King's Cross Transforms into Leading AI Hub, Attracting Global Startups
King's Cross, once a notorious red-light district in London, has transformed into one of the world's leading hubs for artificial intelligence (AI) startups. This transformation began in 2016 when DeepMind, acquired by Google, moved into the area, attracting a wave of AI companies eager to tap into the talent and innovation associated with the Google DeepMind presence. Today, King's Cross is home to major AI players like OpenAI, Meta, and Isomorphic Labs, among others. The area, now known as the 'Knowledge Quarter,' has seen a significant increase in office space demand, with AI-related startups leasing over 1 million square feet since June. This surge has driven up prime rents by 18% over the past three years, according to real estate firm Knight Frank. The neighborhood's appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to major transport links, allowing easy access to talent and business opportunities in Cambridge and Paris. 
