Author: David Solis

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup California and New York Fall SharplyNew Hampshire Catapults into 2nd; Utah Falls to 3rdColorado Overtakes Texas and North CarolinaWyoming, Idaho, and Georgia Break into Top 10Delaware and Oregon See Sharpest DeclinesPennsylvania, Wyoming, Illinois See Largest Improvements Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the June 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. In order to continually provide an up-to-date assessment of states performance on the DII US, this month’s release includes the addition of the CATO Institute’s US Economic Freedom Index. “As with the DII Global, this month’s incorporation of the CATO Institute’s Economic Freedom Index as a key data source has had a major impact on the DII US rankings this month,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Due to very low ranking on the CATO Index, California (48th) and New York (50th), the first and third largest state economies, both fell sharply down the DII US rankings this month. Conversely, states that ranked highly on the CATO Index like New Hampshire (1st) jumped in our rankings.” Top Takeaways from the DII US June 2025 Update “Many of the nation’s largest state economies saw sizable rises and falls this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “While California and New York dropped, Illinois and Massachusetts, for instance, both rose across all three DII US scenarios. Pennsylvania, the sixth largest state economy, also rose by thirteen places. Just as with the national and global economy appears, more volatility is likely certain possible in the coming months, which means opportunities for states to improve their DII US rankings – and possible challenges for incumbents at the top of the list.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup China Sinks LowerAustralia Climbs DII Global Top 10 Pushing Sweden LowerNew Zealand Reclaims 10th Place; Germany Slips to 11thArgentina, Paraguay, Honduras, and Uruguay Continue ImprovementsNorway, Ireland, Hong Kong, Turkey, El Salvador, and Venezuela DeclineIndia Remains SteadyNamibia, Anguilla, Jordan, and Jamaica Post Large Gain Oakland, California – BizWorld announces its June 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. This month’s DII release includes a number of data updates, most notably the addition of the CATO Institute’s Human Freedom Index as well as newly released metrics from Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index and the United Nation’s Human Development Index. “This month’s addition of the CATO Institute’s Human Freedom Index had an immediate impact on our rankings,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “The inclusion of CATO’s Index contributed to Argentina’s renewed rise up the rankings and to China’s continued decline. In fact, at 67th, China’s fall has now fallen to its lowest level yet since the country was ranked 15th in the inaugural 2021 DII Global index rankings. Here at BizWorld, we continually seek to enhance the DII Global by incorporating the most current, accurate, and relevant data sources because our index is designed to reflect the constantly changing and evolving global economy.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global June 2025 Update “China, the world’s second largest economy, fell across all three DII Global scenarios this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “This was due to a number of factors, including a declining performance on the Corruption Perception Index and a weak score on the newly incorporated CATO Human Freedom Index. Corruption and a lack individual and economic freedom are, of course, a poor combination, and nations wanting to build investments in innovators and entrepreneurs would do well by focusing on addressing these issues.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally.     Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup North Carolina Climbs to 3rd, Passing TexasNew Hampshire Continues to Climb DII US Top 10; Virginia SlipsCalifornia, Massachusetts and New York See Small ImprovementAlaska, Oregon, and Montana See Largest GainsNorth Dakota, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, and South Dakota FallIdaho Nearly Breaks into DII US Top 10 Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the May 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “North Carolina, which rose to third overall this month, has been rising up the DII US rankings since we began this project,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “This reflects, among other things, the state’s long, rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1959, Research Triangle Park is the oldest and largest research park in the United States; it occupies 7,000 acres and hosts more than 300 companies and 65,000 workers. Charlotte is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, including Bank of America and Lowe’s. This strong business environment will likely keep North Carolina near the top of the DII US ranks for the foreseeable future.” Top Takeaways from the DII US May 2025 Update “Second place Utah also has a rich entrepreneurial history,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Utah has been ranked as the top U.S. state in the Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index for 18 consecutive years. Earlier this month, Utah was also ranked at the top of the U.S. News Best States rankings for the third consecutive year, which measures economic potential broadly. As with North Carolina, Utah’s strong emerging innovation and entrepreneurship community will continue to be a key strength going forward.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup DII Global Top Ten Remains StableArgentina, Honduras, and Uruguay Rise up the DII Global RankingsRussia and China Slip LowerBrazil, Thailand, Kazakhstan FallColombia, Cape Verde, and Maldives RiseSouth Korea Overtakes Norway in DII Global Top 20Iceland’s Rise Pushes Japan and France LowerMalta Breaks into DII Global Top 20, Austria Falls Out Oakland, California – BizWorld announces its May 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. “Argentina continues its rise up the DII Global rankings,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “This month’s improvement was primarily due to an increase in AI-related investments. Milei’s deregulatory and free trade policies seem to be bearing fruit, and could bear more in the future – AI has tremendous growth potential in almost every industry. Forward looking AI investments today, such as those made recently by Argentina, should lead to significant growth tomorrow.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global May 2025 Update “Milei’s administration has taken another big economic step forward,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Argentina has secured a $20 billion IMF loan and is eliminating the previous administrations foreign currency restrictions. Together with a growing list of positive fundamentals – such as the Milei administration’s fiscal policies which led to the first budget surplus after almost two decades of often massive deficient – and a laissez-faire approach, Argentina could see significant growth in the near future.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally.     Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup Argentina, Paraguay, and Honduras Climb the DII GlobalEl Salvador and Ecuador FallAustralia and Singapore Continue to Battle for 7th PlaceGermany Breaks into Top 10, New Zealand Falls OutAnguilla, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia See Largest DeclinesThailand, Brazil, Mexico RiseAustria Slips to 20th, Japan, France, and Iceland Inch Up Oakland, California – BizWorld announces its April 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. “Since we began the DII Global, Latin American countries have implemented some of the world’s most innovative economic policies,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “In fact, as seen in this month’s rankings, these economic experiments are paying off. Two countries, Paraguay and Honduras, rose across all three DII scenarios this month. The Próspera Zone for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDE) in Honduras is case in point. Próspera is the world’s fastest growing startup city.Just last month, Honduras and The World Bank announced a $145 million project to increase tax transparency, attract investment, and promote sustainable development. Honduras is on an upswing, and this and other initiatives underway such as a partnership with Coinbase should lead to future jumps in our rankings.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global April 2025 Update “Paraguay’s improved ranking in this month’s DII Global index reflect its strong economic growth in recent years,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “According to the World Bank, its economy grew by 5 percent in 2023 and by 4.2 percent in 2024. Looking forward, Paraguay has many of the characteristics necessary to continue this progress and continue its climb up the DII Global ranks: economic stability, low taxes, prudent fiscal policies, free markets, relatively low levels of government regulation, and efforts to attract foreign investment.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally.     Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Colorado Retakes 5th from Arizona in the DII US rankingsNew Hampshire Reclaims 9th from NevadaCalifornia and New York FallMassachusetts Sees No ChangeAlaska, North Dakota and Oregon See Largest ImprovementsNew Mexico, Vermont and Washington Register Steepest DeclinesMontana Climbs into DII US Top 20 Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the April 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “Some of the nation’s largest state economies do not rank particularly highly on the DII US,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “California and New York, the first and third largest state economies, both fell again this month to 18th and 39th, respectively, and are nowhere near the Top Ten. While there are many reasons why this is so, two factors are clear: tax policy and the high cost of living, primarily due to overregulation as seen in the DII US sub-indices. With technologies making businesses more mobile than ever, investors, CEOs, and especially entrepreneurs are going to vote with their feet when it comes to the cost of doing business. If a growing percentage of people are thinking about leaving your state, then you’re missing out on many, many potential future entrepreneurs and innovators.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2025 Update “Alaska and North Dakota, the 47th and 49th largest state economies, climbed the highest on the DII ranks this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Despite their relatively small sizes, both economies had a least one significant advantage – both finished in the Top Ten on the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index. As with a high cost of living, high tax rates can push away potential entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. And, conversely, low tax rate states attract entrepreneurs like a magnet.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Idaho Falls Sharply, Drops Out of The DII US Top TenArizona Pulls Ahead of Colorado to 5thVirginia, Nevada, and New Hampshire Rise in the Top TenKentucky, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming FallNew Mexico, Vermont, Kansas, and South Dakota ClimbCalifornia and Massachusetts Drop Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the March 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “California and Massachusetts, two of the largest state economies, both fell this month due to a lack of new business formation,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “While many aspects of a state’s economy are of course dependent on national and even global factors, this is one area where state governments can have a direct impact. It’s no coincidence that both states rank at or near the bottom of the Small Business indicator – if they want to improve their economic climates, all states should take a serious look at how easy (or difficult) it is to start a new business under their laws and bureaucratic regulations.” Top Takeaways from the DII US March 2025 Update “Tax policy is another lever states can pull to improve their economic and entrepreneurial climates,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Taxes are a major factor in whether to start a new business, or expand an existing business, or invest in a promising startup. State policymakers should take a good look at whether their tax laws are really encouraging entrepreneurship, investment, and economic expansion.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup India Rises Across All DII Global ScenariosSweden Hurdles Over Denmark to 6th in Top TenSingapore Reclaims 7th Place from AustraliaNew Zealand Jumps into the Top 10, Netherlands Falls OutMarshall Islands, Micronesia, Turks and Caicos FallBelize, Nauru, Brazil, Seychelles RiseSouth Korea Moves Ahead of Austria, Japan and France in Top 20Iceland Falls Further to 20th Place Oakland, California – BizWorld announces its March 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. “Morgan Stanley predicts that India, currently the world’s fifth largest economy, will become the third largest by 2028,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “One key advantage is its younger population, a significant strength when many developed countries face demographic crises – India is expected to overtake China for the world’s largest working-class population in five years. As India’s emerging entrepreneurial environment continues to grow, this demographic dividend should continue to push India up the DII Global ladder in the coming months and years.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global March 2025 Update “There were significant movements up and down in this month’s DII Global rankings. Two countries rose across all three DII Global scenarios this month,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “India, which finished in 67th place, and Brazil, which finished in 92nd. India benefitted from strong AI and Machine Learning-related investment growth, which should be a priority for any national or regional economic strategy – these technologies are impacting pretty much every single industry and have tremendous future growth potential.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup North Carolina Reclaims 4th Place in DII US Top TenColorado Falls to 5thOregon, Alaska, and South Dakota DeclineConnecticut, Iowa, Maine, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina ClimbCalifornia, Massachusetts, and New York See No ChangeWyoming Improves to 16th in DII US Top 20 Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the February 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “A growing number of states are either considering or implementing state-level bitcoin reserves,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, for instance, have current bills that will be voted on this year. In the context of a crypto-friendly presidential administration, state-level bitcoin reserves could be a powerful way for states – even smaller sates with smaller economies – to stand out on the national economic landscape.” Top Takeaways from the DII US February 2025 Update “Washington and Missouri fell across all three DII US scenarios,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “In both cases, this was largely due to a lack of crypto/blockchain-related venture capital investment. With a new administration, one that has signaled interest in cryptocurrency regulatory reform, crypto and blockchain could become onramps and even superhighways to economic growth and prosperity – if states create the right regulatory, innovation, and economic climates for crypto entrepreneurs and investors to initiate and create this growth.”ndia is the world’s fifth largest economy by nominal GDP and both the UN and Goldman Sachs predict solid growth in 2025. India could rise much higher this year if its leaders embrace cryptocurrency, pro-growth small business-friendly policies, and economic freedom.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Idaho Breaks into the DII US Top TenColorado Overtakes North Carolina, Virginia DeclinesNew Hampshire Falls out of the Top TenWashington Falls SharplyCalifornia Posts Reversal from Previous MonthNebraska Rises, Missouri and Vermont Fall Oakland, California – BizWorld announces the January 2025 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “Idaho performed strongly this month, breaking into the DII US Top Ten due to its strong venture capital investment growth,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “This is despite having the nation’s 39th largest population and its 39th largest economy by GDP. Idaho’s success speaks to the paramount importance for states to prioritize attraction of venture capital investment regardless of size. State-level policymakers should consider emulating Idaho’s regulatory and legislative levers that they can also use to make their states more attractive to out-of-state and even international investors.” Top Takeaways from the DII US January 2025 Update “Washington and Missouri fell across all three DII US scenarios,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “In both cases, this was largely due to a lack of crypto/blockchain-related venture capital investment. With a new administration, one that has signaled interest in cryptocurrency regulatory reform, crypto and blockchain could become onramps and even superhighways to economic growth and prosperity – if states create the right regulatory, innovation, and economic climates for crypto entrepreneurs and investors to initiate and create this growth.”ndia is the world’s fifth largest economy by nominal GDP and both the UN and Goldman Sachs predict solid growth in 2025. India could rise much higher this year if its leaders embrace cryptocurrency, pro-growth small business-friendly policies, and economic freedom.” The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/