An Introduction to the Philadelphia Tech Community

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With a robust population of 5.8 million people1, Philadelphia (or Philly) boasts a rich and diverse culture founded on hard work and innovation. The growing pool of highly skilled tech talent in the area is a testament to why it’s becoming one of the most promising tech hubs in the country. It’s also home to the nation’s 7th largest workforce (3.4 million) and the top U.S. business school.2 

Ranking third in the nation for best cities for women in the tech sector based on the gender pay gap,3 Philadelphians are reshaping the future of work into a more equitable playing field for all. The opportunity for non-technical advancement is also growing at a rapid pace for the emerging tech talent pipeline4 — not to mention the other Pennsylvania cities with growing tech communities, such as Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh. 

With its neighborly feel, a deeply connected community is a signature feature of Philadelphia  — one that is instrumental to the city’s history as well as its future. GA Philly plans to cultivate thousands of meaningful connections through thoughtful partnership building and learning opportunities by facilitating expert-led classes and workshops and intentional panel discussions each week.

Companies and Jobs

  • Top industries: life sciences, information technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, energy, financial and professional services, logistics, and manufacturing.5
  • Major employers:6 Comcast, Day & Zimmerman, Clarivate, Spectra, Health-Union, Sidecar Interactive, Spark Therapeutics, Meet Group, Vici Media, and Phenom People.7
  • Philadelphia is considered the leader in healthcare innovation with increased investment in biotech.8 The Greater Philadelphia region is home to more than 30 cell and gene therapy development companies,9 as well as the CAR T-cell cancer treatment therapy — developed in a collaboration by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine.10
  • The recent surge in job postings suggests that exciting possibilities are on the horizon. With a lower cost of living than other major cities, it’s a compelling environment to launch a business and attract new talent.12

The Philadelphia Tech Community

  • With 5,100 tech businesses,13 organizations like Philly Startup Leaders are creating space for startups to connect with leaders in the community.14
  • From a women-focused non-profit to a community-led talent marketplace, there are local organizations where you can find resources to start a business, offer your support, or connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. 
    • Want to help diversify the tech talent pipeline? Philly Tech Sistas is a non-profit organization that helps women of color gain technical and professional skills in order to work, thrive, and level up in the tech industry. 
    • Require assistance to build a product or enhance your business? Think Company has a team full of experts in design, developing, and coaching (featuring some of our very own GA alumni!).
    • Need a diverse and supportive community of fellow tech enthusiasts? Tribaja is not only community-led but offers tons of resources for your next career move.
  • Having the lowest office rental rates among top metros, Philly is home to some of the most elite co-working spaces such as 1776, CIC Philadelphia, Industrious, and City CoHo — all great places to check out for networking or collaborating with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and creatives.

Stay in the Know

Here are just a handful of resources to help you dive deeper into Philadelphia’s tech and startup ecosystem:

  • Subscribe to Billy Penn, one of Philly’s media channels for local news and announcements, or Technical.ly Philly for daily updates on navigating Philly’s local economy. 
  • Small Biz Philly covers everything related to launching and growing small businesses.
  • Check out Philly Mag to stay in the loop on the latest industry trends, events, and upcoming business ventures in the area.
Browse Upcoming Workshops

1https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/23098/philadelphia/population#:~:text=The%20current%20metro%20area%20population,a%200.18%25%20increase%20from%202018.
2https://selectgreaterphl.com/key-industries/
3 https://selectgreaterphl.com/why-here/
4https://mapping.cbre.com/maps/Scoring-Tech-Talent-2020/
5 https://selectgreaterphl.com/key-industries/
6 https://builtin.com/philadelphia/largest-companies-in-philadelphia
7 https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2019/11/11/7-philadelphia-area-companies-make-deloitte.html
8 https://www.fox.temple.edu/posts/2020/01/philadelphias-hub-for-innovations-in-healthcare/#:~:text=With%20innovations%20deeply%20rooted%20in,cell%2Dbased%20research%20and%20therapies.&text=%E2%80%9CPenn%20has%20contributed%20eight%20FDA,%2C%20or%20%E2%80%9CCellicon%E2%80%9D%20Valley.
9 https://selectgreaterphl.com/cell-and-gene-therapy-and-connected-health/
10 https://gps.chop.edu/news/fda-approves-personalized-cellular-therapy-advanced-leukemia-developed-university-pennsylvania
11 https://technical.ly/jobs/
12 https://www.libertycitypress.com/starting-a-business-in-philly/#:~:text=While%20it’s%20true%20that%20the,government%20support%20for%20early%20entrepreneurs.
13 https://technical.ly/infographic/philadelphia/
14  https://www.phillystartupleaders.org/

Disclaimer: General Assembly referred to their Bootcamps and Short Courses as “Immersive” and “Part-time” courses respectfully and you may see that reference in posts prior to 2023.