BuildOps ditched Austin’s overheated tech scene for downtown Raleigh, bringing 300 jobs averaging $111,000 annually. The California software company’s investing $771,000 in its new East Coast hub, set to open by 2029. CEO cited Raleigh’s affordability, talent pool, and travel options as key factors. That’s a harsh wake-up call for Austin, once tech’s darling destination. North Carolina officials sweetened the deal with up to $1.8 million in incentives. The full story reveals why more tech companies are making similar moves.
Los Angeles software company BuildOps picked Raleigh over Austin for its third operations hub, planning to drop 300 new tech jobs into the Triangle by 2029. And they’re not being cheap about it—these positions will pay around $111,000 annually.
That’s real money. Especially when the average Wake County worker pulls in $76,643.
$111,000 tech salaries hitting a market where the average worker makes $76,643—that’s a game-changer.
Founded in 2018, BuildOps builds software for commercial trade contractors. They’re already running operations in LA and Toronto. Now they’re sinking $771,000 into a downtown Raleigh facility that’ll serve as their East Coast tech hub.
So why Raleigh? Simple math, really. Austin’s gotten too expensive and its post-pandemic tech boom is losing steam. Meanwhile, Raleigh’s got affordability, decent travel options, and a deep pool of tech talent churned out by local universities. The Research Triangle Park has transformed the region into a powerhouse for tech and pharmaceutical companies since the 1950s. BuildOps CEO Alok Chanani basically said Raleigh checked all the boxes—exceptional talent, solid business environment, the works.
The economic impact? Try $702 million pumped into North Carolina’s economy. That’s not pocket change. The company’s getting state and local incentives for the expansion, though nobody’s saying exactly how much. The state approved a Job Development Investment Grant that could reimburse BuildOps up to $1,839,000 over 12 years if they hit their job targets.
Here’s the thing about BuildOps—they’re trying to solve a real problem. There’s a massive shortage of skilled trade workers nationwide. Their software makes the remaining tradespeople more efficient. It’s not sexy work, but somebody’s gotta do it.
Governor Josh Stein’s already rolling out the red carpet, talking about North Carolina’s skilled workforce. Senator Jay Chaudhuri’s practically giddy about attracting another fast-growing IT company. Politicians love job announcements. Who doesn’t?
The company’s veteran-owned, which adds another layer to North Carolina’s tech diversity story. They’re calling this Raleigh operation pivotal to their mission of revolutionizing commercial trades. Big words, but $30 million in annual payroll speaks louder.
This whole Austin-to-Raleigh shift? It’s becoming a pattern. Tech companies are figuring out they don’t need to pay Silicon Valley or Austin prices for talent. Raleigh’s playing the long game, positioning itself as the smart alternative. Scottsdale, Arizona, now ranks above Austin as a wealth hub, highlighting how rising costs are reshaping where companies expand. And with deals like this, it’s working.