While Santa Monica and Venice have long been the heart of Silicon Beach, a new wave of tech companies is expanding the ecosystem eastward to Long Beach. EvoFutura spoke with several founders who have chosen Long Beach for their headquarters, including the team behind new holdings company SecLevelAlpha.
The Eastward Expansion
Silicon Beach—Southern California's answer to Silicon Valley—has traditionally been centered around Santa Monica, Venice, and Playa Vista. However, rising costs and limited space have pushed the boundaries of this tech hub further south.
Long Beach, with its combination of urban amenities, beach lifestyle, and more affordable real estate, is emerging as an attractive alternative for tech startups and established companies looking to expand.
Cost Advantages
"The cost differential is significant," explains commercial real estate analyst Jordan Martinez. "Office space in Long Beach can be 30-40% less expensive than comparable spaces in Santa Monica or Venice, while still offering the coastal California lifestyle that attracts tech talent."
This cost advantage extends beyond just office space. Housing costs—a critical factor for employee recruitment and retention—are also more manageable in Long Beach compared to the traditional Silicon Beach areas.
The SecLevelAlpha Example
One of the newcomers to Long Beach's tech scene is SecLevelAlpha, a holdings company focused on building technology ventures in security and sustainability.
"We evaluated several locations across Southern California," says Tyler Hill, CEO of SecLevelAlpha. "Long Beach offered the perfect combination of business environment, quality of life, and community that aligned with our company values."
The company has established its headquarters in downtown Long Beach and is already developing two portfolio companies: TacticDev, an enterprise security software provider, and BlueprintDynamics, which develops IoT-based infrastructure monitoring systems.
"Long Beach has all the ingredients to become a significant tech hub: universities producing talented graduates, a diverse community, urban amenities, and a supportive business environment. We're excited to be part of its growth story."
Infrastructure Improvements
Long Beach has been investing in infrastructure improvements that make it more attractive to tech companies. The city has expanded its fiber network, improved public transportation options, and developed co-working spaces and incubators specifically designed for tech startups.
"The city understands what tech companies need," notes Tyler Hill. "They've been proactive in creating an environment where technology businesses can thrive."
Looking Ahead
As Silicon Beach continues to expand, Long Beach is positioning itself as a key node in Southern California's innovation ecosystem. With its combination of coastal lifestyle, urban amenities, and business-friendly environment, the city is likely to attract more tech companies in the coming years.
"We're seeing just the beginning of Long Beach's emergence as a tech hub," says Martinez. "The companies moving there now are early adopters, but I expect we'll see many more follow their lead in the next few years."