Beyond Silicon Valley Emerges | 매거진에 참여하세요

The Trend of “De-Silicon Valley”

For decades, Silicon Valley, California has been the global symbol of innovation.

Big tech companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Netflix all started there, setting the model for startups worldwide.

However, in the 2020s, Silicon Valley’s dominance is being challenged.

High costs, talent mobility, remote work, and global capital inflows have accelerated the growth of new tech hubs across the world.

Middle East: Dubai & Riyadh

1. Dubai, UAE

• Thousands of startups located in Dubai Internet City and DIFC Innovation Hub.

• Regulatory sandboxes for cryptocurrency, fintech, AI attract global entrepreneurs.

• Government incentives include tax breaks, visa support, and 100% foreign ownership.

2. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Under Vision 2030, the country is building tech-focused cities to diversify from oil.

• NEOM smart city project integrates AI infrastructure.

• Captures a significant portion of MENA startup investments and is rapidly growing.

Africa: Nairobi & Lagos

1. 1. Nairobi, Kenya

• Known as “Silicon Savannah”, a hub for mobile payments (M-Pesa) and fintech innovation.

2. 2. Lagos, Nigeria

• Among the top globally in YC-backed startups; strong growth in payments and e-commerce.

Africa is still in early stages but holds massive potential due to young population and smartphone penetration.

Asia: Bangalore, Ho Chi Minh, Seoul

1. 1. Bangalore, India

• Dubbed “India’s Silicon Valley”, evolving from IT outsourcing to AI and SaaS startup hub.

2. 2. Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi, Vietnam

• Young developer talent and low-cost structures attract significant global investment.

Europe: Berlin, Stockholm, London

1. 1. Berlin, Germany

• Affordable living, open culture → central to European startups, strong in fintech & creative tech.

2. 2. Stockholm, Sweden

• Home to Spotify, Klarna, high unicorns per capita.

3. 3. London, UK

• Despite Brexit, remains a financial hub and fintech startup center.

Common Traits of Emerging Tech Hubs

• Government-led support:

• Regulatory easing, tax incentives, startup visas.

• Young & multinational talent pool:

• Local youth + global inflow, high digital literacy.

• Industry specialization:

• Focused startup ecosystems (fintech, AI, crypto, cleantech).

• Global capital inflow:

• From Silicon Valley VCs, Middle Eastern sovereign funds, and Asian conglomerates.

Relationship with Silicon Valley

The rise of new hubs does not diminish Silicon Valley’s influence.

• It remains the center of global capital and networks.

• Emerging hubs create decentralized innovation ecosystems based on local strengths.

In short: the world is shifting from a single-center model → multipolar hub system.

The Tech Map of the Future

Over the next decade:

• Middle East: Rapid growth through government-driven capital & strategy.

• Africa: Explosive potential due to youth and digital finance demand.

• Asia: Bangalore, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh become new centers for SaaS and AI.

• Europe: Differentiation through fintech and creative industries.

Tech innovation is becoming multipolar and decentralized, creating opportunities for both startups and investors.

The era where global unicorns emerge not just from Silicon Valley, but also from Dubai, Nairobi, and Berlin, has already begun.