Is Fort Worth 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.

Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Fort Worth 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.

Fort Worth's early-stage funding scene is developing, supported by local groups like Cowtown Angels, an angel investor network connected with TechFW, which helps early-stage companies find funding. Other notable mentions include Fort Ventures and Mitchell Asset Group, focusing on sectors like technology and real estate. Despite these resources, accessing capital remains a challenge, particularly for tech startups, as venture capital firms haven't historically focused heavily on the city outside of traditional sectors like energy and real estate. Data from Sparkyard indicates Fort Worth significantly lags behind other major Texas cities in early-stage funding raised on a per capita basis. Government support is available through avenues like the SBA Dallas/Fort Worth office and programs like the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative, though navigating resources can sometimes be complex.

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  

Fort Worth 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.

Fort Worth has a developing startup and innovation culture with numerous coworking spaces and entrepreneurial events. The city actively supports entrepreneurial activity through various programs and initiatives like Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Fort Worth Business Plan Competition. Organizations like TechFW and Sparkyard offer resources, mentorship, and programs tailored to different stages, including early-stage companies. While there are competitive programs and accelerators like Techstars and Capital Factory, there is also a focus on providing personalized support and connecting founders with relevant resources and mentors. The ecosystem aims to nurture innovation from the earliest stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth 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.

Fort Worth has a growing talent pool supported by educational institutions like the University of North Texas Health Science Center and UTA Fort Worth, offering programs aligned with workforce needs. The region has a robust workforce with skills in areas such as aerospace, logistics, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Initiatives like the Texas Skills Development Fund and Tarrant County College's workforce programs help provide customized training. While the startup ecosystem is developing, there are resources and a growing talent pipeline that support entrepreneurial growth, particularly in key sectors. The city is actively working to enhance its support for startups and attract skilled individuals.

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 Fort Worth 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

Fort Worth 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.

Fort Worth offers a growing ecosystem for startups with various support systems. Key infrastructure includes incubators and accelerators like TechFW, which provides resources, mentorship, and funding connections, and Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator. Co-working spaces also contribute to a collaborative environment. Support systems extend to mentorship, networking events, and access to potential investors through groups like Cowtown Angels. The Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center (BAC) serves as a one-stop shop offering training, technical assistance, and funding opportunities, partnering with organizations like the Tarrant Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Government initiatives play a role through the City of Fort Worth's Economic Development department, which supports programs like Sparkyard. Sparkyard, a collaboration with entities like the University of North Texas Health Science Center, connects entrepreneurs to resources and provides services like customized business plans. The city aims to enhance access to resources and streamline processes for business creation.

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 Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Fort Worth 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 startups in Fort Worth may encounter several challenges. While Fort Worth is noted for a lower cost of living compared to some major tech hubs, the cost of doing business and navigating regulatory processes can still be significant hurdles. A report highlighted that starting a restaurant in Fort Worth involves numerous steps, fees, and agencies, increasing complexity and potential delays. Competition exists within the growing Dallas-Fort Worth startup ecosystem, although the area's diverse industry base also offers opportunities. Additionally, businesses have identified challenges in finding and retaining skilled talent, particularly in sectors like healthcare and IT.

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 Fort Worth or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Fort Worth 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