Obviously NYC: Build Your Future in the Capital of Everything
There's something that has become obvious: NYC is now a tech powerhouse.
That’s the message behind Obviously New York, a bold new initiative from Tech:NYC, designed by Red Antler and supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The initiative celebrates a simple truth: New York is a category of one — the capital of everything. From its confluence of cultures to its economic might, we’re making the bold case that planting roots in New York is just common sense.
Why now?
The timing isn’t random. NYC is now home to 25,000+ tech startups and a $694B ecosystem — the second largest worldwide. And, over the past few years, NYC’s influence as a tech and innovation hub has grown alongside the industry itself:
33% more tech companies in NYC since 2018.
155% increase in tech jobs over the past 15 years.
Over 369,000 jobs in tech today.
Tech now contributes 10.2% of NYC’s Gross Product.
NYC now outpaces San Francisco as the most active hub for innovation in the U.S.
And then there’s AI
AI is booming in NYC while simultaneously reshaping all the industries — finance, healthcare, media, real estate, etc. — that are headquartered in NYC through the application of AI.
2,000+ AI startups call New York City home.
40,000 AI professionals work across sectors in the city.
AI job postings surged past 25,000 in 2024 — #1 in the U.S.
In 2024, New York State established a first-in-nation $565M+ public-private partnership to invest in AI research and development, led by the Empire AI consortium.
AI is integrated into the industries that thrive here. NYC’s edge comes from cross-industry connections and the city’s ability to take tech and apply it where it matters.
A city where you can build anything
On Friday, we rang the closing bell at the NYSE. NYC is where companies across industries arrive to go public, and there was no better place to go pre-launch our campaign than on the storied floor of the NYSE.
“New York City is the capital of everything, from finance to fashion, and it’s the nexus of all that’s important. For startups and tech companies, the city has proven to be the best place to build and scale; where else can founders and operators gain access to the leaders and buyers in their industry of focus,” said Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC. “The launch of Obviously NYC underscores the incredible momentum in New York City’s thriving tech industry. At Tech:NYC we’re committed to furthering this growth and creating an environment where tech founders, funders, and workers have the infrastructure and support they need to succeed.”
From access to global industry leaders to top-tier talent, NYC isn’t just a place you move to. It’s a place where you grow.
Especially for new talent
Today, we kick off the initiative at NY Tech Week, the largest tech week to date with 1,000+ events. You’ll see it around town — on member LinkNYC’s kiosks, on posters around the city, at our events, and more.
The initiative launch aligns with graduation season, when new grads are deciding where to build their lives and careers.
Since 2021, nearly 500,000 recent grads have moved to NYC.
NYC is the #1 post-college destination in the U.S.
If you're just starting your career in tech, there’s no better city to make it happen.
“From the most jobs in city history to the most artificial intelligence startups in the country, New York City’s economy is a powerhouse — but we’re not stopping there. We’re turning our waterfront in a ‘Harbor of the Future’ with generational projects and thousands of ‘green-collar’ jobs; we’re training our public school students in growing industries like computer science; and we’re attracting high-quality talent and groundbreaking companies from across the United States with the launch of our ObviouslyNYC campaign,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Across the five boroughs, New Yorkers are building new tools and technologies that will define our world in the century ahead. With this campaign, we are going to give them the extra attention and talent they deserve and remind everyone that New York is the greatest city on the globe for business, commerce, culture, and more.”
Obviously NYC is a call to action. Whether you're a founder looking to build, an investor searching for the next big thing, or a grad charting your next steps, NYC has the momentum, infrastructure, and energy to make it happen.
“For nearly two decades we've been building Red Antler in New York City, and we know firsthand it's the best place in the world to build a business — this city pushes founders to be more ambitious, more creative, and more connected to the world around them,” said Emily Heyward, Cofounder and Chief Brand Officer of Red Antler. “With this campaign, we wanted to give NYC’s tech community a bold new rallying cry. ‘Obviously NYC’ celebrates all the ways in which NYC creates the conditions for tech to thrive. We’re proud to have partnered with Tech:NYC to create a brand that captures the energy, conviction, and momentum of the city we call home.”
Because the future of tech? It’s already here. And it’s Obviously NYC.
Be part of the movement: Sign up here to stay up to date, get your hands on some swag, and download the Obviously NYC badge. And if you find us out and about, we have some great Obviously New York swag for you.
See #ObviouslyNYC in the wild in NYC? Take a pic and tag us on X (@TechNYC) or email obviouslynyc@technyc.org.