Data, Software and Apps
In this section...
IT/Software in Boulder
The Boulder metropolitan area has earned a reputation as one of the nation's leading technology and software innovation hubs. From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to enterprise software, cloud computing, and data analytics, the region supports a dynamic ecosystem of startups, high-growth companies, and global technology firms. Its entrepreneurial culture, technical talent, and close ties to the University of Colorado Boulder continue to fuel software innovation and company growth.
| Information Technology in the Boulder MSA | |
|---|---|
| Number of Firms | Map the Top 50 | 2,409 |
| Number of Employees | 19,370 |
| Employment Concentration (1.0=US average) | 4.1 |
Source: QCEW 2026 Q2 via Lightcast
Advantages for IT/Software
Boulder offers many local advantages that make it a top location for IT/Software companies, including:
Strong entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.
Boulder ranks as one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the United States with talented individuals driving innovation in all industries, including quantum.
According to StartupBlink Boulder is the 58th best startup ecosystem in the world and 19th best in the nation.
The ability to recruit and retain highly-educated talent.
Boulder MSA has one of the most highly educated populations in the nation, and Colorado is the second-most highly educated state in the nation. Colorado ranks third in the nation for high-tech workers per capita.
Proximity to the University of Colorado Boulder.
CU-Boulder’s Department of Computer Science faculty, staff and students are engaged in cutting-edge research projects that address important challenges to society. CU-Boulder supports technology entrepreneurs through its Silicon Flatirons, Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, and other organizations.
Access to support and service organizations in Boulder.
Boulder’s economy includes many resources for entrepreneurs, including incubators, co-working spaces, accelerators, mentorships and other support services. See below for list.
IT/Software in Metro Denver
Colorado's information technology and software industry spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, enterprise software, and emerging digital technologies. Supported by a highly educated workforce, collaborative research institutions, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, the state attracts companies of every size seeking access to talent, innovation, and a business environment that encourages technological advancement.
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is home to the nationally recognized Department of Computer Science, which provides diversified undergraduate and graduate coursework in computer systems, operating systems, databases, networking and/or programming languages. As part of a research university, the Computer science faculty, staff and students are engaged in cutting-edge research projects that address important challenges to society.
Innovation is embraced throughout the University of Colorado. The Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Colorado Law School. Silicon Flatirons' core mission is to elevate the debate surrounding technology policy issues; support and enable entrepreneurship in the technology community; and inspire, prepare, and place students in these important areas.
The University’s Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of Business has been nationally recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges for entrepreneurs. Collaboration between the Deming Center, Boulder Innovation Center and CU Technology Transfer Office has established what Deming Center Executive Director Paul Jerde describes as “a model for the intersection of entrepreneurial creativity, technology innovation, and students.”
The Venture Partners at the University of Colorado is the conduit for technology commercialization by working with researchers to pursue, protect, package and license to businesses the intellectual property generated from research at CU. From CU intellectual property, 114 companies have been formed, 85 of which continue to operate in Colorado. These companies are taking risks to create innovative technological impacts.
IT/Software Company Resources
Boulder’s economy includes many resources for entrepreneurs, including incubators, co-working spaces, accelerators, mentorships and other support services, including:
- Boomtown: accelerator that works with start-ups to take them to the next level.
- Boulder Small Business Development Center (SBDC): offers training and workshops, confidential one-on-one counseling with experienced businesspeople, and access to business resources and financing.
- Galvanize: Denver-based start-up focused on coalescing communities of early stage technology companies through the three pillars of Community, Curriculum and Capital. One of the locations is in Boulder.
- MergeLane: discovers, accelerates and invest in exceptional women and the companies they run.
- TechStars: a mentorship-driven seed stage investment fund located in Boulder. The fund was founded in 2006 and accepts 10 companies each summer to work with, providing advice on product and strategy, as well as connections to potential partners and customers.
Check out other financial resources and potential partners for entrepreneurs starting a business in Boulder.