Inside Billings's Thriving Tech Hub: Startups and Success Stories

Billings, Montana may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of tech hotspots, but this city is low-key building a killer startup scene.

With around 117,000 people, Billings is the biggest city in Montana and a major economic player. The tech industry here has been steadily rising in recent years, with major companies like Workiva, RightNow Technologies, and Oracle setting up shop.

In fact, CompTIA ranked Billings as one of the top 20 best tech cities in the US in 2023.

While huge cities like San Francisco and New York often steal the spotlight, smaller spots like Billings are proving you don't need to be in a coastal metropolis to build a successful tech company.

Around 75% of startup founders in 2022 were based outside of major tech hubs, according to the Kauffman Foundation. These smaller cities offer perks like:

• The lower cost of living and operating expenses
• Access to top talent from local universities
• Tight-knit communities that foster collaboration and support

As Joseph Martin, co-founder of Billings-based tech startup Sundance, says:

"Billings has all the ingredients for a thriving tech ecosystem – talented developers, supportive community, and a great quality of life. We're excited to be part of this growing hub."

Plus, with Montana being a prime spot for outdoor adventures, you can easily network while hiking or skiing with other techies in the area.

Billings is straight-up killin' it with its tech startup scene! A prime example is WebBuy, a dope company that's optimizing online shopping experiences.

Founded in 2014, these guys are all about making digital purchases a breeze. But they're not the only ones making waves – Elation, a 2012 startup, is building resilient teams for healthcare, first responders, and corporations through their cutting-edge neuroscience-based solutions.

It's not just about startups, though.

The Montana Tech Companies to Watch lists showcase the state's hottest businesses, including high-growth firms, biotech companies, and top tech employers.

In 2019, a bunch of Billings-based startups like Cardsetter, Ferho, and RavenCSI made the cut, proving that the city is a breeding ground for innovation.

Watts And Associates, Fiserv, and Tyler Technologies are just a few of the established tech companies that call Billings home, offering sweet gigs and opportunities for growth.

And let's not forget the custom software development scene, with heavy hitters like SkyPoint Studios, Authentic Imaging, and Entre Technology Services leading the charge.

Billings's tech scene is straight-up booming, all thanks to the tight-knit community rallying behind local startups. Check out these resources that are fueling the city's startup fever.

The Montana Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC) is like a superhero for entrepreneurs, hooking them up with mentors, funding opportunities, and incubator programs to get their businesses off the ground.

With 300+ members, including 50 tech companies, MTEC is the driving force behind Billings's thriving tech hub.

Big Sky Code Academy is another game-changer, training up a skilled tech workforce to meet the demand from local startups.

By collaborating with industry pros, the academy ensures its curriculum is on point, solving the talent crunch that startups face.

Community is everything for these startups, and Billings nails it.

Just ask David Taylor, the big cheese at Kampgrounds of America (KOA), a major tech player based right here:

"Being part of a supportive community has been instrumental in our growth. The connections, resources, and talent pool provided by organizations like MTEC and Big Sky Code Academy have been invaluable."

Billings is the place to be for all you tech hustlers! This city's startup scene is hotter than a fresh bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Check out these lit success stories that'll make you want to pack your bags and move here right now.

First up, we got Workbench, a cloud-based platform that's making waves in the construction biz.

These guys raised a whopping $9 million and employ over 50 locals. The founders, Ben Duranske and Bridger Wineman, spilled the tea – being in Billings gave them the financial leverage to build their empire without VC funding for years.

Smart move!

Next, we got Blackbrick Software, a fintech beast that's been slaying the game since 2012.

With over 100 employees and expansions into new markets, they're living proof that Billings breeds tech giants. Their secret? Tapping into the local talent from universities in Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula.

Genius!

Billings's tech scene is raking in an estimated $500 million annually and has created over 2,000 high-paying jobs.

That's what we call a tech boom, baby!

So, what's the recipe for success in Billings? According to the OGs, it's all about leveraging the region's lower costs to build a solid business model, recruiting local talent from nearby universities, and fostering a tight-knit community that supports and retains top talent.

As Diedra Duncan of Blackfoot Communications put it, "The tech community in Billings is tight-knit, and we all help each other out." That's the kind of squad you want to be a part of, am I right?

Bottom line, Billings is the tech hub you need to be eyeing if you want to make it big in the startup world.

This city's success stories are just the beginning – it's time to pack your bags and get in on the action!

Billings is the place to be for those craving a slice of the tech pie. This magic city has a booming tech scene that's about to blow up even more. According to the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, Montana's tech industry is growing seven times faster than the overall state economy.

That's insane growth, and Billings is at the heart of it all.

With major players like Vision Net leading the charge, Billings is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge tech companies.

From cybersecurity firms safeguarding businesses against cyber threats to startups pioneering smart city solutions with the Internet of Things (IoT), this city has it all.

And let's not forget the AI wizards leveraging machine learning to revolutionize industries like healthcare and finance.

But the real kicker? A panel of experts believes Billings could become a hub for high-tech medical companies and research firms.

Imagine groundbreaking medical innovations happening right here in our backyard! With world-class talent, a supportive community, and a prime location near major universities, the possibilities are endless.

This city's tech scene is about to blow up, and you don't want to miss out on the action.

Keep an eye out for Nucamp's list of top startups to watch in 2024, and get ready to ride the wave of success that's crashing into Billings.