Reno has been compared to Silicon Valley, however three successful startups explain why they favor the biggest little city.

Rising rents and crowded freeways have put tension on the American Dream in the Bay Area. Tech giants have staked their claim in the region and are enticing not only startups, but talented people who are striving for something more. U.S. Census data taken in the Bay Area showed an emigration in 2016. Educated tech workers are moving out of the area and many of them are coming here to Reno.

VentureBeat talked to three Reno startups about their growth outside of the tech metropolis of Silicon Valley.

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Nate Pearson founded TrainerRoad on the simple idea that he was a broke college grad who couldn’t pay

The Greater Reno-Sparks region has seen a huge influx of business in 2016, with 27 diverse companies calling the Silver State home.

Photo courtesy of EDAWN

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) honored these companies that have relocated to the area, welcoming the newest addition Mishimoto Automotive at EDAWN’s Companies Welcome Reception on December 8. Mishimoto is a manufacturer of after-market cooling systems for automotives. They will be moving into a new facility in Spanish Springs with approximately 53,000 feet of working space.

Two more companies honored at the event were Cam Concept and Alltrade Tools. Cam Concept is providing and developing new systems for trailers and hook-lifts in the waste management