The Rise Of Entrepreneurs As Digital Nomads

In an era defined by connectivity and flexibility, a new breed of entrepreneurs is reshaping the business landscape as digital nomads. These innovative individuals have liberated themselves from the constraints of traditional office spaces, leveraging technology to build successful ventures while traversing the globe.

The concept of digital nomadism is not merely a trend but a profound shift in how entrepreneurs approach work and life. This newfound freedom allows them to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, drawing inspiration from global experiences that enrich both their personal and professional lives.

Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen, co-founders of Tortuga Backpacks, came up with their business idea while backpacking through Europe. At the time, Perrotta was working at Google in San Francisco, and Cohen was attending film school in Los Angeles.

“As co-founders, we started the business remotely because we trusted each other completely,” Perrotta says. “Our first freelancers were all remote because we found them on eLance. Once it came time to hire full-time employees, we had to commit to remote work for everyone and build the company around it. Just as important, we had to figure out how to extend the trust we had as lifelong friends to a whole team of people.” Now, the employees of Tortuga Backpacks work remotely and live all over the world.

According to a recent survey by MBO Partners, over 10 million Americans identify as digital nomads—a number projected to grow as more professionals embrace remote work opportunities. This trend is mirrored globally, with a significant rise in digital-nomad hubs and co-working spaces catering specifically to this mobile workforce.

While the allure of travel and independence is undeniable, digital nomads also face unique challenges. From managing time zones to ensuring consistent internet connectivity, these entrepreneurs have pioneered innovative solutions to maintain productivity and efficiency on the move.

Remote collaboration tools like Asana, Trello, Slack and Zoom facilitate seamless task management and real-time communication with team members and clients. E-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Etsy enable digital nomads to set up and manage online stores, reach global customers, and handle transactions. Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr and Toptal connect them with clients seeking freelance services. By leveraging these technologies and others, digital nomads can build and manage successful ventures.

Digital nomads were once stereotyped as young adults backpacking from hostel to hostel, seeking laptop-friendly spots. However, the rise of flexible work and homeschooling has introduced a new breed of digital nomad who values global exploration and creating cherished family memories. This emerging trend, referred to as “anywhere working” in a recent Lonely Planet survey, 70% of people are between 24 and 44-years-old, and 35% are between 45 and 54-years-old. Nearly half are married, and unlike traditional digital nomads, 70% are parents who travel with their families.

Advanced co-working spaces, digital nomad communities and specialized travel services cater to their evolving needs. For travel and accommodation, booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and Hostelworld offer options for finding suitable accommodations. Apps like Croissant and Deskpass help locate co-working spaces with reliable internet and conducive work environments.

Across industries ranging from technology startups to creative agencies and e-commerce ventures, digital nomads demonstrate that physical proximity to headquarters is no longer a prerequisite for innovation and growth. They are even launching businesses while “on the road.”

Pieter Levels, who started The Nomad, a crowdsourced database of cities for digital nomads to compare and find the best places to live and work remotely, created the company while traveling and working as a digital nomad himself.

Joel Gascoigne and Leo Widrich launched Buffer, a social-media management platform, as digital nomads. For 11 years, Buffer has been a fully remote and distributed company, currently spread across 51 cities in 19 countries. Gascoigne has led Buffer working from 25 different countries over the last 13 years.

According to a 2023 survey by Regula, the United States has become the top destination for digital nomads. Hotels are increasingly recognizing the opportunity presented by digital nomads, with many establishments adapting their services to cater to this growing demographic. From offering extended-stay packages to providing reliable high-speed internet and flexible workspace options, hotels are transforming into ideal environments for remote work. This shift not only enhances the guest experience but also contributes to the local economy by attracting long-term visitors who contribute to the community during their stay.

“More and more guests are looking to combine their vacation travel with their busy work schedules,” says Jon Martin, general manager of Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana.

Abundant seating around the hotel’s lodge, including chairs in front of windows that overlook the 10,926-foot-tall Emigrant Peak, give digital nomads scenic views while they finish a work project or plan a trip into nearby Yellowstone National Park, Martin says.

At Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis, staff are also seeing an increase in digital-nomad customers. “Our state-of-the-art workspaces, top-notch business amenities and luxurious, comfortable guest rooms make it easy to stay productive,” says Josh Rodgers, general manager.

Countries like Estonia, Barbados and Portugal are offering special digital-nomad visas to attract remote workers. These visas provide legal residency for extended periods, often up to a year or more, allowing digital nomads to live and work in a new country without the need for frequent border crossings or tourist-visa renewals.

Hybrid work models are another trend gaining traction, blending remote work with traditional office environments. Many companies are adopting flexible work policies that allow employees to split their time between working remotely and being in the office. This model offers the best of both worlds, providing the flexibility and autonomy that digital nomads crave while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration and access to company resources.

Sustainable travel practices also are becoming increasingly important among digital nomads, who are conscious of their environmental impact. Many are opting for eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels and hostels that implement green practices like waste reduction, energy efficiency and water conservation.

Additionally, digital nomads are increasingly choosing slower travel methods, such as trains or buses, over flights to reduce their carbon footprint. They are engaging in activities that support local communities and economies, such as volunteering, participating in local cultural experiences and supporting small businesses. By embracing sustainable travel practices, digital nomads can contribute to preserving the environments and cultures of the places they visit.

The global number of digital nomads is expected to reach 60 million by 2030. The rise of entrepreneurs as digital nomads underscores a fundamental shift towards a more interconnected and liberated workforce.