
Bay Area vs New York. The battle for the home of early-stage startups.
...or maybe we've got it all wrong.
According to Carta data, when you add up all the capital invested into Seed and Series A rounds in 2023, New York actually places third behind Boston. The Bay Area remains well ahead with more than double the investment of both 2nd and 3rd place.
Caveats!
If you remove Biotech as an industry, NY is comfortably in second place. But even then, Boston is closer to NY than NY is to the Bay in total investment.
If you instead created the list based on number of rounds, New York is also comfortably second.
So ya, the chart choices matter.
But we should pay more attention to Boston when we discuss the best startup ecosystems.
DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. ("Carta"). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Carta is not, by means of this communication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein. © 2026 Carta. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.



