New York City, the “city that never sleeps,” is known for big ideas and innovative businesses. Some of the world’s most famous startups began right here and have since grown to make a difference worldwide. Whether it’s changing how we work, shop, or stay connected, New York-based startups have set global trends and continue to impact lives. Let’s dive into a few well-known startups from New York and see how they’re inspiring future entrepreneurs.
WeWork: Rethinking Office Spaces
WeWork started in 2010 as a cool place for freelancers and small businesses to rent office space, without having to pay sky-high rent. It was all about bringing people together to work and network. Soon, WeWork locations popped up in cities around the world, helping to shape a new style of flexible, community-driven workplaces.
BuzzFeed: Changing How We Enjoy Content
BuzzFeed launched in 2006, and its fun quizzes, lists, and shareable articles quickly became a hit. They mastered what people love to see online, creating content that could make people laugh, think, or relate, no matter where they were. Today, BuzzFeed is popular worldwide and has changed the way digital media is made and shared.
Warby Parker: Making Eyewear Affordable
Warby Parker started in 2010 to make stylish, affordable glasses. Before, glasses were mostly sold at stores with big markups, but Warby Parker sold directly online, making it easy and affordable to shop from home. This idea was so popular it inspired other businesses to try direct-to-consumer sales too.
Squarespace: Helping People Create Websites
Squarespace began in 2003 with a goal: make it easy for anyone to create a good-looking website. Thanks to its templates, small businesses and individuals could design their own websites without needing technical skills. Now a global brand, Squarespace supports millions of websites and has played a big role in the growth of the online “creator economy.”
Etsy: Supporting Small Businesses and Artists
Founded in 2005, Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. It gives artists and small business owners a place to sell their goods without a store. Etsy has grown internationally, connecting people to unique items while encouraging creativity and small business growth.
Rent the Runway: Bringing Fashion and Sustainability Together
In 2009, Rent the Runway made it possible for people to rent designer clothes. This allowed people to enjoy luxury fashion without the high cost or waste. It’s now a major international brand, helping customers dress stylishly in a more sustainable way.
Peloton: Fitness at Home
Peloton started in 2012 with a simple idea: let people join high-quality fitness classes from home. With a high-tech exercise bike and live or on-demand classes, Peloton took off, especially when gyms closed during the pandemic. Today, it’s a popular brand worldwide, changing how people stay fit.
Glossier: Building Beauty from Community Feedback
Glossier started as a beauty blog and turned into a makeup brand, focusing on simple, skin-friendly products. By listening to what customers wanted, Glossier created products that appealed to younger audiences. Today, it’s a global brand that shows how powerful it can be to connect with customers directly.
Conclusion: New York’s Lasting Impact on Startups
New York City is home to startups that are more than just businesses; they’re changing the way we live. From office spaces to fashion, these companies have gone global, showing that big ideas can start anywhere. Young people who want to make a difference can look to New York’s startups for proof that with a creative idea and a lot of hard work, it’s possible to make an impact worldwide.
