How Dallas Is Attracting Top Talent to Build the Apps of Tomorrow

Dallas, Texas, has more than cowboy culture and BBQs. It is rapidly becoming a hotbed for top tech talent and innovation. 

The city saw a 25% rise in tech jobs over the past five years and boasts an active startup ecosystem that helps redefine Cowboys City into a hub for Dallas Tech Innovation.

In addition to attracting established companies, the city is the new favorite for startups who are still learning the ropes in the world of tech. Reports show that Dallas has raised over $1 billion in venture capital investment in 2023 and is increasingly important in the tech landscape.

As businesses increasingly look for skilled developers to create the apps of tomorrow, it is critical to understand what makes Dallas such an attractive location.

The Rise of Dallas Tech Innovation Hub

Dallas, Texas, has evolved from its past as an oil and agriculture-based economy to a high-tech and innovation center. This transformation has been characterized by the presence of large companies and a growing startup scene.

Historical Background

Dallas’s journey as a tech hub started in the early 2000s, thanks to its strategic location and robust infrastructure to attract businesses and talent.

Its location at the nexus of main highways and its elaborate transport system has made it a prime destination for companies wishing to expand.

Dallas, over the years, has become an attraction for talent in the entire country, because of the job opportunities it offers and the quality of life in this city.

Timeline of Tech Evolution in Dallas (2000s–2020s)

• 2000s: Dallas began to shift from a narrow focus to making the economy diversified with considerable investment in the technology and communications sectors. The launch of the Telecom Corridor within the suburb of Richardson went a long way, attracting scores of technology firms and experts to the town.
• 2008: Telecom giant AT&T, shifts its headquarters to Dallas showing that Dallas was not getting out of sight in terms of its place in the Technology industry.
• 2010s: The city experienced a boom in the number of startups, along with the incubators and accelerators that were sprouting innovation. Institutions such as the Dallas Entrepreneur Center founded in 2013 played a critical role in supporting startups and entrepreneurs.
• 2015: The University of Texas at Dallas increased its computer science and engineering degree offerings, providing a growing pipeline of qualified workers prepared to enter the burgeoning tech sector.
• 2020s: Dallas continued to thrive as a destination for tech investment, biotech, and AI, and the Biotech+ Hub at Pegasus Park, a 23-acre campus, provided a base for biotech startups that would further diversify Dallas’s tech ecosystem.
• 2021: Dallas ranked sixth in the U.S. for net tech employment, with over 313,447 people employed in tech roles.
• 2023: Google Cloud announced plans to expand its presence in Dallas, highlighting the city’s attractiveness for major tech investments.

Current Tech Landscape

Currently, Dallas features a very lively tech environment with more than 1,000 start-ups operating in various areas such as fintech, health tech, and e-commerce. The city has grown technologically and attracted companies migrating from California and New York due to high costs and regulatory burdens.

In 2023, Dallas received a large influx of companies that are now establishing operations in the area. For example, Google Cloud has decided to increase its presence in Dallas with new offices that will be aimed at supporting local businesses and innovation.

In addition, investment in Dallas-based startups has increased by 30% compared to the previous year. This shows that investors find the city attractive enough to invest in. 

With a vibrant ecosystem that includes accelerators such as Tech Wildcatters and events like Dallas Startup Week, innovation stands out in Dallas’s tech scene.

Comparison with Other Tech Hubs

While cities such as Silicon Valley and Austin are well established, Dallas holds unique value and benefits from other such places.

Dallas’s diverse economy lends stability that is attractive during recessions. Unlike cities heavily reliant on one industry, Dallas’s varied sectors create resilience against market fluctuations.

Dallas has a lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley. Take for example housing, housing costs in Dallas are about 30% less than in San Francisco and allow the tech people to have a quality life.

There is also diversity in Dallas’s economy to offer stability and resistance during times of fluctuation to be considered for both an already existing company and newly coming firms.

Note: The Cost of Living Index is based on a national average of 100.

How Dallas Is Attracting Top Talent to Build the World of Tomorrow

Dallas is positioning itself as a global leader in attracting tech talent. Dallas has emerged as a launchpad for established companies and startups alike, riding high on its robust economic landscape.

As an emerging tech hub, Dallas-Fort Worth already has in place 24 Fortune 500 companies, and its allure just keeps on increasing. 

A favorable business environment along with a promising talent pool, these two factors attract companies to invest in Dallas and its environment to further develop innovative techs.

A Supply-Demand Imbalance

Over the past ten years, mobile app development companies in Dallas has witnessed great technological job growth. 

As of 2021, DFW had a whopping 313,447 in net tech employment, meaning that over 65,000 people have professions including software developer, web developers, or other forms of programming roles.

This number was projected to have a growth of 4.3% in the next year. More revealing, however, is an increase of 15% in the level of tech workers from 2016 to 2021, higher than the national growth of 13.5%.

Thanks to this growth, demand for skilled tech professionals far surpasses supply, with many great opportunities for new entrants into the sector. 

Venture capital investments of over $5 billion annually since 2019 are keeping that momentum with investments in startups and other expansions of tech hubs.

Economic Opportunities

Dallas offers highly competitive salaries for tech professionals, further boosting its attractiveness. Software developers in the area enjoy an average salary of nearly $100,000 annually, making it one of the top-paying regions for tech jobs. 

Third, being exempted from state income taxes automatically sends Texas’s residents’ shares a bit higher than places such as New York and San Francisco. 

For instance, whereas a software engineer is making more money per capita compared to a fellow engineer working for New York, high taxation would knock off large shares in their pockets.

This financial benefit gives Dallas professionals the capability to enjoy a better quality of life, whether it’s the purchase of homes, savings for the future, or just spending on local amenities.

Supportive Business Environment

A part of Dallas’s success is about its business-supportive policies. Texas is well known for its friendly approach to business, a state with fewer regulatory hoops and lower tax burdens that discourage business.

Programs such as the Texas Enterprise Fund have also attracted many businesses to the state. These funds help big and small businesses by offering monetary benefits, tax relief, and more. 

Venture capitalists also include Sevin Rosen Funds and Trailblazer Capital, which invest considerably into any promising startup.

This makes the economy of Dallas as diversified, which comprises traditional industries like finance, healthcare, and energy and cutting-edge technology across all sectors.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is always top of mind for young entrepreneurs and Gen-Z tech stars and Dallas doesn’t disappoint. The city offers an appealing quality of life that attracts talent from various backgrounds.

Diverse neighborhoods, fine dining, and cultural events characterize this city. There are historic arts districts and professional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks for every interest.

Mild winters and hot summers make this climate perfect for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy throughout the year. Parks such as Klyde Warren Park make for green spaces that are good for relaxing, but also host community events.

Furthermore, Dallas has a great educational system with numerous public and private schools that can attract prospective families.

Diverse and Expanding Markets

The demand for technologies in Dallas is booming. As businesses race to catch up on the needs of their very digitally connected customers, the demand for services like mobile app development are soaring through the roof. 

This trend is expected to continue as it fuels the entry of developers into the region. Other than applications, the growth of e-commerce platforms, cybersecurity solutions, and cloud technologies is also creating a continuous stream of job creation.

As noted in CBRE’s Tech Talent Report, Dallas ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech labor markets as the steady influx of technology jobs enriches the economy of the city.

These booming sectors ensure that Dallas remains a hub of opportunity for tech professionals seeking to innovate and lead in cutting-edge fields.

Networking and Community

Dallas has an active and engaging tech community. Organizations like Tech Wildcatters, Dallas Startup Week, and The DEC Network enable networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs and developers. Events like these enable connections that could lead to job opportunities or partnerships for driving innovation.

More than that, coworking spaces such as WeWork and Spaces have been a hot favorite among startups in search of flexible office solutions that can promote collaboration among businesses. Such environments foster networking and knowledge sharing among like-minded people.

Educational Institutions and Talent Development

Dallas boasts of excellent educational institutions, which form the backbone of the high-skilled workforce. In fact, the DFW area has witnessed a strong increase in graduates with a tech degree, with 81% growth over five years—the highest among tech talent markets. 

Some of the best universities in the region include:

• The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD): It is famous for innovative programs in artificial intelligence, software engineering, and computer science.
• Southern Methodist University (SMU): Lyle School of Engineering and entrepreneurship-oriented tech courses are its signature features.
• University of North Texas (UNT): Stand-out programs in cybersecurity, data science, and business analytics are offered.
• Texas Christian University (TCU): Immerse training in information systems and business technology integration are provided.

Local training programs supplement higher education by providing specialized, hands-on skills training. Some popular programs in Dallas are as follows:

• DevMountain: This is a program speciaized for web development, mobile programming, and software design. 
• Dallas Coding Bootcamp: It delivers accelerated programs in coding, web development, and data analytics. 
• General Assembly Dallas: It provides training in UX/UI design, digital marketing, and full-stack programming. 
• NPower: This empowers underserved communities with effective IT and digital skill-building opportunities.

Investment Trends

Venture capital investment in Dallas has been on the rise as well. In 2023, alone, startups in the region raised over $1 billion in funding across several sectors. This capital will boost innovation and retain top talent within their home turf.

In this regard, the landscape of investment in Dallas mirrors a blossoming innovation hub because large sums of funding seem to be directed toward more technology-driven sectors:

• Island: As mentioned, Island’s $175 million Series D funding round in April 2024 highlights the substantial investments flowing into Dallas-based startups.
• Work Shield: The $6 million investment in November 2023 underscores the growing interest in HR technology solutions within the Dallas startup ecosystem.

These investments not only propel the growth of individual companies but also invigorate the broader Dallas startup ecosystem, reinforcing the city’s role as a leader in tech innovation

Dallas App Development Trends: What to Expect

Dallas has quickly been positioning itself as a hub for national tech, bringing the innovation together with a business-friendly environment. 

The development of growth and diversity among industries in the city leads to exciting Dallas App Development Trends, giving developers and investors an almost endless chance to be part of this transformation.

Dallas is set to be one of the leaders in areas like HealthTech, FinTech, and beyond with its expanding tech ecosystem.

HealthTech Innovations 

Dallas has emerged as a leader in healthcare technology, with demand for modern, patient-centric mobile solutions. 

Future apps in Dallas are expected to cater to telehealth services, wearable health monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostics – all fueled by the city’s expanding healthcare infrastructure. 

Digital platforms that integrate seamlessly with electronic medical records are becoming increasingly vital in this booming sector. 

The tech-savvy population and robust health sector offer a fertile ground for developers to create future mobile apps Dallas that revolutionize patient care. 

FinTech Solutions 

Often referred to as “The New Wall Street,” Dallas has seen a financial boom with major firms like JP Morgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, and Charles Schwab relocating or significantly expanding their presence here. 

This economic shift has spurred a rise in Dallas Tech Innovation, particularly in FinTech. Developers can expect increasing demand for apps related to blockchain technology, cashless transactions, digital banking, and investment tools. 

With Dallas experiencing a 33% increase in finance jobs over the past decade, this sector offers unparalleled Dallas startup app opportunities, making it an ideal playground for innovation in FinTech solutions.

Cybersecurity Focus 

As businesses across sectors digitize, the need for robust cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Dallas has responded to this need with an impressive rise in security-focused initiatives. 

Mobile and web apps that prioritize protecting sensitive data and preventing cyber-attacks are in high demand. Developers moving to the area can tap into the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector to build specialized tools that lead the charge in Dallas Tech Innovation.

Educational Platforms 

Dallas is also making strides in education technology, addressing the demand for engaging, accessible learning experiences.

With universities and training programs already fostering skilled talent, the next wave of future mobile apps Dallas will likely focus on gamified education tools, remote classroom platforms, and skill-building applications. 

The city’s vibrant tech scene ensures that developers have ample support to create cutting-edge solutions in this dynamic sector.

RetailTech and E-Commerce Innovations 

Retail in Dallas is another area ripe for app-driven transformation. With its robust consumer market, Dallas is fostering the growth of future apps in Dallas that support omnichannel shopping experiences, augmented reality for virtual try-ons, and AI-enabled personalization. 

Retail and eCommerce Solutions targeting local businesses and startups can thrive in this market, capitalizing on Dallas startup app opportunities within the retail space.

Smart City and Sustainability 

Dallas has already invested heavily in evolving into a smart city. From energy management to transportation optimization, the next generation of future mobile apps Dallas will play a significant role in achieving sustainability goals. 

Developers focusing on smart city apps – enabling eco-friendly living, waste reduction, and efficient energy use – will find Dallas an exciting frontier.

How TekRevol Can Help Secure Top Tech Talent in Dallas

At TekRevol, we specialize in connecting businesses with skilled developers who are ready to tackle the challenges of modern app development. Our extensive network within the Dallas tech community allows us to identify top talent that aligns perfectly with your project needs and company culture.

Founded in 2018, TekRevol has experienced significant growth, achieving an 829% growth rate and being recognized in the Inc. 5000 list. This rapid expansion reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, user-centric mobile applications that meet the evolving needs of businesses in today’s digital landscape.

TekRevol’s team comprises 250+ experienced developers, designers, and strategists who work collaboratively to ensure each project aligns with clients’ business objectives. Their services include mobile app development, game development, web development, and custom software solutions, all tailored to provide long-term ROI and success for their clients. 

Partner  with TekRevol and gain access to a pool of talented professionals eager to contribute to your success. Let us help you build a strong team that will propel your app development initiatives forward in this thriving market.