Markham is quickly emerging as one of the most attractive places to start a startup in the Greater Toronto Area. Located just a 25-minute drive from Toronto, it offers founders the advantage of proximity to a major global city without the same level of cost and congestion.

One of Markham’s biggest strengths is its deep-rooted tech ecosystem. The city is home to major players like IBM and Johnson & Johnson, alongside a growing number of startups and innovation hubs. This creates strong opportunities for partnerships, talent acquisition, and knowledge sharing.

Markham also stands out for its diversity. With a large and vibrant Chinese community, as well as many other cultural groups, founders benefit from global perspectives, international business connections, and access to multilingual talent. This diversity can be especially valuable for startups looking to expand into global markets early.