Philadelphia Ranked Among Top Startup Cities in New Report From U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Report Cites Improvements in City’s Startup Culture and Community Engagement As Top Factors; Philadelphia Rises 5 Spots From 2016 Report

Philadelphia ranks third among cities best positioned to drive innovation in the new digital economy, according to a new report examining the health of startup communities in American cities. The Innovation That Matters report, released today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Free Enterprise, C_TEC, and 1776, assesses key statistics in 25 cities to determine their likelihood of success in turning capital into successful tech industries.

The report’s authors cited improvements in the city’s startup culture as a significant reason why Philadelphia rose five places since the previous year’s report. Only San Francisco Bay Area and Boston lead Philadelphia on the list. The report also cited collaboration among policymakers, corporate leaders, and the city’s highly-ranked universities as forces driving the success of Philadelphia startups in next-wave industries.

“This report is a huge vote of confidence for entrepreneurship in Philadelphia,” said Benjamin’s Desk co-founder and co-CEO, Anthony Maher. “We’ve worked for years as a community to demonstrate Philadelphia’s innovate spirit and to highlight how entrepreneurs are revitalizing the city and changing the world. Innovation That Matters serves as proof of the fruit of our labors, and we’re incredibly proud to have made so much progress in the last year.”

The report highlights Mayor Jim Kenney’s role as a champion of the city’s startup culture, while identifying programs like Startup PHL, and the $10 million early-stage seed fund created by Drexel University and Ben Franklin Technology Partners as key forces driving innovation in Philadelphia.

Innovation That Matters also credits corporate involvement, including Comcast’s efforts to support entrepreneurship in the city and beyond, with helping Philadelphia emerge as a top destination for startup founders and talent alike.

The full report is available for download at https://www.1776.vc/reports/innovation-that-matters-2017/.

About Benjamin’s Desk

Born in Philadelphia, we are a next-generation business incubation engine.  Our mission is to spur innovation, accelerate business growth, facilitate investment, and foster thriving companies that create jobs, generate revenue, impact communities, and drive growth to every corner of the world.  Equipped with a ubiquitous network of shared workspaces, diversified business programming and events, customized growth services and coaching, and the regions top entrepreneurs-in-residence, Benjamin’s Desk provides the space, community, resources, and expertise to help you innovate, impact, thrive, and grow. #InventYourFuture

Membership is affordable, flexible, and scalable to support businesses as they grow. State-of-the-art workspaces, event facilities, conference rooms, and a diverse community of members help businesses grow and thrive. For more information, visit benjaminsdesk.com or email info@benjaminsdesk.com. Media kits, photos, and other resources for reporters are available at press.benjaminsdesk.com.

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