Choosing where to launch a startup in 2026 is a systems architecture decision, not a lifestyle one. SF, NYC, and London still dominate AI and fintech but burn through seed rounds in under a year. Austin, Berlin, Bangalore, and Madrid stretch the same $500K to 2-5x more runway. Tel Aviv leads cybersecurity. Singapore and Dubai win on tax. Toronto wins on ML talent value. The right city depends on your moat β€” talent, capital efficiency, regulatory edge, or customer proximity. Below: all 30 ranked,...