Headquarters: Cape Canaveral
Amount raised: $17 million
Date: May 2022
What's happening in your industry? "It is a very exciting time for space tourism with huge demand that will outstrip supply for years to come. Human spaceflight companies all offer different experiences, and this environment truly is a 'rising tide lifts all boats.' To date, very few private civilians have traveled to space, but the Space Perspective experience will fulfill a lifelong dream for many people. Because there is no requisite training or pre-launch preparation criteria, we can offer more people the chance to experience the life-changing view of Earth from space." — Jane Pointer, founder, co-CEO, chief experience officer
Headquarters: Orlando
Amount raised: $33 million
Date: November 2022
What strategies have you implemented to recruit and/or retain talent in a competitive labor market? "OneRail is up to the challenge in recruiting and retaining team members, exploring many avenues in sourcing and attracting talent — from online presence to local recruiting firms. OneRail wants to ensure that team members have the ability to learn from all levels of leadership. Senior executives consistently sit among the workforce, rather than creating the impression of being over them. The overall way the leadership team presents themselves circles back to 'One Team, One Vision.' In an effort to keep employees motivated, management continuously finds ways to show employee appreciation. Weekly challenges with incentives are part of the norm, often given on the fly during companywide town halls, as a way of showing appreciation for forward-thinking. Incentives are also often given out periodically for a team member’s hard work. OneRail has gone to great lengths to even find out team members’ favorite snacks, stores, restaurants and more to personalize incentives." — Bill Catania, founder and CEO
Headquarters: Maitland
Amount raised: $100 million
Date: April 2022
What is the biggest challenge facing your industry? "Cyberattacks are a big challenge in the industry. Both MSPs and SMEs are a major target of cyber threats. As cybersecurity and IT professionals, we must come together to continue innovating ahead of the latest threats by improving our cyber hygiene and implementing best practices across the board." — Danny Jenkins, co-founded and CEO
Headquarters: Orlando
Amount raised: $125 million
Date: April 2022
How does your company stay innovative? "Fortress has differentiated itself from other cybersecurity companies by creating 'moldable' solutions that can adapt to the needs of a customer or an industry. Also, our team members listen. In 2021, Fortress formed the Asset to Vendor (A2V) Governance Committee, bringing together co-founders of Fortress’s A2V subsidiary (American Electric Power and Southern Co.) with other utility companies and their vendors for candid conversations about challenges facing the industry and solutions that work for all involved." — Peter Kassabov, co-founder and chairman
Orlando Inno last year recognized 25 innovative companies and nonprofits with the inaugural Fire Awards, but those firms were far from done shaking up their industries.
For proof, consider the $340 million the award winners collectively raised from outside investors after the Fire Award honorees were named on March 8, 2022. Those dollars then were deployed to hire hundreds of employees, expand into new industries and prepare for balloon-based space travel.
To see which Fire Award winners raised money in the past year, check out the gallery above.
High-tech and innovative companies are important to Central Florida's economy, as they create high-wage jobs, diversify the region's hospitality-focused economy and generate new solutions other businesses can use. That's why Orlando Inno every year recognizes the most impressive companies with the Fire Awards.
Orlando Inno this year again will honor 25 Fire Award winners. Nominations are open here until March 16.
The honorees are selected from nominations and Orlando Inno's editorial team based on major milestones like overall growth, innovative products/services, product launches, funding rounds and social impact. Nominations are open for companies and organizations headquartered in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
Winners will be profiled on the Orlando Inno website, featured in the June 9 Orlando Business Journal print edition and recognized at the June 8 awards ceremony.
Learn more about last year's Fire Awards winners here.
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