Why Startups Should Choose Virtual Offices in California

Posted on: 9th October 2023

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California is a world-famous destination for startup success. It’s also by far the largest recipient of venture capitalist funding in the United States. In 2021, California recorded $97bn in funding whereas New York, the second largest recipient, secured only $28bn in comparison.

This alone makes a virtual office startup in California very attractive.

Virtual Office Services have fantastic benefits. They allow businesses to establish a professional address and presence without the burden of rental costs. This is particularly useful for startups looking to cut overheads.

While you can open a virtual office anywhere in the world, startups should choose their virtual office address carefully. Depending on your industry, a virtual office in California could be the key to the success of your business.

Why startups can benefit from a virtual address in California

The Golden State offers incentives and financial support for startups. For example, new businesses can get support via the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Basing your startup office in California could therefore give you access to invaluable grants and guidance.

When it comes to the benefits of opening virtual offices in California, these are just the tip of the iceberg. With that in mind, this article highlights the many other advantages of having a California virtual business address.

Startup density

The San Francisco Bay Area alone has 8310 startups. This accounts for 23% of the United States’ startup ecosystem. Prominent industries in the area include e-commerce and retail, energy and environment, and education.

Los Angeles has also proven to be an attractive locale for startups, with 3055 choosing to establish themselves there. These span industries from marketing and sales to transportation.

Meanwhile, San Diego is home to 783 startups, predominantly within the health sector.

However, choosing a startup-dense area for your California virtual office space could create many new possibilities.

Business growth opportunities

Areas with high startup density contain both upcoming and established industry talent. They also offer opportunities for networking as well as support from mentors, collaborators, and investors.

Having a private office or a coworking space in startup-dense areas increases access to these kinds of opportunities. Having virtual offices in California’s startup hubs, however, provides the same exposure at a much lower cost.

Establish a professional business address

While many things can be in flux for a new startup, projecting professionalism should always be a priority.

Establishing a professional business address in an area with a reputation for startup success is essential. It legitimizes your business and reassures potential investors, customers, and employees.

Silicon Valley's leadership

Silicon Valley’s reputation for success is well-established on the public record, especially after retaining its position as the world’s top startup hub of 2023.

This makes having a business address in this area bring a sense of gravitas and credibility to your venture.

The area also has many regulations and policies to protect residents’ IP and business interests. Organizations like the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and Silicon Valley Leadership Group also provide invaluable support.

This includes guidance as well as access to incredible networking opportunities.

Global community

A virtual address in California offers you the best of both worlds. You can access California’s local talent base, business benefits, and investors while also collaborating on a global scale.

Sustainable approach

Businesses worldwide are looking for ways to become more sustainable. With investors increasingly focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance, sustainability is a particular priority for startups.

A virtual office or a business address in California promotes sustainability by removing the daily commute. It also cuts down on single-use packaging, furniture, and energy consumed in a traditional office space.

Talent acquisition

For startups searching for skilled staff as well as a virtual business address, California is a fantastic location.

California has an established reputation for successful former startups like Uber and Airbnb. This makes the area attractive to new graduates, such as those from the esteemed Stanford and Berkeley.

Having a mailing address in California therefore puts you on the map for in-demand candidates.

Virtual office space can accommodate employees from all over the globe. Startups can therefore use this location flexibility to attract and keep top talent, regardless of where they live.

Resilience and adaptability

90% of startups fail and only 1% become ‘unicorns’ like Slack. The first few years are full of challenges, but virtual offices are a great way to ensure stability and future-proof your business.

Along with prestigious mailing addresses, virtual offices can take care of essential business services that would otherwise require additional support staff.

Phone answering and scheduling are particularly valuable services offered by a virtual office. These will allow you to focus your energy on building a successful business.

Cost savings and flexibility

Prime startup locations like Silicon Valley come with higher rents. However, with a virtual office in San Jose or Sunnyvale, startups can get an enviable address at a fraction of the cost.

A virtual address for business in California eliminates the cost of utilities, furniture, office supplies, and maintenance. With no physical office space to consider, startups also have the luxury of scaling up or down as business grows.

Many virtual office packages also include the use of meeting and conference rooms when required. This flexibility is great for startups looking to hit the ground running while keeping overheads low.

Venture capital landscape

Although investors are making more conservative commitments since the record highs of venture capital in 2021, startups can still maintain momentum with a California virtual presence.

A California business address provides the benefits of location, reputation, and community, but at a lower and more sustainable cost.

This can help to improve startups’ appeal and credibility to potential investors.

Convenience

When it comes to convenient office solutions, a virtual setup is right at the top of the list.

It cuts out the commute, the cost, and the commitment of a physical office. But without compromising on reputation or operational efficiencies.

Top cities in California for startups

When it comes to virtual offices, California has plenty of options. From San Francisco to San Diego, here are some of California’s most exciting virtual office opportunities.

San Francisco virtual offices

A virtual office in San Francisco places you among some of the world’s most famous and successful former startups. If status and reputation are a priority for you, these virtual office locations are worth considering.

1390 Market Street

Across the road from Uber and X, formerly Twitter, 1390 Market Street is right at the heart of the San Francisco creative scene. For businesses who need a virtual mailbox, it offers a prestigious address.

However, it also has sleek facilities in an accessible and central location for the occasional client or investor meeting.

Highlights include:

● Business lounge

● Secure underground parking

● Breakout areas

● Elevator access

Information about 1390 Market Street

● Location: 1390 Market Street San Francisco CA 94102

● Starting cost: Business Address from $115 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Market Street & Ninth Street Tram and Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)

95 Third Street

A stone’s throw away from the Financial District, 95 Third Street is another prime address for business in San Francisco.

The building includes plenty of facilities for ad-hoc meetings, workshops, and networking.

Meanwhile, the SoMa neighborhood offers plenty of bars and eateries. This is great for entertaining investors and clients when required.

Highlights include:

● On-site sandwich and coffee bar

● Parking

● Breakout areas

● Elevator access

● Meeting rooms

Information about 95 Third Street

● Location: 95 Third Street San Francisco CA 94103

● Starting cost: Business Address from $55 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Market Street & Third Street Tram and Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)

Palo Alto virtual offices

Part of the infamous Silicon Valley area, Palo Alto is home to over 1,500 startups.

Although it houses startups from a wide range of industries, it’s a particularly prolific hub for tech.

A virtual office in Palo Alto also puts you close to industry-leading tech organizations like VMWare and Tesla.

4 Palo Alto Square

4 Palo Alto Square is perfect for startups looking to snap up emerging talent. It’s also ideal for businesses looking to collaborate with the world’s brightest minds.

It also has a business lounge, meeting rooms, and parking. This makes it a convenient location for the occasional brainstorming meeting.

Highlights include:

● Parking

● Breakout areas

● Business Lounge

● Meeting rooms

● Elevator access

● Disabled access

Information about 4 Palo Alto Square

● Location: 3000 El Camino Real Palo Alto CA 94306

● Starting cost: Business Address from $115 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: California Avenue Train Station (a 17-minute walk away)

228 Hamilton Avenue

228 Hamilton Avenue is another premium business address in the heart of Palo Alto. When you need to meet clients or investors, the building is a six-minute walk from Caltrain Palo Alto Station. It’s also a stone’s throw from several of the area’s best restaurants.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Videoconferencing suite

Information about 288 Hamilton Avenue

● Location: 228 Hamilton Avenue Silicon Valley CA 94301

● Starting cost: Business Address from $149 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Palo Alto Train Station (a seven-minute walk away)

Los Angeles virtual offices

Startups looking for a California business address should consider a virtual office in Los Angeles.

According to the latest Emerging Tech Hubs Report, LA is home to the third biggest startup market in the United States. The only areas with higher numbers of startups are San Francisco and New York City.

Fine Arts Building

Located in the heart of the city’s Financial District, the Fine Arts Building is an LA address worth having.

It’s surrounded by skyscrapers filled with hotels, law firms, banks, and more. This landmark building is sure to bring business opportunities in abundance.

Even bringing clients to this prestigious space is effortless, with LAX Airport only 18 miles away.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Parking

● Disabled access

Information about Fine Arts Building

● Location: 811 W. 7th St, Los Angeles CA 90017

● Starting cost: Business Address from $105 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Seventh Street Metro Center (a one-minute walk away)

Union Bank Plaza

Elevate your startup by placing it within the historical monument of Union Bank Plaza. This skyscraper offers unparalleled views of LA, which are sure to impress clients and employees alike.

This workspace was made for those wanting to put in extended hours, with both a gym and lunch restaurant on site.

Highlights include:

● On-site lunch restaurant

● On-site sandwich and coffee bar

● Gym and fitness room

● Meeting rooms

● Breakout areas

Information about Union Bank Plaza

● Location: 445 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles CA 90071

● Starting cost: Business Address from $65 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Bunker Hill Station (an 11-minute walk away)

Hollywood Entertainment & Production Center

Hollywood Entertainment & Production Center is perfect for LA startups in the tech and media space. The beautiful building with state-of-the-art facilities is ideal for creative collaboration.

For CEOs who want to entertain investors with world-class venues, having virtual offices near West Hollywood is always a plus.

Highlights include:

● Outside seating area / terrace

● Gym and fitness room

● Meeting rooms

● Breakout areas

● Parking

Information about Hollywood Entertainment & Production Center

● Location: 1800 North Vine Street Los Angeles CA 90028

● Starting cost: Business Address from $85 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Hollywood/Vine Station (a six-minute walk away)

San Diego virtual offices

San Diego virtual offices offer many exciting opportunities for startups and new businesses.

20 miles from Mexico and home to several universities and military bases, San Diego is rife with talent. It’s also a prominent hub for tech, health tech, life sciences, and defense.

1455 Frazee Road

Located in the prominent Friars Mission building, 1455 Frazee Road offers a dynamic business setting on a pristine campus. Beyond neighboring with top-tier banks and research facilities, you'll enjoy a sunlit office setting primed for productivity.

Nearby conveniences, from cozy coffee shops to essential banks, make daily operations seamless and an opportunity for comfortable client meetings.

Highlights include:

● Business lounge

● Meeting rooms

● Breakout areas

● Elevator Access

● Parking

Information about 1455 Frazee Road

● Location: 1455 Frazee Road San Diego CA 92108

● Starting cost: Business Address from $119 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Mission Valley Center Station (a 16-minute walk away)

Makers Quarter

Right in the heart of San Diego’s East Village tech corridor, Makers Quarter offers the perfect address for innovative startups. This modern hub covers a sprawling 60,000 square feet and houses creatives and entrepreneurs alike.

With direct links to the MTS Trolley and nearby parks, it offers both connectivity and relaxation. Local cafés and the adjacent events venue underscore its prime position for businesses.

Highlights include:

● Meeting rooms

● Breakout areas

● Parking

Information about Makers Quarter

● Location: 845 15th Street San Diego CA 92101

● Starting cost: Business Address from $65 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Park & Market Station (a nine-minute walk away)

Little Italy

Little Italy is a harborside haven for innovators nestled in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Covering an array of creative spaces, it boasts a private patio deck with views of the bustling harbor and stylish boutiques.

Nearby public transport lets you delve into the city's culture, from the Museum of Contemporary Art to the Maritime Museum. Plus, a blend of eateries and bars makes after-hours networking a breeze.

Highlights include:

● Elevator access

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

Information about Little Italy

● Location: 1420 Kettner Boulevard San Diego CA 92101

● Starting cost: Business Address from $119 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Little Italy Station (a two-minute walk away)

864 Grand Ave

864 Grand Ave is seven miles from San Diego Airport. This makes it well-suited for startups who sometimes need to bring remote employees together.

When those occasions arise, attendees can enjoy incredible views as well as a short stroll to Pacific Beach.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Second-floor balcony

Information about 864 Grand Avenue

● Location: 967 Hornblend St San Diego CA 92109

● Starting cost: Business Address from $85 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Grand Avenue and Cass Street Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)

Santa Monica virtual offices

A Santa Monica virtual office provides a business address near giants like Headspace and Universal Music Group. Vibrant, creative, and world-renowned, it’s a sought-after location for startups.

730 Arizona Avenue

Close to the Valley, 730 Arizona Avenue offers an enviable California business address for innovative startups.

For client and investor visits, Santa Monica also offers an array of fantastic restaurants and bars.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Elevator access

● Outside seating area / terrace

● Secure underground parking

Information about 730 Arizona Avenue

● Location: 730 Arizona Avenue Santa Monica CA 90401

● Starting cost: Business Address from $159 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Downtown Santa Monica Station (a 12-minute walk away)

2450 Colorado Avenue

Located in the heart of Sawtelle, 2450 Colorado Avenue stands out as a prestigious address that neighbors the offices of Oracle, Amazon, and HBO.

Part of the iconic Santa Monica media hub, it resides in the Water Garden, a serene 17-acre campus of waterscapes and gardens. Spanning three thoughtfully designed floors, this workspace mixes private offices with collaborative areas.

Sawtelle's vibrant culture, from the Saatchi Art Gallery to local eateries, enriches any workday. On-site amenities, from a gym to childcare, add daily convenience.

Highlights include:

● Located by a beautiful lake

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

Information about 2450 Colorado Avenue

● Location: 2450 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica CA 90404

● Starting cost: Business Address from $159 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Twenty-sixth Street / Bergamot Station (a eight-minute walk away)

Sunnyvale virtual offices

Another city in Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale is historically known as the birthplace of Atari. This is just one of the many technological achievements which have defined this locale.

Today the local area is home to giants like LinkedIn and Lockheed Martin. A virtual office in Sunnyvale would also put you very close to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino.

800 West El Camino Real

800 West El Camino Real offers a much sought-after California business address close to NASA and Google. Run your startup remotely from this desirable location with a virtual receptionist.

When you need a physical office space, you can use the drop-in business lounge. It’s also within easy reach of investor-worthy restaurants and hotels.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Business lounge

● Disabled access

● Secure underground parking

● Showers

Information about 800 West El Camino Real

● Location: 800 West El Camino Real Mountain View CA 94040

● Starting cost: Business Address from $149 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: El Camino & Castro Coach and Bus Station (a one-minute walk away)

710 Lakeway Dr.

710 Lakeway Dr is an open-plan space that also allows opportunities for networking with like-minded trailblazers. The local area is full of tech and aerospace giants.

It’s also just 16 miles from San Jose Airport. It’s the perfect California virtual office for startups who want the best of both worlds.

Highlights include:

● Breakout areas

● Meeting rooms

● Business lounge

Information about 710 Lakeway Dr

● Location: 710 Lakeway Drive Sunnyvale CA 94085

● Starting cost: Business Address from $49 per month

● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members

● Memberships access is available during reception hours

● Nearby stations: Duane & Lawrence Bus Stop (a 13-minute walk away)

Discover California virtual office spaces with Regus

California is a world-renowned destination for startups in a wide range of industries. Securing your virtual office address here could therefore generate exciting business opportunities.

With over 180 California office locations available, Regus can help you find the perfect virtual office for your startup.

Whether you’re looking for a Pasadena virtual office or a virtual office in Riverside, our expert advisors can help.

Search online to find your ideal location and virtual office package. Or, for help finding the right solution for your startup, talk to a Regus expert today.

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