Is Colorado Springs a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Colorado Springs has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Colorado Springs gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Colorado Springs

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Colorado Springs offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding scene for startups in Colorado Springs is developing, with several resources available to local founders. Notable VC firms active in the area include FirstMile Ventures, Pioneer Fund, and Wavelength Ventures, which focus on seed and early-stage technology companies. The angel network SoCo Angels also supports businesses in Southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs. Government support comes from initiatives like the Colorado Startup Loan Fund and grants offered through the City of Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority. State-level programs like the Advanced Industries Investment Tax Credit and the Rural Jump-Start Program can also benefit early-stage companies. However, challenges exist. While Colorado overall has seen growth in early-stage VC investments, there's a reported seed-stage funding gap, meaning fewer seed deals are being funded despite increasing dollar amounts nationally. Competition for funding is also a factor. Data from Q1 2020 showed venture capital funding bypassing Colorado Springs, although statewide investment also saw a decline at that time. Despite these hurdles, the presence of local investors, state programs, and a growing tech talent pool contribute to the ecosystem.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Colorado Springs has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Colorado Springs has a growing startup and innovation culture, particularly strong in the aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity sectors. The city actively supports entrepreneurship with numerous resources. There are multiple coworking spaces available, offering flexible workspaces and community for startups and entrepreneurs. The ecosystem hosts various tech events, conferences, and meetups, providing networking and learning opportunities. Organizations like Exponential Impact and the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center offer programs, mentorship, and resources for businesses at different stages. While there are programs supporting early-stage ideas, the ecosystem also provides resources and programs aimed at helping companies scale and achieve high growth, suggesting support for both early-stage and more mature startups.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Colorado Springs can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Colorado Springs, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Colorado Springs is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Colorado Springs has a growing talent pool beneficial for startups, particularly in tech. The city ranks as a top emerging tech market with a significant number of tech workers. Educational institutions like the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) contribute by offering relevant programs, including entrepreneurship. The area possesses industry-specific skills in cybersecurity, aerospace, defense, software development, AI, and data analysis, partly due to the presence of military installations and established tech companies. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in startup accelerators, incubators like Exponential Impact and Catalyst Campus, networking events, and mentorship programs.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Colorado Springs can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Colorado Springs boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Colorado Springs offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring various support systems and infrastructure. Key resources include incubators and accelerators like Exponential Impact, Catalyst Accelerator, and Rocky Mountain Innovation Partners, which provide mentorship, funding access, networking, and co-working spaces. The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, offers free consulting and training. Government initiatives also play a role. The City of Colorado Springs provides resources through its Economic Development division and tools like COS Open for Business, a guide for starting a business. The state's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) offers programs and funding assistance. Enterprise Zones provide tax incentives. These combined resources help startups navigate challenges and foster growth in the local economy.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Colorado Springs. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Colorado Springs Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Colorado Springs provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching in Colorado Springs may face several challenges. Competition exists, particularly within growing sectors like aerospace and cybersecurity. The cost of living is higher than the national average, driven significantly by housing expenses, which can impact hiring and operational costs. Regulatory hurdles are also a concern, as Colorado has been identified as having a high number of business restrictions, potentially hindering new startups. Navigating these regulations can add complexity and cost to the launch process.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Colorado Springs or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Colorado Springs offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash