Pittsburgh's new mayor has cold-called dozens of tech CEOs to get them to relocate their startups to his city
Business Insider
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pittsburgh's new mayor, Corey O'Connor, is making headlines with an unconventional approach to boosting his city's tech scene—he’s cold-calling upwards of 20 founders and CEOs every week to convince them to relocate or expand their startups in Pittsburgh. Since taking office in January, O’Connor has connected with around 150 individuals, sparking curiosity among recipients who often question if the calls are genuine. This bold strategy reflects O'Connor's broader mission to rebrand Pittsburgh from "the Steel City" to a thriving tech hub, leveraging its deep-rooted AI and robotics expertise.
Pittsburgh’s transformation is gaining momentum as it aims to compete with other smaller cities like Miami and Austin, which are also vying for venture capital dollars amid rising costs in traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. The city's startups raised $1.48 billion in 2025, marking its strongest year since 2019. Notable companies include Gecko Robotics, valued at $1.7 billion, Abridge with a $5.3 billion valuation, and Skild AI, which secured $1.4 billion in funding earlier this year. These achievements highlight Pittsburgh's growing appeal as a tech destination.
O'Connor is emphasizing the city’s affordability and streamlined permitting process to attract businesses. With median home prices 42.3% below the national average, Pittsburgh offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive coastal cities. The mayor also plans to leverage the city's upcoming NFL Draft in April to further showcase its potential as a tech hotspot. While O'Connor hasn't yet convinced any companies to move, he remains confident that these outreach efforts will generate buzz and eventually draw more startups to Pittsburgh.
This strategy matters significantly for businesses and investors looking for new opportunities outside traditional hubs. By leveraging its rich AI and robotics history, affordable living costs, and improved infrastructure, Pittsburgh aims to carve out a niche in the tech ecosystem. O'Connor's personal approach reflects a broader trend of cities investing in their startup ecosystems to compete on a national stage. For entrepreneurs and investors, Pittsburgh’s growing tech scene offers a promising alternative with lower overheads and access to skilled talent.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/3/2026