New York City Celebrates Tech Growth with Obviously NYC Initiative

In a significant move to spotlight the booming technology sector, TechNYC, an alliance of over 550 tech companies and investors, has launched the Obviously NYC campaign in collaboration with Red Antler and with backing from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Announced on June 2, 2025, this initiative aims to position New York City as the unrivaled hub for innovation in the tech industry, especially in the context of artificial intelligence (AI).

A Thriving Tech Ecosystem

New York has seen remarkable growth in its tech landscape over the years. Since 2018, the city has witnessed a 33% increase in tech companies, and in the last 15 years, tech-related jobs have surged by an impressive 155%. The sector currently supports over 369,000 jobs and constitutes 10.2% of the city's gross product. This substantial growth underscores the importance of the tech sector as a vital component of the city’s economy and future.

The Obviously NYC initiative is built around this momentum, particularly emphasizing New York's leadership in AI. Currently, the city is home to more than 2,000 AI startups and employs around 40,000 professionals in the field. This unique combination of talent and innovation is what makes NYC truly distinctive, as it seamlessly integrates diverse industries to fuel groundbreaking ideas and transformative technologies.

Broad Support from the Tech Community

The launch is backed by notable tech companies such as Spotify, Etsy, Ramp, and MongoDB, reflecting a unified effort to support the local tech ecosystem. According to Julie Samuels, the President and CEO of TechNYC, this initiative illustrates the tremendous momentum in New York City's tech industry. TechNYC works diligently to provide essential support through advocacy, talent development, and networking opportunities for tech founders, funders, and workers.

One of the organization's key priorities is fostering policy reforms that enhance the tech ecosystem, thereby ensuring that New York continues to be a global leader in innovation. Furthermore, TechNYC emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled and inclusive workforce by advocating for education and workforce training programs designed to meet the demands of the evolving tech landscape.

City Officials' Endorsements

New York City Mayor Eric Adams articulated the significance of the Obviously NYC initiative during its launch. He emphasized how the city is not only experiencing the highest number of jobs in its history but is also fostering innovation in transformative areas like AI. The mayor's vision includes turning the city’s waterfront into a “Harbor of the Future,” creating thousands of green jobs and investing in high-quality education in fields such as computer science for public school students.

According to Adolfo Carrión, Jr., the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, the branding of Obviously NYC conveys a powerful message about the city’s vibrant tech ecosystem. This narrative will assist entrepreneurs in realizing the unlimited potential available in New York City for starting and scaling businesses.

Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of NYCEDC, noted that the launch is perfectly timed to coincide with graduation season, capitalizing on the influx of nearly 500,000 recent college graduates who have moved to NYC since 2021—making it the top choice for young talent nationwide.

Aiming for Global Recognition

The overarching goal of Obviously NYC is to raise the profile of New York City as an indispensable player in the global tech arena. With remarkable figures like leading AI job growth and the number of startups, the initiative aims to attract even more talent, investment, and innovation to the city. The message is loud and clear: New York City is not just a destination for tech but the ultimate playground for inventors, creators, and dreamers determined to change the world.

Conclusion

The launch of Obviously NYC serves as a reminder of New York City’s status as a dynamic metropolis where business, culture, and technology intersect. With continuous support from organizations like TechNYC and an ambitious vision set forth by city officials, the future for tech in New York looks not just promising but incredibly bright. In an era defined by innovation and rapid change, New York remains a beacon of opportunity for tech entrepreneurs and skilled professionals alike.

In conclusion, as New York City cements its position as a thought leader in tech innovation, the Obviously NYC initiative encapsulates the vibrant spirit and entrepreneurial energy that defines this remarkable city.