The initiative, designed by Red Antler and supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, highlights the city's surge in tech talent, AI leadership, and growth for top tech founders and companies

, /PRNewswire/ -- Tech:NYC, an organization of more than 550 tech companies and investors, has collaborated with Red Antler, with support from New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), to launch Obviously NYC—a new initiative designed to spotlight New York as the most compelling place to build in tech today.

Backed by a network that includes companies like Spotify, Etsy, Ramp, and MongoDB, Obviously NYC comes at a pivotal moment. Since 2018, the number of tech companies in the city has grown by 33%, with tech jobs rising 155% over the past 15 years. Today, New York's tech sector supports over 369,000 jobs, contributes 10.2% of the city's Gross Product.

The initiative highlights this momentum—particularly in AI, where New York now leads the nation with over 2,000 startups and 40,000 professionals—while showcasing the deep cross-industry connections that make NYC uniquely suited to turn ideas into real-world impact.

Tech:NYC plays a crucial role in ensuring that New York remains the top destination for innovators. The organization works closely with its network of over 550 tech companies, startups, investors, and tech leaders to provide support through policy advocacy, talent development, and networking. The organization's membership is made up of large companies including Amazon, IBM, and Google as well as fast-growing startups like Ramp, Runway AI, and Cohere.

The organization works with local and state legislators to advocate for policy that strengthens the tech ecosystem and maintains the city's competitiveness. It also focuses on talent development by fostering education, workforce training, and diversity to build a skilled, inclusive workforce. Through its efforts, Tech:NYC ensures technology benefits all communities while positioning New York City as a global leader in tech and innovation.

"New York City is the capital of everything, from finance to fashion, and it's the nexus of all that's important. For startups and tech companies, the city has proven to be the best place to build and scale; where else can founders and operators gain access to the leaders and buyers in their industry of focus," said Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC. "The launch of Obviously NYC underscores the incredible momentum in New York City's thriving tech industry. At Tech:NYC we're committed to furthering this growth and creating an environment where tech founders, funders, and workers have the infrastructure and support they need to succeed."

"From the most jobs in city history to the most artificial intelligence startups in the country, New York City's economy is a powerhouse — but we're not stopping there. We're turning our waterfront in a 'Harbor of the Future' with generational projects and thousands of 'green-collar' jobs; we're training our public school students in growing industries like computer science; and we're attracting high-quality talent and groundbreaking companies from across the United States with the launch of our ObviouslyNYC campaign," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Across the five boroughs, New Yorkers are building new tools and technologies that will define our world in the century ahead. With this campaign, we are going to give them the extra attention and talent they deserve and remind everyone that New York is the greatest city on the globe for business, commerce, culture, and more."

"New York City is the greatest city in the world, and the most dynamic tech ecosystem on the planet. If you want to start a company, grow a business, secure financing, hire great people, or find inspiration and new ideas, it is obvious that NYC is the place to be. This new branding tells that story, and I am thrilled by its launch," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr.

"As highlighted in our AI report released earlier this year, New York City is already the global leader in Applied AI, and the Obviously NYC initiative is key to raising the profile of the tremendous innovations taking place in the city today," said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. "With more than 40,000 AI professionals and over 2,000 AI startups, New York isn't just leading in innovation—we're translating it into jobs for New Yorkers, driving private investment, and building a thriving tech ecosystem."

Obviously NYC's launch is timed strategically, aligning with graduation season and tapping into the key moment when young talent are making career decisions. This is significant because since 2021 nearly 500,000 recent college graduates have moved to NYC, making it the top destination for post-college life in the country.

About Tech:NYC
Tech:NYC is an engaged network of technology leaders working to foster a dynamic, diverse, and creative New York. The organization works with policymakers and business leaders to support a successful technology ecosystem, attract and retain talent, and celebrate New York and the companies that call it home. Tech:NYC represents more than 550 New York tech companies and investors.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.  

About Red Antler
Red Antler is the creative partner shaping what's next. Built to guide brands through transformation, Red Antler works across strategy, design, and marketing to help businesses define why they matter and put them at the center of every tomorrow. With deep experience in category creation and a multidisciplinary team, the company helps launch products, shape stories, and build brands that drive growth, earn relevance, and inspire lasting obsession.

SOURCE Tech:NYC