Is San Diego 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.

San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego

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

San Diego's early-stage funding scene is active, particularly in biotech and technology sectors. Notable VC firms investing locally include Correlation Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, and Section 32. Angel networks like Tech Coast Angels and the San Diego Angel Conference are significant sources of early capital and mentorship. While the ecosystem is growing, challenges exist, such as competing with larger hubs and navigating the diverse industry landscape. Although early-stage VC funding has been relatively stable nationally, seed investment saw a decline in Q1 2024 compared to the previous year. However, San Diego saw a significant increase in life sciences venture capital in Q1 2024, with over $1.1 billion raised. Government resources and programs also support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.

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  

San Diego 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.

San Diego has a thriving startup and innovation culture with a strong presence of coworking spaces, tech events, and entrepreneurial activity. Numerous coworking spaces cater to various needs, from general workspaces to specialized maker spaces. The city hosts many tech and startup events, including TECHSPO San Diego and San Diego Startup Week, offering networking and learning opportunities. The ecosystem is supported by universities and organizations like Startup San Diego and San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange, which aim to connect founders with resources. While there are standardized programs like accelerators and incubators, including those focused on specific industries or demographics, there are also resources and programs designed to provide mentorship and support for early-stage entrepreneurs. The ecosystem appears to offer support for startups at various stages, with initiatives aimed at fostering growth from the early stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in San Diego 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego 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.

San Diego offers a strong talent pool for startups, fueled by numerous educational institutions like UC San Diego and San Diego State University, which contribute to a well-educated workforce. The region excels in industry-specific skills, particularly in biotechnology, life sciences, software development, and telecommunications. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a skilled workforce and participation in a collaborative ecosystem with accelerators and networking events. While there's a demand for skilled workers, particularly in tech, initiatives are underway to connect employers with diverse talent pipelines from local colleges and universities.

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 San Diego 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

San Diego 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.

San Diego offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces like EvoNexus, The Brink SBDC, and BioLabs San Diego, especially strong in biotech and life sciences. These provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Support systems include organizations like Connect San Diego and Startup San Diego, which link entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and educational programs. The city benefits from a strong talent pool from local universities. Government initiatives, such as the City of San Diego's Economic Development Department and the Life Science Industry Pilot Program, aim to streamline processes and provide resources to help businesses start and grow, contributing to a business-friendly environment.

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 San Diego. 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 San Diego Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that San Diego 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.

San Diego's thriving startup ecosystem presents challenges for entrepreneurs. High competition exists across various sectors, including biotech and tech, with numerous startups vying for talent and funding. The cost of living in San Diego is high, impacting both operational costs and the ability to attract and retain employees, although it is still lower than Silicon Valley. Regulatory hurdles can also be significant, particularly for startups in highly regulated industries like biotech, requiring careful navigation of complex processes and compliance. Additionally, California-specific regulations like the CCPA add layers of data privacy compliance for tech companies.

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

So, while San Diego 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