Let the games begin.
Today Orlando Inno launches the first round of voting for 2023 Inno Madness, our friendly, bracket-style challenge where readers vote to advance companies based on one question: Who would you invest in?
Whether you believe in one mission or product slightly over the other or would prefer to back a more established company versus an early-stage startup, how you answer that question is entirely up to you.
The bracket is designed to shine a spotlight on 16 innovative businesses from across metro Orlando, the Space Coast and Volusia County.
The bracket is assembled based on reader nominations. Seeding was determined by investment raised since the companies' launch, based on estimates from Crunchbase.
This is the second year of our Inno Madness competition. Last year, weather data company WeatherFlow-Tempest Inc. beat out Beep Inc. to take the top spot.
The goal of Inno Madness is to give a snapshot of the wide range of innovative work underway at Central Florida companies, from nascent startups to fast-growing companies.
This bracket is by no means a complete list of the area's best startups or most well-funded firms. Instead, the bracket is meant to represent the full breadth and diversity of the ecosystem.
Disappointed your company isn't included this year? Be sure to check in with Orlando Inno in early 2024, when we will take nominations for next year's Orlando Inno Madness competition.
First-round voting begins now and continues until noon, March 6. Readers can cast one vote per matchup each round. Read the full voting rules here.
We'll open up voting for each round on Tuesday, and close voting the following Monday. Orlando Inno ultimately will crown an Inno Madness winner on March 28.
Let's get into Round 1...
Meet the players
Matchup 1
- BaseballCloud: Provides sports technology and data solutions to MLB, NCAA and other sports organizations worldwide
- Tuesday: Software to help nonprofits facilitate auctions and donations
Matchup 2
- Burnout GameVentures: Game publisher that also accelerates game studios into sustainable high-growth businesses, sharing in the revenues generated by their products
- iSportz: SaaS company connecting the sports ecosystem by providing technology solutions to organizations, athletes, fans, coaches and supporters
Matchup 3
- Spaced Ventures: Crowdfunding investor platform for aerospace startups
- Mobility Insight: Uses AI and machine learning to help policy makers and traffic planners reduce roadway congestion
Matchup 4
- Chrp Technologies: AI-enabled home insurance loss prevention tool
- Catania Product Development: Engineering firm that offers product design, machining and prototyping
Matchup 5
- Seal Shield: Manufacturer of industrial-grade solutions, including waterproof keyboards and computer mice, UV-resistant screen protectors and sanitization systems for portable devices
- Modularity Space: Builds reusable space infrastructure like satellites that can be rented monthly for a relatively low cost
Matchup 6
Matchup 7
- SwiftPaws: Manufacturer of pet fitness device that creates the “best game of chase ever”
- Anderson Connectivity: Designs, makes and services antenna systems for satellite communication
Matchup 8
- Excel Formula Bot: Add-on to Excel and Google Sheets that transforms text instructions into Excel and Google Sheets formulas within seconds with the help of AI
- Qualytics: Technology that automates the process of catching and separating data anomalies
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