The tech industry in Los Angeles is thriving, particularly in the westside beach areas between Malibu and LAX airports, such as Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Playa del Rey, as well as the surrounding inland suburbs of Playa Vista, Culver City, El Segundo, and Mar Vista. Silicon Beach refers to all of these areas where technology is prevalent.
Silicon Beach is home to more than 500 tech firms. You’ve probably heard of Google / YouTube (Playa Vista), Amazon (Culver City), and Snapchat (Venice), but there are hundreds of other start-ups and businesses that are discovering the area’s attractions, convenience, and benefits. Here is a little snapshot of what is Silicon Beach, how was it formed, and the top ten industry giants there.
What is Silicon Beach?
Silicon Beach, a West Los Angeles area that includes the beach cities of Santa Monica and Venice, is at the epicenter of the city’s current tech boom. While the Los Angeles metropolitan area is sprawling, Silicon Beach is a more pedestrian-friendly area with a plethora of eateries, coffee shops, bars, and offices, making it a popular destination for new entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The truth is that Silicon Beach has changed over time. When Google originally opened an office in Los Angeles, it was in Santa Monica, close to the beach. Other smaller IT start-ups and investors quickly followed suit.
Silicon Beach includes parts of Culver City, Del Rey, Marina del Rey (where Dollar Shave has HQ), Playa Del Rey, Venice, and Santa Monica.
How Was Silicon Beach Formed?
Santa Monica was going through a technological sector boom from the 1980s to the 1990s, although it was cut short due to the internet’s uncertain future. However, it appears that creative, entertainment and tech firms are returning to their beachfront offices to breathe new life into the transformed industrial structures.
The idea that creative sectors and the laid-back, beachy atmosphere of Santa Monica go hand in hand is clearly gaining traction. The nearby restaurants, pubs, and retail establishments give the region a sophisticated feel, which is another key selling factor for businesses.
Companies in the tech industry, as well as those in other fields like design and advertising, seek to be close to one another not only for networking purposes but also for social reasons. Santa Monica, as a whole, is regarded to have become a safer, friendlier neighborhood, drawing a showbiz crowd and a genuine feeling of community.
Silicon Beach is building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and seeing a steady increase in the number of technology start-ups. Whether it’s the beach air or the laid-back way of life, it’s attracting huge names in the sector, like Google, so keep an eye on it.
Top 10 Companies in Silicon Beach
Takeaway
Silicon Beach is one of the hottest destinations for tech entrepreneurs, and it’s certainly a wonderful place to call home, thanks to its combination of creativity and talent. Living in close proximity to these businesses means that money will continue to flow into the community. Although each neighborhood in Silicon Beach is distinct, they all entice residents with the classic Southern California living: an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, proximity to the beach by bike, easy access to the airport, and a plethora of family-friendly activities.
