Just as a guide can steer someone through one of Central Florida's popular theme parks, it also can be crucial for navigating Central Florida's diverse innovation ecosystem.
This "ecosystem at a glance" guide is the place to start for anyone who wants an introduction to tech and startups in Orlando — or simply needs a refresher. It details the businesses, people, investors, schools, nonprofits and more that make up the foundation of the region's innovation economy. This guide will be updated with new names as Central Florida's tech industry grows.
From self-driving car technology to video game experts, here's your crash course in Central Florida innovation.
Notable companies
Anuvia Plant Nutrients | "Our patented technology, inspired by nature and proven by science, delivers plant nutrition more efficiently, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer."
accesso | "We support operators through the power of contactless technology — such as virtual queuing, guest experience management, e-commerce and more — to provide an enhanced guest experience while driving revenue-boosting opportunities."
Beep | "We provide the intelligence which enables safe, stress-free, eco-friendly, driverless mobility."
CareStack | "Award-winning dental software with 1,000+ happy practices"
Central Square Technologies | "Software provider dedicated to innovating exclusively for the public sector by bringing the power of cloud computing, AI and data science to build smarter and safer communities"
Design Interactive | "Specializes in developing training solutions enhanced by augmented, virtual and mixed reality"
Dignitas Technologies | "We specialize in system and software analysis, design, development, testing, and fielding of MS&T and mission rehearsal applications."
Engineering & Computer Simulations | "Focused on enhancing workforce performance and delivering innovative global training solutions for military, medical, aviation and aerospace, and maintenance and logistics personnel"
FlexEngage | "Delivers custom-made transactional messages that reduce churn for brand-driven retailers"
Finexio | "Platform designed to optimize and monetize your AP payments"
Fortress Information Security | "The Fortress mission is to secure critical infrastructure by managing supply chain risks."
HostDime | "Offers an array of cloud products from managed servers to colocation for both entry and enterprise level operations"
Kalera | "Our vertical hydroponic farms use IoT, AI, big data analytics and cleanroom technology to create the perfect growing conditions for impeccable lettuce year-round."
Luminar | "We enable the first real-world deployments of autonomy and next-generation safety features at scale."
Mosyle | "Mosyle brings a new approach to Apple endpoint management and security with pro-level solutions for business and education."
Net Conversion | "For companies what want forward-thinking marketing, a holistic view of its impact, and a clear path toward maximum growth, Net Conversion is the data-driven agency of actionable insights."
OneRail | "Our omnichannel fulfillment platform puts your customer first by reducing shipping time and cost, providing 100% visibility along the last-mile journey and delivering a responsive, real-time customer experience."
PowerDMS | "Policy and compliance management platform for high-trust organizations"
Stax | "Simplify your payments infrastructure with an all-in-one platform and subscription-style merchant services."
ThreatLocker | "Application whitelisting, ringfencing and data storage control from ThreatLocker protects your business from malicious and misused software."
UniKey | "Enabling people to move freely and securely through the world’s doors, with ultimate control, convenience and peace-of-mind"
Viewpost | "Viewpost streamlines payments for large companies and provides a free online portal for vendors to view payment history and remittance information."
Higher education
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Florida Institute of Technology
Investment resources
Arsenal Growth Equity | "A unique growth equity firm focused on the intersection of the government, large corporations and emerging technology companies."
DeepWork Capital | "We partner with visionary entrepreneurs building disruptive companies."
Govo Venture Partners | "We seek to invest capital in early-stage companies to which we can provide strategic solutions in industries with government or regulatory focus."
Legacy Angel Network | "Community-focused investing for the next generation of Florida-based companies"
Kirenaga Partners | "We invest in early-stage venture companies that have developed products and are on the verge of initial commercialization."
Orlando Opportunity Fund | "A private investment fund based in Central Florida focused on converting unrealized capital gains into investments in commercial real estate and early stage companies."
Parkway Venture Capital | "Parkway VC operates at the intersection of vision and execution. From seed round to growth equity, we help companies accelerate."
SeedfundersOrlando | "A member-owned operating company that invests in pre-revenue Central Florida technology startups selected by members"
VenVelo | "The premier early-stage venture fund in Florida for innovative companies seeking capital and mentoring"
Waterfall Ventures | "We invest in founders just like you because we were you. Relentless, following instincts you can’t possibly explain, but know are right. And failure isn’t an option."
Accelerators and incubators
Burnout Game Ventures | "Educates, mentors and manages our indie game partners, incubating and/or accelerating them into sustainable high-growth businesses"
Groundswell Startups | “We connect high-tech founders with a diverse pool of pro-bono mentors… We also host dozens of events each year.”
Guidewell Innovation Center | "Reimagining the future of health through entrepreneurship and innovation"
Lead Lake Nona Sports & Health Tech Accelerator | "We set out to shape the future of living by accelerating startups through a six-month-long program."
Starter Studio | "Supports Central Florida tech startup founders with the robust and comprehensive educational programming, coaching, funding and other resources they need to build successful companies locally"
Rally | "An international hub for social entrepreneurs to access the required knowledge, resources, and people to transform their early-stage work into sustainable ventures that create positive social change"
UCF Business Incubation Program | "Designed to help early-stage businesses develop, accelerate and grow into financially-stable companies"
VentureScaleUp | "Provides high-growth entrepreneurs access to role models that have built startups that have scaled"
Startup resource and support groups
Black Orlando Tech | "Our vision is to train and inspire 10,000 minorities to enter tech by the year 2025."
Digital Orlando | "Gathers the brightest and most influential minds from across the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem"
Entrepreneurs Alliance Orlando | "EAO carries out its mission to build investment grade companies by partnering with promising companies in search of a means to increase their reach and scale."
National Entrepreneurship Center | "Free business coaching, quality low-cost seminars, networking events and business resources to help develop your small business"
Orlandopreneur | "A startup enthusiast group hosting networking, educational and live speaking events on startup topics important to you"
Orlando Entrepreneurs | "Connecting, cultivating and celebrating Orlando entrepreneurs through our alliance, resource center, events calendar and podcast"
Orlando Game Space | "Starting a business? Need a space for meetings? Looking for opportunities to network? Orlando Game Space is a growing coworking space designed to meet the needs of our community of entrepreneurs and innovators."
Orlando Tech Community | "A group of private industry, resource organizations and public partners that collaborate with the singular focus of organizing and aligning our region’s resources to accelerate progress towards an innovation-based economy"
Orlando Tech Hub | "Centralized platform for the Orlando region’s tech community resources, leaders, employees, students, businesses, events, news and more"
Project Orlando | "Our goal is to facilitate an environment where startups and emerging companies have the ability to connect with the right resources; including mentors, peers, investors and capital, resulting in an increase in funded companies and successful exits out of Central Florida."
Startup Weekend Orlando | "A nonprofit, community-building event that brings together entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to pitch ideas, form teams and start companies in just 54 hours"
UCF iCorps | "A five-week 'bootcamp' of learning, evaluating and transferring knowledge into marketable products which have a benefit or impact on society"
Space Florida | "Space Florida was created through the state to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. We are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses."
Synapse Florida | "The statewide connector of Florida’s innovation community, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and talent to find what they need and share what they have"
Did we miss a person, company or organization that should be on the list? Let us know by emailing agsoderstrom@bizjournals.com.
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