The tech industry is thriving across the world. No matter where or who you are, technology is a key part of all our lives. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that so many people are looking to establish themselves in the tech sector. But you no longer have to be fortunate enough to live in California’s Silicon Valley in order to make it in tech. In fact, there are a number of rivals to the fabled valley springing up around the world.
Among these emerging tech hubs, Colombia is something of a rising star. Once infamous for a series of brutal drug cartels, the likes of which the world had never seen before, Colombia has worked hard to rehabilitate its image over the last few decades. As a result, Colombia today is fertile ground for planting the seeds of a tech business. Rapidly rising living standards have lead to an equally dramatic increase in levels of technological literacy. As more multinational businesses set up shop in Colombia, it becomes more attractive to entrepreneurs in all fields.
If you are a tech entrepreneur considering making Colombia your home, here’s what you need to know in order to maximize your chances of success.
Learn Some Spanish
Both Bogota and Medellin, Colombia’s two biggest cities, are emerging as highly desirable destinations for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in South America. As such, rates of English literacy are on the rise. However, in order to be successful as an entrepreneur in Colombia, you are going to have to learn at least some Spanish.
Some people find that learning Spanish while in Colombia is preferable to learning it beforehand. This is because learning the language while in Colombia will help you to understand the idiosyncrasies of the local dialect. If you can already speak some Spanish, it might still be worth taking some local instruction. BaseLang’s Spanish school in Medellin, for example, is a great place to refine your Spanish language skills.
Look for Facebook Groups Before you Depart
Moving to another country is a bold and adventurous step to take. However, it can also be a daunting and lonely time for some. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier than ever to solve this issue. It is worth searching on Facebook before you leave in order to find groups of like-minded individuals. Not only will Facebook help you to connect with the local expat community, but it can even provide you with your first contacts for your new tech startup. If you are going to be looking to hire other people to work alongside you in Colombia, Facebook is a great way of finding potential new recruits.
Research Places to Live
After deciding to make Colombia your home, you then need to decide where you are going to live. The biggest cities in Colombia are Bogota (the capital) and Medellin. There are other viable choices, but these two cities together account for the bulk of the Colombian economy and the vast majority of its tech sector.
Every entrepreneur will have their own set of criteria that they look for in a place to live and the plans you have made for your business’ future will also influence your decision making. The more research you do beforehand, the more informed your final decision will be. If you are able to, it is worth visiting the country before you move and scouting out potential locations. This is a big decision and not one that you want to come to regret.
Colombia is a rapidly emerging market for tech businesses. Any tech entrepreneur looking for an exciting new landscape to conquer could do a lot worse than start here. Begin your search today and you could be enjoying all that this country has to offer before you know it.