Tech Startup? Why You Should Move to This Colorado City

Excellent community support, networking and coworking spaces are just a few reasons entrepreneurs are moving to Castle Rock, CO.

By Kim Madlom on October 21, 2021

Jeff Adkins

Castle Rock, CO made a lasting impression on Jeff Cox. He moved here from California in 2005 to work for a telecommunications company, then his career took him to St. Louis. When he left his corporate job to start his own IT firm, moving to Castle Rock came to mind, and he and his wife relocated their family and the business back home.

“We fell in love with Castle Rock,” Cox says. Cox founded Digital Globe Services (DGS), an outsourcer that provides several benefits to corporations that seek to grow their online customer acquisition business process. Clients include well-known names in the telecom industry, including AT&T, Comcast and DirecTV.

Cox says Castle Rock is the perfect location for companies like DGS. The Colorado city’s leadership agrees and is working to attract more businesses to the area by investing in resources that target tech startups.

Companies Are On The Move

In 2016, the Castle Rock community joined with businesses and local developers to create The Move, a now 50,000-square-foot, three-story building designed to meet the specific needs of tech companies. Cox helped lead the development effort. He says The Move helped attract talent working out of their houses in surrounding cities.

“Employees in our industry tend to gravitate toward the Denver metro area,” Cox says. “Castle Rock is changing that. We are attracting and hiring those talented employees. They are moving from small apartments in Denver and buying houses in Castle Rock. It’s a testament to the work that has been done to create a business-friendly environment.”

Companies in Castle Rock that have used The Move include Innovative Business Solutions, a telecom broker that helps businesses understand what internet options are available and affordable. It got its start here and continues to grow in this space. Plus, it was included on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing telco channel businesses in the country.

Another company located in The Move is Where Food Comes From, a top provider of services that certify and verify the food industry. Where Food Comes From is a trusted resource for third-party verification of food production practices.

Through proprietary technology and patented business processes, the company supports more than 15,000 farmers, ranchers, vineyards, wineries, processors, retailers, distributors, trade associations, consumer brands and restaurants with a variety of value-added services.

“The Move was a vision and catalyst in keeping our innovative startups here and then helping them grow,” Cox says.

Colin Shreffler

Crafting a Space to Create in Castle Rock

Craft Coworking is also providing an attractive space for small companies. Located on the second floor of the Riverwalk building, Craft provides spaces for tech companies, attorneys, architects and more.

“One of the most important benefits of working out of Craft Coworking is the opportunity to be productive in a like-minded professional environment,” says Pieter Muller, community lead. “The professionals here can network and collaborate if they choose, or they can work privately in their own space.”

Whether it’s an architect working with an accountant down the hall or three attorneys discussing cases, Muller says the environment lends itself to a community vibe. “They have some opportunities to do business with each other and collaborate,” he says. “Our members get much more than just an office space.”

With a waiting list of businesses wanting space, Craft Coworking is expanding into 17 more offices later in 2021. “We offer businesses a hassle-free environment to be productive,” Muller says. “Come in and plug in and be productive in a space that offers everything you need.”