Many of us during the past 18 months have been forced to find innovative ways to pivot our businesses and create new ways to generate revenue, due to the devastating economic and personal effects of coronavirus pandemic.
Here in Central Florida, we are fortunate to have an extraordinary ecosystem of incubators, colleges and universities that continually encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and offer needed support to help make those cutting-edge ideas a reality.
Why are these young men and women — and their companies — so critical for the local economy? It actually comes down to simple math: The growth of these high-tech ventures means the creation of more high-wage jobs. In this case, 1 + 1 = much more than 2.
That’s why Orlando Business Journal is pleased this week to present Orlando Inno’s inaugural Inno Under 25. In this feature, young entrepreneurs under the age of 25 are spotlighted, as their Central Florida companies and organizations are disrupting the way business is done and offering innovative ideas to solve problems.
Here are a few examples of what these young entrepreneurs are up to:
- Orlando-based FLUIX LLC produces liquid-cooling hardware to improve computer performance, and is in negotiations with the second-largest architecture, engineering and construction workstation manufacturer for a $90,000-per-month deal.
- Local startup StudyDate LLC successfully ran a pilot in partnership with the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality for its app, and now has agreed to terms on a schoolwide partnership with UCF.
- Advanced manufacturing training startup Stemworks LLC this past year completed the training of 28 students through CARES Act funding, partnering with Haas Automation to be their robotic training partner in the Southeast.
- Maitland-based American Fundraising Foundation stepped up to implement new tech systems that enabled nonprofits to continue to operate and raise money during the pandemic.
- Palm Bay-based Nohbo Inc. — a local startup backed by "shark" Mark Cuban — landed a $3.4 million investment round, opening a new factory for the production of its sustainably packaged self-care products, such as shampoo and conditioner.
These are just a few of the highlights from this year’s Inno Under 25 honorees. The good news is that we have a plethora of other young entrepreneurs here in Central Florida just beginning to “make noise” in the local economy, which certainly will grow stronger as a result of their efforts.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and thank a few of those who are helping these companies grow and succeed: the National Entrepreneur Center; the UCF Incubation Program; Valencia College, Seminole State College, Rollins College, Full Sail and UCF; Starter Studio; and many others.
Check out the Inno Under 25 full stories in OBJ's Sept. 17-23, 2021, weekly edition. You’ll find a few other interesting tidbits about what they’re planning to do next. You just might be surprised at the great things quietly happening here on the home front.
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