How the Top Tech Companies in North Carolina Are Driving Industry Growth

North Carolina has a rich economy with various thriving business sectors. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the state’s most prosperous industries span everything from aerospace to food manufacturing and from biotechnology to financial services.

Technology also belongs on that list. A report from the NC Tech Association notes that North Carolina is truly in the top tier when it comes to technology. Here are examples:

• In 2021, North Carolina was ranked No. 7 for tech industry growth.
• The state is also ranked No. 7 for tech startups, something widely attributed to its excellent university system.
• North Carolina is among the top states for women in tech and tech industry employment growth.

For North Carolina residents interested in tech, including those pursuing a formal education in information technology (IT) or a related field, it’s encouraging to see how the state’s tech industry continues to incubate innovation. It provides incredible opportunities for economic development and career growth for aspiring and educated IT professionals. One way to think about this is by surveying some of the top tech companies in North Carolina and cataloging how they contribute to industry growth.

Why Is North Carolina a Great State for Tech?

The North Carolina Department of Commerce notes several factors that contribute to the tech-friendly environment of the state. A few reasons why the state is so attractive to tech companies are the following:

• North Carolina has a business-friendly atmosphere, with modest tax rates for corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
• The robust university system creates an intellectual and forward-thinking environment, leading to some tech companies spinning off from their academic incubators.
• North Carolina also boasts a very high quality of life and a relatively low cost of living, making it a welcoming place for tech entrepreneurs and employees alike.

These are just a few of the factors that make the state an increasingly prominent hub for tech innovation. The top tech companies in North Carolina encompass several internationally known corporations, including Google, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, and Oracle.

What Are the Top Tech Companies in North Carolina?

Many tech companies have their corporate headquarters or primary areas of operation in North Carolina. Consider a few of the enterprises that are driving innovation and success in the state’s bustling tech sector. 

1. The SaaS Institute

The SaaS Institute is based in Cary, North Carolina, yet its footprint is truly worldwide. The company is one of the foremost developers of analytics software, which other companies use to manage, analyze, and organize data that they can use for improved decision-making. Since the 1970s, this company has pioneered software solutions that help other companies maximize their profitability and performance.

2. Red Hat

Since 1993, Red Hat has been a leading name in business software, offering an extensive portfolio of forward-thinking cloud management solutions. The company has innovated open-source solutions that have altered how other tech companies operate. While it’s based in North Carolina, Red Hat now has more than 100 locations spanning 40 different countries. According to the company, 9 out of 10 Fortune 500 companies entrust Red Hat with their cloud needs.

3. Epic Games

Any list of the top tech companies in North Carolina must include Epic Games, a software firm based in the Cary, North Carolina, community. The company needs no introduction, as some of its titles, such as Fortnite, rank among the most popular video games of all time. Since its inception in 1991, Epic Games has produced a string of bestsellers that remain popular in the gaming community.

4. The Select Group

North Carolina is also home to several businesses innovating in the IT services space. A great example is The Select Group, a Raleigh, North Carolina, business that has pushed the envelope in terms of the managed service model. The Select Group is especially well known for innovative IT solutions in health care, financial services, and beyond.

Pursuing a Career in North Carolina’s Thriving Tech Sector

North Carolina has many claims to fame, and tech innovation deserves to be foremost among them. The top tech companies in North Carolina continue to shake up the IT world, stimulating the local economy while also providing ample space for career advancement. Well prepared IT professionals can advance their careers through employment at one of these top tech companies, or search for employment at another company. 

One of the best ways to prepare for successful employment at one of these companies is to pursue an education in technology, from a university based in the state. Consider the Bachelor of Science in IT program from North Carolina Central University, a degree program that provides a wide range of skills that can translate into long-term success in technology. Find out more about the program today.

Sources:

NC Tech Association, North Carolina State of Technology 2021 Industry Report

North Carolina Department of Commerce, Information Technology

North Carolina Department of Commerce, Key Industries in North Carolina

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations

Zippia, Best Technology Companies in North Carolina