Companies Leaving California
Ocean Aero Inc. Leaves California for Mississippi
Ocean Aero Inc. left California for Mississippi in 2021. The company employs approximately 60 people, though it is unclear how many were directly affected by the relocation.
In Buildremote's database of companies leaving California, Ocean Aero Inc. is one of 2 companies that have moved to Mississippi — 1% of our total database, and one of 60 that left (29% of all tracked departures) in 2021. Ocean Aero Inc. is also one of 90 companies with fewer than 100 employees to have left the state, accounting for 43% of all relocations in our database.
See all companies that left California in 2021 →
Moved To
Mississippi
When
8/17/2021
Employees
60
Moved From
California
"Mississippi remains firmly focused on the development of our maritime industry and blue economy,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “We are proud to partner with Ocean Aero as the company relocates to Gulfport to produce its maritime vehicles and conduct research crucial to protecting our maritime environment, both here at home and around the U.S. The public-private partnerships committed to this industry that are already in place on the Coast will work hard to ensure Ocean Aero not only meets, but exceeds, its goals in our great state." — Source
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ocean Aero Inc. leave California?
Ocean Aero Inc. left California in 8/17/2021.
Where is Ocean Aero Inc. headquartered now?
Ocean Aero Inc. relocated its headquarters to Mississippi after leaving California.
Why Are Companies Leaving California?
Companies cite a consistent set of reasons for leaving California: taxes, regulation, and the cost of living. Executives have pointed to the ability to reduce state corporate tax rates by more than a third after relocating, and many describe searching for a "more sustainable place to do business." California's regulatory environment is frequently mentioned — in the state, "local rules could dictate how the company chooses board members, for instance."
Talent is another major factor. While California has long been a talent magnet, executives now describe finding "a great talent pool" in their new states — and the ability for employees to actually afford to live there. As one CEO put it, their employees can be homeowners in Texas, "which in the Bay Area is virtually impossible."
Others cite cultural reasons: an "increasing intolerance and monoculture of Silicon Valley," and a desire to find a state with "a strong economic climate with low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a high-caliber workforce." States like Texas, Florida, and Arizona have actively marketed themselves as alternatives — Arizona, for instance, offering "the ideal conditions of being business-friendly, offering a high quality of life at reasonable cost."
For many companies, the decision comes down to practical business needs: "our business needs, opportunities for cost savings, and team members" — and an acknowledgment that there were "some symmetries in the way that the Bay Area works that just didn't really work well for us."
Buildremote Research
Companies Leaving California — The Complete Database
Every company that has left California since 2020. Destinations, dates, employee counts, and sources — all in one spreadsheet.
Related California Research
Want to track the entire trend of companies leaving California since 2020? See the statistics and notable companies who have left. Or, access the entire database of 207+ companies.
Discuss Ocean Aero Inc.'s Move
Data compiled by Buildremote. Last updated April 23, 2026. Sources linked above.