Why London is One of The Best Kept Tech Secrets in North America

[5-minute read]

When you think of world-changing tech hubs, you probably picture some glass-and-steel metropolis where everyone wears black turtlenecks and drinks $12 cold brew.

Well, it’s time to update your mental map because London, Ontario, just ranked fourth on North America’s 2025 list of next-generation tech markets.

That’s right, little ol’ London has quietly outpaced a bunch of flashier cities to become one of the continent’s most explosive tech stories. And the best part? It’s a scene built not on hype, but on things that actually matter, like stability, diversity, and a refusal to take itself too seriously.

By the Numbers: Why London’s Tech Boom is No Accident

Based on a number of factors like total employment, employment growth, wages, and education, this ranking from the global commercial real estate firm CBRE is based on cold, hard data.

Let’s break down the stats that should make every other city a little jealous.

Metric	The Verdict	Why It Matters
Sector Growth (3 yrs)	54.5% growth	The highest growth rate on the list, more than 10% above its peers. This isn’t a slow burn; it’s a rocket launch.
North American Ranking	#4 (North America’s “Next 25 Markets”)	A notable jump from its previous position (#10 in 2021), officially putting London on the map as a top-tier contender.
Tech Employment	20,700 jobs and climbing	That’s over 4,000 new jobs compared to the previous year, proving the growth is creating real opportunities.
Average Tech Wage	$77,347 USD (2024)	A whopping 33.8% wage growth since 2021. Talent isn’t just coming; it’s being valued and paid well to stay.

More Than Just Code: A Tech Scene with an Identity Crisis (But In the Best Way)

So, what’s the secret sauce? London’s tech scene refuses to be pigeonholed. While other hubs specialize in one thing, London’s innovation comes in so many forms that it’s hard to keep track. This isn’t a one-trick pony; it’s a whole ecosystem.

London is home to Digital Extremes, the studio behind the massively popular game Warframe. The company has been operating in London for 30 years now and draws thousands of fans to the city for its conventions. This isn’t a fledgling industry; it’s a deeply rooted part of the culture.

Then there is the health care industry. With a robust network of hospitals and research institutions, London is a natural leader in medical technology.

But it doesn’t stop there. Agricultural technology, food innovation, and artificial intelligence are all thriving here as well. The city’s strength is its diversity, making it resilient and endlessly interesting.

Stability & Soul: The Un-Glamorous Keys to Success

What truly makes London attractive, especially for culture seekers, is its vibe. The city offers a combination of stability and beauty that’s a welcome antidote to the breakneck pace of traditional tech hubs.

Companies like Info-Tech Research Group, a global firm with over 1,500 employees worldwide, still call London home, viewing it as a “launch pad, not a boundary.”

What makes London particularly special is how these technological developments integrate with the city’s historic fabric. You’ll find startups operating in restored heritage buildings, tech workers enjoying lunch in Victorian-era parks, and innovation districts that maintain human scale rather than overwhelming glass towers (although we do that too).

London isn’t a transient boomtown. It’s a community where businesses put down roots for the long haul, supported by a network of incubators, academic institutions like Western University, and organizations like TechAlliance that actively fuel growth. As the city’s mayor, Josh Morgan, notes, this achievement is a milestone for the “innovators who build and invest here.”

London’s Next Chapter

The Forest City’s tech story continues to evolve. Recent developments include:

• Major investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning research
• Expansion of the city’s cybersecurity sector
• Growth in clean tech and sustainable innovation
• Continued strength in digital creative industries

This isn’t a transient boom but the latest chapter in a long story of adaptation and growth. From a strategic settlement at the Forks of the Thames 200 years ago to a 21st-century innovation hub, London has maintained its character while embracing change.

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Hi. I’m Lawrence – bicycle tour guide, storyteller, and proud Londoner.

I love shining a light on the hidden gems and incredible stories that make our city special. If you want to experience the charm of London and get a more intimate look at why the city is attracting all these tech firms, why not join me on a bicycle tour?

Click here to learn more!