ProWrite HQ: “The Silicon Valley of the Midwest

ProWrite is based in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area, which is an ideal location for the business. Since ProWrite’s inception, this region has been home to many manufacturing, engineering, and research and development companies, such as Abbott and Battelle, who have benefited from ProWrite’s technical writing services. Having caught wind of the incredible job and population growth in central Ohio, more major companies are moving to the area, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel.

“We feel fortunate to be here. With Columbus winning the first-ever Smart City award from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and being such a livable and lively location, it is attracting more and more of the type of companies we serve.” –Kelly Summers, Owner of ProWrite

What Are the Driving Factors in Economic Growth?

For years, this area has been a hub for healthcare and insurance companies, including CoverMyMeds and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Other factors contributing to central Ohio’s economic growth include:

• Venture Capital: Over the past 20 years, venture capitalists have invested more than $3 billion in the greater Columbus region, largely in insurance and healthcare startups, according to a 2022 TechCrunch article. TechCrunch also reported that venture capitalist investments picked up around 2017 and peaked in 2021, doubling from “$583 million in 2020 to just over $1 billion.” The lion’s share went to Olive, a healthcare technology company (purchased by Waystar in October 2023), and Path Robotics, a welding robotics company. Notable venture capitalist companies in the area include Drive Capital, Heartland Ventures, and Rev1 Ventures, to name a few.
• The Ohio State University (OSU): OSU plays a vital role in the city’s continued growth. According to the 2022 TechCrunch article, in 2012, OSU set up “a $100 million investment fund to support a startup ecosystem.” Since then, OSU has invested in multiple funds, leading to “nearly 100 active spinoffs—an all-time high—as of fiscal year 2020.”
• Lower Cost of Living: The cost of living in central Ohio remains much more affordable than California’s Silicon Valley and other tech centers in the U.S. However, the real estate market has heated up, increasing selling prices for homeowners. Property taxes are much lower than in other regions in the U.S., and the area offers a vibrant cultural scene. Columbus has a world-renowned zoo and the fantastic Center of Science and Industry (COSI).
• Fresh Minds: Central Ohio boasts a young talent pool, making the region attractive to tech companies. OSU has more than 11,000 students enrolled in its 15 College of Engineering programs, which include aerospace engineering, biomedical science, computer science, aviation, and mechanical engineering. The university is also well known for its research and development programs, affording students hands-on training. Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its research programs also add to the available talent in the area.

The Silicon Valley of the Midwest

In addition to the venture capital funding pouring into ProWrite’s neighborhood, central Ohio has attracted attention from some of the biggest names in the game:

1. In 2023, Amazon announced plans to expand its data center operations in central Ohio, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Over six years, the tech giant will spend $7.8 billion on the construction of additional data centers. As of June 2024, Amazon operates 22 data centers in the region.
2. In 2022, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) announced plans to expand its data center operations in New Albany, Ohio, just outside Columbus. According to The Columbus Dispatch, the company plans to add two more buildings to its data center operations complex. “The addition will boost Meta’s investment in New Albany by $500 million to $1.5 billion.” Construction of the buildings is slated for completion in 2026 and 2028.
3. In 2022, Intel announced plans to build a $28 billion microchip manufacturing project in New Albany. According to Intel, the investment will create 3,000 new jobs at Intel, 7,000 construction jobs, and thousands more indirect jobs across the local community. As of February 2024, the project is expected to be completed by late 2026.

After Intel chose New Albany, Ohio, for its microchip manufacturing project, then-Ohio State Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) dubbed central Ohio, “The Silicon Valley of the Midwest,” as quoted in an article in Cincinnati CityBeat. It’s a fitting title, considering the main ingredient in computer chips and semiconductors is silicon. The original Silicon Valley, located outside San Francisco, is home to many major technology, software, and internet companies.

Gotta Wear Shades

As a burgeoning tech hub with endless possibilities, central Ohio’s future looks exceptionally bright. That spells good news for ProWrite.

“We are incredibly grateful to live and work in central Ohio, and we are excited to see the area grow along with our business.” –Darlena Kelley, Owner of ProWrite

Despite the advantages of proximity, make no mistake: ProWrite’s clients don’t need to be in our backyard. We have created documentation for companies all over the world. We are willing to travel to your site, and we can effectively work remotely to get the job done. As always, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about ProWrite and how we can expertly solve your technical writing or editing needs.