech economy.

The Startup Ecosystem

Denver has also become a vibrant ecosystem for tech startups, attracting entrepreneurs from across the country who are eager to take advantage of the city’s supportive resources, expanding capital networks, and collaborative business environment.

Already, tech startups in Denver cover a diverse range of sectors. There’s the gaming sector, as we’ve just mentioned, but also software development, cybersecurity, health tech, fintech, and even more that are benefiting the city’s infrastructure and positioning it as an emerging global player.

If we’re being specific, one of the most important elements in Denver’s startup ecosystem would have to be its wealth of incubators and accelerators. Programs like Techstars – which originated in nearby Boulder – have been instrumental in building a support network for early-stage tech companies, ensuring they receive all the mentorship, resources, and funding required to make a real impact.

The Growing Presence of Major Tech Companies

As we mentioned previously, things can very easily snowball in the tech world. If Denver eventually legalises online gaming, this could lead to a wave of new investment and interest from major tech and gaming companies.

We know this, because it’s already happening in a different area of the tech market. Over the last decade, several tech giants have taken note of Denver’s potential, with companies like Google, Amazon, and Oracle expanding their presence in the city and bringing in a whole new range of high-paying jobs.

This has subsequently elevated the city’s reputation as a serious tech hub, encouraging more investment for the biggest tech companies and startups alike to create a cycle of growth. As more companies settle in the city over the next decade, we’ll only see more talent and innovation emerge, which could build Denver up to be one of the major hotspots for tech in the world.