Jack Githens, a senior at Gonzaga University in Spokane, originally did not plan to stay in the area after college. However, after connecting with the startup scene in Spokane, he changed his mind and sees the potential for growth and opportunity in the region. Despite being an exception among his peers, there is a desire among business and government leaders in Spokane to make the city a place that entices new graduates to stay, in order to help the tech and startup economy in the region thrive.
The tech community in Spokane is in transition, with the possibility for companies to recruit talent from a larger pool due to remote work. Many entrepreneurs have moved to the region during the pandemic, which has contributed to a higher cost of living. However, the region still offers benefits like easy access to outdoor recreation and a supportive community. The city is addressing the affordability issue by encouraging new forms of housing. The region’s startup scene was showcased during the Ignite 25+5 Awards, recognizing the fastest-growing tech companies in the area.
The Spokane tech industry has seen growth, especially with a 13% increase in information technology jobs in Spokane County between 2018 and 2013. However, IT jobs still remain a small part of the overall workforce. Challenges remain, such as access to capital and the need to increase the number of startups emerging from universities in the region. Organizations like Ignite Northwest and the Spokane Angel Alliance are working towards supporting startups and fostering a culture of innovation in Spokane.
The Spokane region has experienced a surge in startup groups, economic development initiatives, and organizations that support entrepreneurial activity. LaunchPad Inland Northwest, SP3NW, StartUp Spokane, Ignite Northwest, and the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center are some of the organizations working to connect and advance the tech community in Spokane. By nature, the Spokane tech community has a knack for supporting its own, with a growing support network for women in leadership positions.
Spokane entrepreneurs cite access to capital as both a strength and a weakness for the region. Groups like the Spokane Angel Alliance and Cowles Ventures have made Spokane stronger for early-stage capital. Companies in the Spokane metro area raised $77 million in venture capital in 2023, with notable success stories including Treasury4 and Selkirk Pharma. The region has potential in life sciences, with a focus on startups emerging from universities.
In the quest for Spokane’s tech community to reach its full potential, key connectors like Tom Simpson are working towards making the city a bigger tech hub. The hope is to see greater recognition of Spokane as a tech hub and to have everyone united in the effort to achieve that goal. While challenges remain, there is optimism about the potential for growth and success in Spokane’s tech sector. The need for a “lightning strike” company that can put Spokane on the map is emphasized, in order to attract talent, spawn spin-offs, and generate investment.
