Is New Orleans 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.

New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans

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

New Orleans' early-stage funding environment is marked by dedicated local efforts and increasing external interest, though challenges persist. Key players include the New Orleans Startup Fund, a non-profit seed fund focused on local job creation and attracting external capital, and Revelry Venture Partners, an early-stage VC firm. Angel networks like the NOLA Angel Network and Red Stick Angels also provide crucial seed and Series A capital, often with a focus on Louisiana-based businesses. Government support comes through programs like the Louisiana Seed Capital Program and initiatives leveraging the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds, aiming to increase access to capital, particularly for underserved founders. Despite progress, including a rise in companies securing early-stage investments since 2019, the region, like national trends, saw a move toward smaller funding amounts in 2023. While the equity gap for female and BIPOC founders has shown signs of narrowing, access to capital remains a known challenge for startups.

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  

New Orleans 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.

New Orleans has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem characterized by significant entrepreneurial activity. The city offers numerous coworking spaces, providing flexible workspaces for entrepreneurs and startups. There are also various tech and entrepreneurial events, including New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), which serves as a major hub for networking and showcasing ventures. The ecosystem actively supports early-stage founders through organizations like the New Orleans Startup Fund, which provides seed capital and business assistance, and accelerators such as Propeller and those at Tulane University. While competitive programs exist, there's an emphasis on providing mentorship and resources to help early-stage companies grow, indicating a mix of structured support and personalized guidance. The region has seen an increase in angel investments and venture capital, with efforts to reduce the equity gap for women and BIPOC founders.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in New Orleans 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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by local educational institutions like Tulane and Xavier University, which offer entrepreneurship programs and contribute skilled graduates. The city's tech sector is expanding, with demand for skills in AI, cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and fintech. Organizations like The Idea Village and Propeller foster entrepreneurial growth through resources, networking, and accelerator programs, helping startups find and retain talent. The supportive ecosystem and lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs also attract professionals.

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 New Orleans 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

New Orleans 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.

New Orleans offers a growing ecosystem for startups, supported by various resources. Infrastructure includes incubators and accelerators like The Idea Village, Propeller, and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, providing mentorship, workspace, and networking. Funding sources such as the New Orleans Startup Fund and the BioFund help early-stage companies access capital. Co-working spaces also contribute to the collaborative environment. Government initiatives play a significant role. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) offers programs like the Louisiana Seed Capital Program and various tax incentives, including credits for angel investors and R&D. These resources help businesses thrive by providing crucial support, funding access, and a connected community. New initiatives like Newlab New Orleans focus on specific sectors, leveraging the state's infrastructure for critical technologies.

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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that New Orleans 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 New Orleans face several challenges. Regulatory hurdles can be significant, with complex and time-consuming processes for obtaining necessary licenses and permits, sometimes involving multiple agencies and substantial fees. For example, starting a restaurant or barbershop involves considerable costs and numerous steps. While New Orleans offers a lower cost of living compared to major startup hubs like San Francisco or New York, which can extend a startup's runway, the region has still experienced economic challenges like inflation impacting revenues. The competitive landscape exists within specific sectors, though the city's growing startup ecosystem and supportive organizations aim to foster collaboration over intense competition. Access to focused capital and disparities in funding accessibility for entrepreneurs of color have also been noted challenges.

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

So, while New Orleans 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