Top 10 global startup cities in 2024—where do Indian cities rank?

Notably, two Indian cities have featured among the top 50 startup cities globally, with Mumbai at 32nd place and Bengaluru at 34th.

Here are the top 10 startup cities in the world in 2024:

A strong network of founders, venture capital firms, and tech talent is driving the growth of startup ecosystems globally. Below are the top 10 global startup cities in 2024 below. 

Rank	City	Country	Development Score
1	San Francisco	United States	89.50
2	New York	United States	76.00
3	Beijing	China	75.60
4	Shanghai	China	72.90
5	Los Angeles	United States	71.40
6	Boston	United States	70.40
7	London	United Kingdom	64.00
8	Shenzhen	China	62.70
9	Seoul	South Korea	61.10
10	Tokyo	Japan	60.20
India’s Ranking
32	Mumbai	India	42.20
34	Bengaluru	India	41.1

Source: PitchBook

1. San Francisco, USA:

San Francisco, USA (Wikipedia Commons)

San Francisco, the heart of Silicon Valley, is renowned as a global innovation hub and is home to many important startups that have significantly impacted various sectors. Notable examples include Airbnb, which transformed the hospitality industry; Uber, which revolutionised urban transportation; Slack, a pioneer in workplace communication; Stripe, a major fintech player; and OpenAI, a leader in AI integration across industries. San Francisco’s thriving ecosystem is fueled by prominent venture capital firms and a culture that consistently encourages the development of new and disruptive business models, boasting a rich history of nurturing innovation.

2. New York City, USA:

New York, USA (Wikipedia Commons)

New York City is a thriving hub for startups across various industries, including media, advertising, fintech, and e-commerce. Companies like WeWork, which has revolutionised office spaces, and Peloton, a leader in fitness technology, have their roots in the city. The presence of Wall Street and a strong media industry with companies like Buzzfeed and more have further contributed to NYC’s appeal as a startup haven.

3. Beijing, China:

Beijing, China (Wikipedia Commons)

Beijing, China’s tech hub, fosters startups in e-commerce, AI, and social media. Notable companies like ByteDance and JD.com have originated from this vibrant ecosystem, supported by government backing and a strong venture capital network for tech advancement.

4. Shanghai, China:

Shanghai, China (Wikipedia Commons)

Shanghai, is a thriving hub for startups, owing to its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and technological innovations. The city is home to several notable startups, including Pinduoduo, an innovative e-commerce platform, and NIO, a prominent player in the electric vehicle market. Shanghai’s strategic location and international outlook make it an attractive destination for startups seeking rapid growth and expansion.

5. Los Angeles, USA:

Los Angeles, USA (Wikipedia Commons)

Los Angeles, famous for its entertainment industry, is increasingly becoming a hub for tech startups. Companies like Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, and SpaceX, Elon Musk’s revolutionary space exploration company, are headquartered here. The city also nurtures numerous media and entertainment tech startups, such as Hulu and Riot Games. LA’s blend of creativity and technology with strong ties to Hollywood, along with its strong venture capital presence, drives its startup ecosystem.

6. Boston, USA:

Boston, USA (Wikipedia Commons)

Boston is a hub for academic excellence, with institutions like MIT and Harvard fostering innovation in biotech, healthcare, and robotics. Notable companies like Moderna and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which have thrived in Boston’s research ecosystem, are at the forefront of medical innovation. The city is also home to successful tech startups like HubSpot and Wayfair. Hence, Boston’s emphasis on research and development is a key driver for its startup success.

7. London, United Kingdom:

London, UK (Wikipedia Commons)

A global financial centre, London is a major global hub for finance and technology startups. Companies like Revolut and TransferWise have transformed financial services, while Deliveroo has made significant strides in the food delivery industry. The city also fosters innovation in health technology with companies like Babylon Health. London’s strong financial sector, diverse talent pool, and supportive regulatory environment make it an ideal location for startups.

8. Shenzhen, China:

Shenzhen, China (Wikimedia Commons)

Shenzhen, often known as China’s Silicon Valley, is another powerhouse in China’s startup scene. Notable companies include DJI, a world leader in drone technology, and Tencent, a giant in social media and gaming. The city is also home to Huawei, a major player in the telecommunications industry. Shenzhen’s manufacturing prowess and innovative ecosystem make it a hotspot for startups, particularly in the tech and hardware sectors.

9. Seoul, South Korea:

Seoul, South Korea (Britannica)

Seoul is a leading city for technology and innovation in South Korea. E-commerce, gaming, and beauty tech are booming here, with companies like Coupang and Naver at the forefront. The city also excels in biotechnology, with companies like Seegene, a pioneer in molecular diagnostics. Seoul’s advanced infrastructure, strong government support, and culture of digital innovation fuel its thriving startup ecosystem.

10. Tokyo, Japan:

Tokyo, Japan (Wikimedia Commons)

Tokyo, known for tradition, is a tech and innovation hub with a vibrant startup ecosystem in robotics, AI, and e-commerce. Notable startups include Mercari, Japan’s leading marketplace app, and Preferred Networks, a key player in artificial intelligence. The city also fosters fintech innovations with companies like Paidy, a buy-now, pay-later service. Government R&D investments, a large market, tech infrastructure, and capital access make Tokyo a prime startup destination.