As I made my way through the bustling crowd at last month’s Strictly Business forum in Baton Rouge, the energy was palpable. Tech entrepreneur Tony Zanders took the stage with a message that’s still resonating across Louisiana’s innovation landscape: this southern state might just be positioning itself as America’s next unexpected tech powerhouse.
“There’s never been a better time to start a company in Louisiana,” Zanders declared to the gathered audience of business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. As founder and CEO of Skilltype, a talent management platform for libraries, Zanders embodies the growing narrative of tech founders choosing to build in Louisiana rather than fleeing to traditional coastal hubs.
What makes his perspective particularly compelling is his journey. After building his career in Boston’s thriving tech scene, Zanders made the deliberate choice to return home to Louisiana in 2020 to launch his company. This reverse migration pattern is becoming increasingly common as remote work reshapes geographic constraints on talent.
The numbers support this shifting landscape. According to data from the Louisiana Economic Development office, tech sector jobs in the state have grown by approximately 16% since 2018, outpacing several traditional industries. This growth comes as Louisiana universities produce over 1,800 computer science and information systems graduates annually, creating a sustainable talent pipeline.
“For too long, we’ve been exporting our best and brightest to other states,” Zanders noted during his presentation. “But we’re beginning to see that trend reverse as more professionals recognize the unique advantages of building here.”
Those advantages include significantly lower operating costs compared to established tech hubs. Office space in Baton Rouge and New Orleans averages 60-70% less than San Francisco or New York, while engineering talent commands competitive salaries that stretch further given Louisiana’s lower cost of living. The state’s digital media tax credit, offering up to 25% on qualified production expenses, further sweetens the proposition for startups.
Yet challenges remain. Access to venture capital continues to be a hurdle, with Louisiana companies raising just $153 million in venture funding last year, according to PitchBook data. This represents less than 0.2% of total U.S. venture investment, highlighting the financing gap that entrepreneurs like Zanders must navigate.
“We need to think beyond traditional venture models,” Zanders explained. “Building sustainable businesses that generate revenue early can be a competitive advantage rather than a limitation.”
His company, Skilltype, embodies this approach. Rather than burning through investor cash in pursuit of growth at all costs, the platform focused on serving paying customers from inception. This capital-efficient model has enabled the company to grow sustainably while maintaining its Louisiana roots.
The state’s emerging tech ecosystem benefits from unique cultural advantages as well. Louisiana’s renowned hospitality and community-oriented culture translate into business relationships built on genuine connection rather than transactional networking. Tech events in New Orleans and Baton Rouge consistently feature authentic interaction that visiting entrepreneurs from larger markets find refreshingly sincere.
“When you’re building in Louisiana, you’re not just another startup in an endless sea,” observed Zanders. “You’re part of a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.”
Educational institutions are evolving to support this growing ecosystem. Louisiana State University recently expanded its computer science program by 35%, while smaller institutions like Southern University have launched specialized programs in cybersecurity and data science. The state’s community college system has also partnered with major employers to create targeted workforce development initiatives.
The rise of remote work has further democratized access to tech careers. Louisiana professionals can now work for national companies while remaining in-state, building skills and networks that eventually benefit local startups. This cross-pollination of experience strengthens the foundation for homegrown innovation.
Industry specialization may prove critical to Louisiana’s tech future. Rather than competing directly with established hubs, the state shows promise in sectors where it holds natural advantages – energy tech, agricultural innovation, and healthcare solutions all align with existing industrial strengths.
“The most successful tech ecosystems don’t emerge by mimicking Silicon Valley,” Zanders reminded the audience. “They develop by leveraging regional advantages to solve problems uniquely relevant to their communities.”
This perspective reflects growing recognition that the next wave of American innovation will likely emerge from unexpected places. As traditional tech hubs face challenges of congestion, affordability, and saturation, regions like Louisiana offer fertile ground for entrepreneurs willing to pioneer new models.
For Louisiana to fully realize its potential, continued investment in both digital and physical infrastructure remains essential. Expanding broadband access in rural areas and strengthening connections between academic institutions and industry will determine whether today’s promising trends accelerate or stall.
As I left the forum that evening, conversations buzzed with a cautious optimism. Louisiana’s tech renaissance isn’t guaranteed, but the ingredients – talent, affordability, culture, and increasingly, leadership – appear to be aligning in promising ways. In Zanders’ vision, Louisiana isn’t just playing catch-up; it’s positioning itself to lead on its own terms.
