Miami has emerged as the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for tech startups, according to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index released by research platform StartupBlink.
The city now ranks No. 28 globally, climbing two spots from last year, and is one of only a few U.S. cities in the global Top 30.
The index analyzes over 1,400 cities across 110 countries, ranking them based on factors like venture capital investment, number of startups, unicorn companies, and ecosystem growth. Miami’s startup scene expanded by 28%—the highest growth rate of any U.S. city in the Top 30.
Although nine other American cities outrank Miami in the index, all recorded slower growth. San Francisco remains the top global startup hub, followed by New York City, with growth rates of 20% and 25.5%, respectively. Other U.S. cities in the Top 30 include Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Austin, Washington, D.C., and San Diego.
Globally, the fastest-growing startup ecosystems by country are Singapore (45% growth), United Kingdom (26%), Israel (20%), Canada (19%), and the United States (18%).
Despite strong rankings, StartupBlink warns that some major tech hubs have experienced setbacks. CEO Eli David Rokah pointed to challenges such as public safety concerns in San Francisco, Brexit’s long-term effects in the U.K., and political instability in Israel as examples of how policy and governance can impact startup growth.
Miami, while still considered a smaller tech market, is showing steady momentum. According to venture capital firm SignalFire, it was one of the few U.S. cities to add startup jobs between 2023 and 2024, contributing to a 12% increase in local AI-related employment.
Investment activity remains strong as well. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Florida tech companies attracted $900 million in venture capital, placing Miami eighth nationally in total VC funding.
Source: SFBJ
