24 South Florida startups to watch in 2024

This year was a challenging one for the technology and venture capital industries, but several South Florida businesses still managed to make waves in a competitive market.

Now, it's time to look ahead to 2024.

Miami Inno's third annual Startups to Watch section features early stage companies operating in verticals like health care, transportation, the creator economy and climate technology.

We looked at startups headquartered in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and selected 24 companies to pay attention to in 2024. Selections were based on a variety of factors, including our reporting and research, fundraising data, tech industry trends and conversations with industry veterans.

As always, the goal was to create a section that shined a spotlight on the region's innovative startup scene.

EpiPaws

What it does: EpiPaws is the maker of an at-home DNA test that can determine the chronological age of dogs and cats.

Why to watch it: There’s a huge market out there of rescue pet owners who do not know ther exact age of their animals. Founder Andria Beal completed her doctorate in biology and epigenetics, the study of how behavior and environment can change the way genes work. EpiPaws’ age test will eventually analyze epigenetic biomarkers to offer more insights into a pet’s health. The startup is in the process of raising its first pre-seed funding round.

Kind Designs

What it does: The Miami Beach startup is the maker of 3D-printed seawalls designed to mimic coral reefs and mangroves. That makes it possible for the structures to protect shorelines from flooding while creating an ecosystem for marine life. The seawalls are embedded with sensor systems for collecting water quality data, as well.

Why to watch it: It's been a busy year for Kind Designs: In June, the company won the $40,000 grand prize at the 2023 Florida Aerospace and Emerging Tech Forum and captured a $100,000 investment from venture capital firm DeepWork Capital. In September, it closed a $5 million funding round led by Govo Venture Partners, M4 Investing and the Florida Opportunity Fund.

TicketRev

What it does: Headquartered in Palm Beach County, the startup helps fans find ticket deals for live shows such as concerts and sporting events.

Why to watch it: In April, TicketRev closed a $1.1 million funding round from investors that included the MLB's Minnesota Twins. Founder Jason Shatsky said demand for live event tickets exploded in 2022, when there were 350% more concerts compared to 2019. He was among the young professionals on Forbes' inaugural 30 under 30 Miami list.

Sustainable Skylines

What it does: The Miami company uses drones to tow banners in aerial advertising campaigns.

Why to watch it: Sustainable Skylines hit several milestones in 2023. First, it raised $1 million in pre-seed funding from investors. Then, it became the first aerial drone banner towing operation to secure Federal Aviation Administration approval for commercial operations. In October, the startup partnered with Mitsubishi Electric US for logistics and resource management services.

Toast It

What it does: The Miami company is the maker of authentic frozen arepas and other South American snacks. Its products have no preservatives and are made from organic ingredients sourced from Latin America.

Why to watch it: After launching in 2020, Toast It products are already available at more than 800 retail stores across the southeast, including Publix, Whole Foods and Walmart. In October, founders and sisters Coco Cabezas and Mafe Romer pitched the brand on "Shark Tank" where they struck a deal with Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky.

DeLorean AI

What it does: The Miami startup's medical AI analyzes patient health data and creates mathematical profiles to predict the onset of chronic illnesses.

Why to watch it: DeLorean AI reports its AI model is already being used by more than a dozen healthcare companies, including at least one Fortune 500 business. Because it does not offer clinical diagnoses, it does not require regulatory approval for the product. This year the startup raised $7.5 million in a series A funding round led by Sopris Venture Capital, with participation from Pinta Capital Partners.

Digibee

What it does: Based in Weston, Digibee is a low-code platform for enterprise businesses.

Why to watch it: After launching in Brazil, Digibee moved its corporate headquarters to South Florida to focus on growing its U.S. customer base. In January, it raised $60 million in a series B funding round led by The Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management in one of the region's largest deals of the year.

FloSpine

What it does: Headquartered at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FloSpine develops spinal fusion implants that can improve outcomes and reduce recovery times for people with spine conditions.

Why to watch it: FloSpine's minimally invasive implants eliminate the need for screws and rods during fusion surgeries, leading to faster recovery times for patients. Founded in 2015, FloSpine has secured four device clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has six issued patents. This year, it more than doubled its office space at the Research Park as it scales.

MayMaan Research

What it does: The Hollywood company is developing technology that uses a water and ethanol based fuel to power combustion engines for cars and trucks.

Why to watch it: MayMaan Research is on a quest to develop clean combustion engines that do not require gasoline or diesel. That technology could be used to power cars, generators, charging stations, locomotives and cargo ships, the company reports. In May, the startup raised $30 million in a series A funding round led by Wave Equity Partners.

GoTu

What it does: The Miami startup is behind a staffing app that connects dental offices with qualified professionals.

Why to watch it: Four years after its launch, GoTu connects more than 18,000 dental offices with 50,000 professionals across 30 states. In October, the startup doubled its office space at the Miami Tower to prepare for additional growth.

Traba

What it does: The online marketplace connects light industrial workers with businesses that need to fill shifts.

Why to watch it: In October, Traba raised $22 million in a funding round led by Founders Fund, the venture capital firm led by billionaire Peter Thiel and OpenStore founder Keith Rabois. The startup reports it serves thousands of workers and hundreds of businesses that operate warehouses, distribution centers, food processing facilities and other light industrial spaces.

Blue Frontier

What it does: The clean tech startup creates air-conditioning systems for commercial buildings that reduce energy use by up to 90%.

Why to watch it: Blue Frontier appeared on our list last year after it raised $20 million from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, an investment firm founded by Bill Gates. As expected, 2023 was another strong year for the startup. It opened a new production facility in Boca Raton and appeared on MIT Technology Review's 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch list.

Kiddie Kredit

What it does: The Miami startup is behind an app that teaches kids about credit and financial literacy.

Why to watch it: For years Kiddie Kredit has been making waves, including a partnership with Equifax inked in 2021. Then, it participated in the Google for Startups' Black Founder Fund program. In April, the startup raised $1.4 million from a group of investors that included the NBA's Dwyane Wade and Baron Davis.

Bright Night

What it does: Based in West Palm Beach, the company aims to provide large-scale sustainable solar energy at low cost to utilities, commercial and industrial clients, and landowners.

Why to watch it: Founded in 2019, Bright Night already has more than 150 employees and is backed by a $500 million investment from Global Infrastructure Partners. This year it appeared on LinkedIn's 50 Startups to Watch list.

HealthBird

What it does: The insurance tech startup's online platform helps users find and compare health insurance plans.

Why to watch it: This year HealthBird won eMerge America's startup showcase and took home $420,000 in prize money from investors like Florida Funders and Panoramic Ventures. It also closed a $2.2 million bridge funding round and was selected to participate in the Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund.

Rook

What it does: Rook integrates health metrics from wearable devices into existing apps and software.

Why to watch it: This year the startup raised $1.7 million in pre-seed funding backed by investors like NuFund Venture Group, Harvard Business Fund and Techstars. Rook is able to aggregate data from hundreds of devices and health data resources to make it easy for insurers and medical providers to compare.

Atwave

What it does: The startup works with big brands to develop their direct email marketing strategies.

Why to watch it: In September, Atwave became the first startup to lease an office on Miami Beach's popular Ocean Drive. The company has 20 employees, with plans to hire entry level employees based in South Florida.

Zulu Pods

What it does: Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Zulu Pods makes lubrication systems for jet engines and helicopters.

Why to watch it: In June, the company was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research contract from the Navy to develop new engine lubricating fluid and delivery systems for unmanned aerial vehicles and expendable weapon systems. The technology will reduce system weight, cost and maintenance requirements due to fluid leaks and lubricant shelf life.

On Energy

What it does: The Miami company builds battery storage systems for airports, utilities, retail distribution centers and more.

Why to watch it: Battery storage systems make it possible for businesses to store renewable energy, like wind or solar power, and then release it when the energy is required. This year, On Energy raised $20 million in series B financing to speed up the development, construction and operation of its project in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, a utility that operates the state's electrical grid.

Fireside

What it does: Co-founded by billionaire Mark Cuban and Falon Fatemi, Fireside is a streaming app that gives creators a novel way to host interactive live shows.

Why to watch it: Launched in 2021, Fireside has raised more than $30 million from investors in the technology, sports and media industries, including NFL player Kelvin Beachum and Cuban, a serial entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Reality TV stars like "Hollywood Medium" Tyler Henry and "Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Heather Dubrow already have channels on Fireside. This year, the startup announced it will move its headquarters from California to Miami.

Y Teach

What it does: Co-founded by 16-year-old Matias Aviñó, the app connects students with peers in their schools for tutoring.

Why to watch it: YTeach is completely student-centered, with an academic support platform designed for K-12 learners. Founded in Miami, the company has personalized pricing plans for schools that want to sign up.

Base

What it does: The Miami startup analyzes a variety of factors, including career background and interests, to create curated in-person experiences for members.

Why to watch it: This year, Base secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding to support its launch. It reports it already has wait lists in markets like Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and London.

Passes

What it does: The platform helps content creators connect with fans and earn money from those interactions.

Why to watch it: Passes was launched this year by serial entrepreneur Lucy Guo, a former Thiel Fellow who co-founded artificial intelligence company Scale AI in 2016. She went on to co-found venture capital firm Backend Capital in 2018. This year, the Miami startup closed a $9 million funding round and acquired rival platform Fanhouse.

Loupe Tech

What it does: The Miami company is an e-commerce streaming platform for sports cards collectors and enthusiasts.

Why to watch it: Loupe Tech is backed by at least $12 million in investor capital and leased an office in Wynwood back in 2021. This year it was a finalist for the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards, a program that recognizes high-performing second-stage businesses.

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