Brooklyn's tech scene received a significant boost with the recent grand opening of Queen One's global headquarters, named the Rise and Fly Vision Centre. Situated in Williamsburg at 25 Kent Avenue, this state-of-the-art facility stretches over 30,000 square feet and is primed to be a focal point for e-commerce innovation and community collaboration. Governor Kathy Hochul presided over the inaugural event, lauding the venue as a beacon for New York’s thriving tech industry and its potential to generate 600 new jobs over the next five years, as reported by an official announcement.
The launch of the Rise and Fly Vision Centre, necessitating an investment exceeding $10 million, is not only intended to invigorate local employment but also pledges an investment around $67 million into research and development. Empire State Development has committed up to $6 million in tax credits via the Excelsior Jobs Program, tethered to the job creation goals set forth, as described by the Governor’s Press Office. Hope Knight, the President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, highlighted Queen One's venture in Williamsburg as a testament to New York's ability to entice and nurture top-tier tech companies.
Founder and CEO of Queen One, Ryan Urban, shared his exhilaration at the prospect of shaping the e-commerce landscape from Brooklyn. "The Time is Now. Time to Work. Time of Your Life. Queen One is officially in process," Urban declared, expressing his gratitude for the state's partnership, as the Governor’s Press Office notes. Andrew Kimball, President & CEO of NYCEDC, also acknowledged Queen One's selection of Brooklyn, suggesting it reinforces the city's status as a tech powerhouse and an AI stronghold.
In the context of New York City's burgeoning tech landscape, Queen One's entry is another stride forward. The city's tech sector has witnessed a brisk uptick in employment, buoyed by the convergence of substantial capital, diverse talent, and academic excellence. Alongside firms like OpenAI and Duolingo, Queen One has become part of a burgeoning ecosystem known for spearheading innovations in AI, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure, which has been adding jobs at a rate nearly tenfold that of the overall city economy. According to figures presented by the press release, there are now over 2,000 AI startups in New York City, solidifying the city's place as a premier tech hub.
Local leaders are celebrating this milestone as a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and pioneering future for the tech industry in New York. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez expressed gratitude towards Governor Hochul for her efforts in establishing an innovation economy that offers tangible opportunities for New Yorkers. Assemblymember Steve Otis also extolled the merits of attracting technology ventures to the state, a trend supported by the focused efforts of Empire State Development and its technology-centric initiatives.
