I Moved to Reno, Nevada, for My Tech Career, and You Should, Too
Learn about three company founders who relocated to the region and are now thriving.
Reno, Nevada, has a long list of positive qualities – think picture-perfect views, exquisite outdoor recreation, fun community events, an ever-growing arts scene and a plethora of must-try coffee shops, restaurants and bars.
But the “Biggest Little City” is also known for its strong industry sectors and phenomenal job opportunities. Over the past few years, the region has become a tech hub, welcoming everyone from entrepreneurs to tech giants, like Apple, Google and Microsoft.
People from all over have taken notice of Reno’s growing tech scene and are moving here to be part of the action. To learn more about what is happening in the area, we sat down with three residents who relocated to Reno to grow their tech careers — and let’s just say they are quite happy with their decisions.
Sean Montgomery
Connected Future Labs
Sean Montgomery started Connected Future Labs, an R&D consulting group, in New York City in 2016. After 20 years in New York, Sean and his wife began exploring where to move their family. They wanted a city with a university that drives innovation as well as one that offers superb livability factors, like being bikeable, having a vibrant city center and hosting cultural events. One thing became clear – their search would start on the West Coast in 2017. Connected Future Labs officially made Reno its home in early 2021.
Q: Why did you choose to relocate your business to Reno?
A: The ethos in Reno encourages a type of balanced lifestyle and encourages my people to set, reset and recharge.
Q: Why would you recommend others start their tech company in or relocate it to Reno?
A: I went for a dawn mountain bike ride today with a University of Nevada, Reno professor, rode to MidTown for a full day of work, and tonight, I’m having dinner and swimming at a mountain lake with my kids. I moved Connected Future Labs to Reno because I wanted our engineers to work hard solving difficult problems all day, then have the opportunity to recharge instead of sitting in traffic or on a train.
Q: What does Reno’s ecosystem offer that contributes to the creativity and growth of a tech career?
A: With a neuroscience background, I know the brain is a special part of our biology, and through developing new types of sensors and algorithms, the brain can respond differently. As an example, the stress of lengthy commutes (which are uncommon in Reno) plagues many, and when we find pathways to lowering stress, we can discover it doesn’t drive a stress response like it once did.
Dayo McIntosh
Yateou
In 2017, Dayo McIntosh began building Yateou, the first consumer-facing robot “ADE” for the beauty and wellness industries. After spending time in Reno in late 2021, she decided to relocate from the San Francisco Bay area.
Q: What made you want to move to Reno?
A: During the second half of 2021, I found myself in Reno on a temporary corporate assignment and was pleasantly surprised by the city’s vibrant atmosphere, which differed greatly from the stereotypical “Reno 911!” perception. It became evident that the community strongly supported local businesses, fostering a conducive environment for networking and building connections that would greatly benefit my own startup.
The development of an up-and-coming tech ecosystem driven by the influx of tech companies and individuals from Silicon Valley added to the excitement, as it signaled immense potential for growth and innovation. Furthermore, the appeal of the stunning outdoor lifestyle and proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area made moving to Reno a no-brainer.
Q: How is being part of the Reno community beneficial?
A: So, I run my startup full time, and it was the primary motivation that compelled me to relocate to Reno, and as anticipated, it has proven advantageous for my business. Moving to Reno has provided me with a level of exposure that surpasses what I would have experienced in the highly competitive San Francisco Bay area.
I have had the privilege of connecting with a variety of individuals who are undertaking remarkable endeavors within our local community. Moreover, my unwavering determination to foster a sense of community and actively engage with the thriving tech ecosystem has yielded significant opportunities, enabling me to effectively build and expand my business.
Q: Why would you recommend others look for a tech job in Reno?
A: With the influx of high-quality companies, Reno has the potential to emerge as a leading tech ecosystem in the country. I see a gap between job opportunities and available talent, presenting a strategic opportunity for individuals looking to advance in their careers. Reno’s potential as a prominent tech destination is evident, and those who capitalize on this opportunity can benefit from its exciting prospects.
Jim Ritchie
AEONrv
Jim Ritchie, a five-time business founder and outdoor lover, launched AEONrv with Lars Severin in Reno in 2021. The company, which is changing the way recreational vehicles are designed, built and delivered, develops all-season, electric, off-road, high-tech RVs.
Q: What led you to starting your business – and in Reno?
A: My path to Reno was more explorative than by design. Spending 30 years in Silicon Valley in the space of computer science and mathematics, my youth in Seattle and my love of camping and all things outdoors led me to rent an RV about 10 years ago. With the lens of an engineer, I noticed the gaps in the design, like poor quality and a noisy ride.
Q: What makes Reno compelling from a business formation standpoint?
A: On the business side, there are no corporate or state income taxes, no capital gains, lower lease rates, lower hourly rates, workers’ comp and utility cost centers. Additionally, the area provides access to resources, a workforce and a culture focused on a lifestyle that aligns with values. It’s a place where marketing is organic – word of mouth – and the community cherishes a balanced lifestyle.
Q: How have you seen your business grow since its inception?
A: In January 2021, we rented a small space in Reno, and by the end of August 2021, we were almost done with the design. A rare opportunity presented itself at Overland Expo West 2022, swiftly bringing press articles and people going crazy for the design. (The Overland Expo is considered the world’s most unique event for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts.) By October, we received more than 100 deposits.
In 2022, we raised $1 million in a safe equity round, allowing us to scale the company, validate the market and engage a user group of 600+ on Facebook. AEONrv’s design features an insulated body, allowing for both cooling and heating, high-end parts, polyurethane fasteners that are much stronger, and a quieter ride.
This article was sponsored by EDAWN.