“Mediocre” is not a word that applies to the city of Dallas. From its global reputation in transportation and industry to its professional sports teams and contributions to the arts, Dallas boasts an extraordinary profile that makes it a premier place to work and live.
With a thriving business scene and diverse culture, Dallas has a rich history that has led to its dynamic present. While the days of oil fields and railroads are coming to an end, this metropolis is making a comeback with a focus on technology. Dallas remains a city of bold ambitions, so it's no surprise that the city is emerging as a major technology hub and shaking up the status quo.
Changes do not affect the local economy
Global conditions are forcing local economies to adapt, and Dallas has no problem adapting. According to CompTIA's 2020 Tech Town Index, Dallas ranks No. 2 on this coveted list due to its resiliency and versatility. The Bureau of Numbers confirmed this ranking, noting that Dallas added more than 22,000 jobs in October 2021 alone.
The most prominent driver of this job growth is the high-tech industry, with steady growth in high-tech software and services. While many may put their faith in giants like AT&T, the Dallas landscape is characterized by corporations and startups that are raising capital and making an impact in their respective industries.
No matter what obstacles lie in the road, Dallas has the infrastructure and creativity to create unique solutions. That's why this emerging urban center is gaining the respect and attention it deserves in the technology world.
Dallas' tech sector continues to expand
Tech officials are heaping praise on one of Texas' crown jewels. In fact, 13 Dallas-area companies were featured on Deloitte's 2021 Technology Fast 500 list. While established companies are accumulating success, there is still room for new entrants to carve their own path.
Venture capital efforts led by companies like LiveOak have provided a source of capital that startups can tap into in their early stages. Dallas may reside within the Lone Star State, but when it comes to financing, no business has to go it alone.
With a variety of companies receiving support, Dallas has a thriving business scene, with the city having the third-highest number of technology jobs in October 2021. Many industries are benefiting from this positive trend. However, several sectors have served as important foundations in Dallas' development.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the financial sector has stood out as a dominant presence within the local region for many years. Major financial institutions like Capital One and JPMorgan Chase have taken notice, putting down roots in the city and making plans to expand in the coming years.
However, technology professionals still have options when exploring the intersection of business and technology. Dallas is home to more than a dozen fintech companies, using cutting-edge thinking to shape the industry to their liking.
Perhaps no other sector has experienced greater growth than healthcare, and health tech groups are starting to show their strength. Two of the top four tech companies in Dallas-Fort Wayne that raised the most funds in November 2021 are health tech startups. It's no exaggeration to say that the healthcare industry is at the forefront of Dallas' technology revolution.
With the pressing need to address areas such as remote visits and mental health, health tech companies are focusing on providing customized solutions. Professionals will have many options to choose from as they navigate the Dallas health tech industry.
Leading IT companies have offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, offering exciting opportunities for aspiring IT specialists. Leading companies like Cisco, IBM, and Infosys are creating spaces for top professionals to experiment with new technologies and push the boundaries of IT.
From cloud platforms to advances in communications, companies are approaching the IT realm from many different angles. Anyone looking to break into Dallas' tech industry will want to know about the local IT scene.
Located in the heart of Texas, Dallas is a magnet for transportation and logistics companies. Beyond its railroads, the city also boasts a major highway system and the famous Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. As a result, large cities have developed a knack for solving problems in the transportation sector.
Additionally, logistics companies are changing the way they move inventory from their Dallas offices and beyond. The city continues to be a central hub of activity and the perfect place to prepare efficient and sustainable ways to move products.
Dallas has been attracting attention for decades, but until recently it didn't captivate experts with its technological prowess. The city has made a long-term effort to revitalize its economy and neighborhoods. Investing in local businesses and individuals has resulted in an impressive portfolio of companies, and Dallas continues to gain momentum by establishing itself as a technology hub from the ground up.
'Smart City' concept accelerates Dallas' evolution
Dallas has joined the federally funded Smart Cities Initiative and adopted a collaborative, technology-first strategy to revitalize the region. Born from this new beginning is the vision of Smart Dallas, which envisions interconnected and streamlined urban areas that better meet the needs of a diverse population.
To turn these ideas into reality, the city has relied on a coalition of thinkers seeking a multidisciplinary approach. The Dallas Innovation Alliance brings together business experts, academic leaders, and individuals to help execute Smart Dallas' mission to accelerate economic and technology growth.
The group has led the transformation of local neighborhoods, starting with the Dallas Arts District in 2014. With the main goal of making the district more accessible, local leaders have introduced advanced technology to create a convenient living experience. Smart information kiosks, district Wi-Fi hotspots, and videoconferencing facilities are now common public amenities.
In response to this success, Dallas has been developing a “learning lab” in the form of the Dallas Innovation District. The project was located within Dallas' West End and improved the infrastructure and mobility of the neighborhood. Thanks to these initiatives, local businesses grow and technology professionals enjoy a downtown environment that suits their experimental mindsets.
Change is spreading to every corner of the city
While Dallas residents appreciate these intelligent spaces, leaders still have their sights set on helping the rest of the city catch up. The earliest projects were north of Interstate 30, which cuts the horizon across Dallas. While companies like Chase are helping to level the playing field, it's local organizations that are having the biggest impact.
The Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC) Network supports promising startups and businesses with funding, connections, workspace, and more. The DEC network has locations throughout the city, but its primary office is located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of southwest Dallas. This site is specifically designed for entrepreneurs in southern Dallas County to come together and get the support they need.
The South Dallas Jobs Project, which brings additional resources to the southern half of Dallas, covers everything from housing to public policy. The group also leads a technical education program that provides training to south Dallas residents with the skills needed for high-paying technical jobs.
With projects related to critical technology resources such as high-speed internet, Dallas continues to build connections within and between communities. Additionally, sharing the wealth has enabled more groups of entrepreneurs to contribute to the local startup scene and foster joint projects. While leaders are still working to distribute technical knowledge, Dallas is well on its way to creating a more equitable environment.
Dallas embraces its role as a thriving technology hub
Passion without direction is meaningless, and no city seems to understand this truth better than Dallas. That's why the metropolis has appointed its first Entrepreneur-in-Residence with plans to incubate startups and develop a more diverse workforce within the city's tech ecosystem.
Prioritizing local talent and the technology community, Dallas has become a popular destination on a national and international level. Technology companies are moving their headquarters to Dallas, bringing new jobs and opportunities to the city. Dallas' infectious maverick spirit has propelled it into the ranks of the tech elite, paving the way for other companies to follow.
