Does SD Have a Handle on its Tech Sector?

Stacey Pennington (left) speaks to how Makers Quarter is sensitive to the needs of various levels of tech companies.

SAN DIEGO—With 18% growth in software-development jobs expected here in the next several months, according to moderator Tiffany English, principal with Ware Malcomb, San Diego is just beginning to realize how important its tech sector is to its viability as a region, speakers at CREW San Diego’s lunch event yesterday say. The panel talked about the drivers bringing tech companies to San Diego, which submarkets are drawing certain types of tech companies and whether startups will stay here once they themselves grow viable.

English asked the panel what distinguishes San Diego from other tech markets. Kayla Trautwein, senior portfolio manager for startup incubator EvoNexus, said for one thing, San Diego is a much more laid-back and community oriented than markets like L.A., Silicon Valley and New York. There’s a collaborative vibe, plus there are more engineering schools here than there are in Silicon Valley, which brings in young talent.