South Florida Tech HubSouth Florida Tech Hub
27
Mar, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

Endeavor Miami’s New Wave of Diverse Entrepreneurs with Spring 2024 ScaleUp Cohort

Read Time 3 Minutes

Endeavor Miami, a pivotal force in the entrepreneurial landscape, is thrilled to introduce the Spring 2024 Endeavor ScaleUp cohort.

Endeavor Miami is part of the global Endeavor network established in Miami in 2013 with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The initiative aims to highlight 17 visionary founders leading 10 rapidly growing companies. As the first U.S. affiliate of the global Endeavor organization, Endeavor Miami is committed to identifying and supporting high-impact entrepreneurs who have the potential to transform industries and drive economic growth in Florida and beyond.

Endeavor Miami offers a unique mix of mentorship, access to capital, and an extensive network of industry leaders and peers, helping to catalyze the success of these entrepreneurs. The initiative fosters innovation and creates job opportunities within the region and worldwide.

The Spring 2024 cohort stands out for its diversity and innovative spirit. Notably, 53% of the participants are from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, and 20% are women founders. These entrepreneurs demonstrate a strong commitment to South Florida, with 67% moving to the city in the last three years. This reinforces the region’s status as a burgeoning hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the United States.

The cohort spans key sectors, including Fintech, Enterprise Software, Mobility & Supply Chain, and Healthcare, reflecting South Florida’s economy’s broad spectrum of innovation. These companies are at various stages of growth and have collectively seen a remarkable 250% growth rate. Their resilience and adaptability post-COVID underscore the potential for transformative impact on the local and global stages.

These entrepreneurs have raised over $35 million in funding, enabling expansion across the Americas and Europe. They collectively employ nearly 240 people and generated revenue of over $17 million in 2023. With plans to exceed $41 million in revenue this year, their success exemplifies the significant economic contributions they bring to the region. It highlights South Florida’s role as a critical launching point for ambitious companies poised for global influence.

Endeavor Miami is proud to support these exceptional entrepreneurs as they continue to scale their businesses, innovate within their industries, and contribute to the economic development of Florida and beyond. Endeavor is committed to being a platform for impact by amplifying these founders’ stories, sharing their successes, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Here is a full list of the Endeavor ScaleUp Cohort:

  • FIT:MATCH (Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County, South Florida) – Uses patented, 3D body-shape technology to match consumers with the garments that fit them best, eliminating guesswork and driving conversion and loyalty, while reducing returns. The technology has proven applications beyond retail, including healthcare, and sports science.
  • Haddy (St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Tampa) – An applied additive manufacturing company transforming the furniture supply chain. It delivers durable, beautiful, and cost-efficient products, reshaping production through regional manufacturing and scalability.
  • Infinity Doctors (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – An international “one-stop shop” health platform for enterprises’ customers and employees.
  • KashIO (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – A platform as a service for digital payments and bill automation in LATAM. Their platform allows companies and institutions to automate their accounts payable and accounts receivable processes with Open Banking Technology in the cloud.
  • Koywe (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – Building the best Payment Ecosystem for cross-border businesses in Latin America, allowing their customers to operate across markets in an easy, cheap and fast way.
  • KUSHAE (Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, South Florida)- The 1st & only women’s health brand developed by an OB/GYN, creating innovative and effective non-toxic topical & internal products for all stages of a woman’s life, from menstruation to menopause.
  • MagicLog (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – A white-labeled platform designed to modernize and digitize the end-to-end customer experience of SME logistics providers, reducing operational costs and increasing new and retained sales revenue in weeks.
  • RealGrader (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – Measures, manages and maximizes digital presence for real estate professionals. Their most popular product is the Instacard – The Digital Business Card, used by over 500,000 real estate agents.
  • Simplenight (Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Florida) – Enables hyper-personalized booking and ordering of anything, anywhere, anytime. Simplenight’s omnichannel platform for travel, lifestyle and more is utilizing generative AI and providing the booking digitalization and infrastructure to shape the future of commerce and data.
  • Spontivly (St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Tampa) – A data analytics tool that integrates with a company’s suite of tools to allow for greater insights and efficiencies. Our goal is to make data easily accessible by empowering teams with simple data dashboards.

To learn more about Endeavor Miami, visit www.endeavormiami.org

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19
May, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Growth Accelerator Fund Competition – Seaworthy Collective among 40 national winners to receive $50k

Read Time 4 Minutes

The SBA announced Seaworthy Collective as a Stage One winner for the national 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition.

Seaworthy Collective is one of forty organizations who will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses across the country.

Seaworthy Collective (501c3) is a Miami-based BlueTech (ocean innovation) entrepreneur support organization and community. Their mission is to enable access and inclusion in innovation for ocean and climate impact. Seaworthy Collective envisions oceans of opportunity without barriers, where everyone can contribute to solutions making positive change for our blue planet. The nonprofit empowers Sea Change Makers – supporting early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs across diverse backgrounds and impact areas globally – who drive innovation for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet.

“SBA’s Catalyze winners join SBA’s extensive network of support organizations who build thriving startup ecosystems to ensure the next generation of science and technology-based innovations develop into thriving businesses,” said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “At a time when the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in American R&D, manufacturing and future growth industries, our Catalyst partners will help ensure entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can leverage opportunities. We know these investments will advance American competitiveness and help us build an economy that works for everyone.”

Seaworthy Collective’s award-winning model will amplify the impact and success of Growth Accelerator Partnerships and will work to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high growth small businesses. This year’s Competition has brought together organizations, entities, groups, and individuals beyond geographic boundaries to support innovators and innovation needed to confront the challenges of today.   

“This investment from the U.S. Small Business Administration reinforces Seaworthy Collective’s vision for accessible and inclusive ecosystem development enabling greater participation in the blue economy both locally in South Florida as well as nationally, ” stated Seaworthy Collective Founder & CEO, Daniel Kleinman.

“Winning the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition doubles down on the federal government’s recognition and support of Seaworthy’s work breaking down barriers for current and aspiring founders from diverse backgrounds in BlueTech and ClimateTech. With the SBA’s support, we’re excited to grow our ecosystem partnerships; intentionally expanding our reach to further mobilize the untapped talent, ideas, and potential of many more “Sea Change Makers” taking the entrepreneurial leap to pursue their passions for ocean and climate impact.” 

Since its launch in 2014, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition has awarded 387 prizes totaling over $19 million to 284 unique winners across 52 states and U.S. territories. This year’s competition introduced a multi-stage approach with Stage One focused on catalyzing an ecosystem around a particular theme.  Stage One applicants represented 45 U.S. states and territories, with 70 percent as first-time applicants to the Competition.

This year’s 40 Stage One prize winners come from 30 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico. Sixty-five percent of winners are first time applicants and 50 percent of the winning organizations specifically support rural entrepreneurs. This year’s competition focused on four theme areas with 25 percent of Stage One winners focused on National Security & Global Competitiveness, 27.5 percent on Domestic Manufacturing & Production, 10 percent on Climate & Renewable Energy, and 37.5 percent on Underserved Communities. Geographically, 17.5 percent of winners aim serve at the local/sub-state region, 42.5 percent statewide, 20 percent regionally (multiple states), and 20 percent nationwide.

Winners of Stage One “Catalyze” winners were selected through a multi-tier review panel process with experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning both inside and out of the federal government. Applications and pitch videos were reviewed by expert judges submitted by the finalists.   

Seaworthy Collective will now compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 later this summer. From inequity and climate change, to supporting national defense and community-driven economic prosperity, the real opportunity is now to build up innovation ecosystems and Seaworthy Collective is eager to make an impact.   

Stage Two cash prizes will support the “Growth Accelerator Partnerships” to further develop strong innovation ecosystems to fast-track building and scaling of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses. Organizations who were not selected in Stage One, as well as diverse local, regional, and national entities from any sector or location are eligible to connect with Stage One winners to develop partnerships in a bid for Stage Two prizes.   

SBA will host a Pitch Sessions to support networking with Stage One winners and Seaworthy Collective will take part on June 1st, 2023 at 2:00 PM EST. For organizations interested in networking to join a potential “Growth Accelerator Partnership”, sign up for one or more of the virtual Partner Pitch Sessions at http://bit.ly/2023GAFCPartnerPitch. The Partner Pitch Sessions are free and open to the public.

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08
Apr, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

CAI accelerates business totaling $1.05 billion; Fortune 500 Clients & expanded programs

Read Time 4 Minutes

CAI announced accelerated momentum into 2023 with year-over-year growth. The firm increased employee count by 23.2% and experienced 11% revenue growth totaling $1.05 billion.

CAI is a global technology services firm with over 8,500 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what is right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

With this expansion, Tom Salvaggio, CAI’s President since 2015, was appointed the new title of CEO, President at CAI. And with growing workforces in the U.S., India and the Philippines, the company enhanced and rebranded service offerings, improved market position, maximized industry benefits with select partners and earned service and employer awards at the regional and national levels.

“Throughout our 40-year history, our mission has not wavered,” said Tom Salvaggio, CEO, President at CAI.

“We elevate service delivery excellence through IT support and neurodiversity employment while serving the communities where we live and work. Forging ahead in the new year, we will continue to stay diligent in our clients’ success and invest in our passionate and talented associates who make it possible. We have had many pivotal chapters in our story which have contributed to CAI’s solid foundation today. That foundation will drive exponential growth in the future.”

To reflect the company’s growth and current solutions, CAI refined its messaging:

  • About: CAI is a global technology services firm with over 8,500 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1 billion+.
  • Mission: We unite talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities.
  • Tagline: We power the possible™

CAI enhanced its end-to-end neurodiversity employment program, CAI Neurodiverse Solutions (formerly known as Autism2Work), to help organizations realize the benefits of neurodiversity. The program employs neurodiverse talent in a wide range of skillsets and creates more career opportunities for a broader range of individuals with neurodiverse conditions including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.

The program’s updates are captured in its new messaging:

  • About: CAI Neurodiverse Solutions manages the end-to-end process for private and public organizations to realize the benefits of neurodiversity.
  • Mission: Building innovative business solutions that deliver results while developing rewarding careers for the neurodiverse community and leading the way to an inclusive workforce environment.

This program hits home for Jen Boyer, a Senior Client Executive with CAI whose nephew has special needs. In a previous interview, she noted the high levels of un- and under-employment that neurodiverse people tend to face.

“It’s important to highlight the useful skills they can bring, like creativity and analytical thinking.” Boyer explained that employers are not typically used to hiring neurodiverse talent; however, with CAI’s help, they are able to identify tasks well suited to those with autism” providing them a pathway to “thrive on their own while obtaining a meaningful career.”

CAI added a cybersecurity curriculum to its neurodiversity employment program for individuals interested in entering the field. The curriculum builds critical thinking skills and educates on how to operate systems, identify vulnerabilities and secure data. With strengths in attention to detail, problem solving and pattern recognition, neurodivergent individuals have the skillsets for careers in cybersecurity.

Higher education institutions signed agreements with CAI to help neurodivergent students build career foundations. Landmark College and Marshall University’s West Virginia Autism Training Center entered alliances with CAI to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce and provide real-work experience to neurodivergent students and employment opportunities for neurodivergent graduates.

CAI was recognized nationally for workplace diversity and disability employment with Forbes Best Employers for Diversity 2022 and the maximum score on Disability:IN’s 2022 Disability Equality Index. It also earned three Top Workplace awards for Chicago, Delaware and Lehigh Valley. It was the third win for Chicago, a first for Delaware and a nine-year-long standing title for the Lehigh Valley. The firm’s leaders were honored by OnCon as a top 10 professional in their fields: Chief Human Resources Officer, Tammy Harper, and Chief Technology Officer, Matt Peters.

CAI Neurodiverse Solutions was recognized by the Quality Services for the Autism Community with the Change Maker Award. CAI also achieved technical accreditation with UiPath Services Network certification for advanced delivery skills and expertise in building end-to-end automated solutions.

To learn more about CAI Neurodiverse Solutions, visit www.cai.io/neurodiverse-solutions

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07
Mar, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

9 South Florida & Treasure Coast companies honored at GrowFL Awards 2023

Read Time 4 Minutes

GrowFL recently awarded the 50 companies selected as 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees and 9 of them came from South Florida and the Treasure Coast region!

The awards program – now in its twelfth year – honors impressive second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. The 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration is brought to you by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. 

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them worth watching. 

66 finalists were announced last year, and the 50 honorees were selected after a final round of judging by a panel comprised of past honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL. Companies were judged on a number of criteria including growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects. 

“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the most deserving companies,” said Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “This year’s honoree span 21 different counties, represent 22 different industries and 50% of them are woman, veteran, or minority owned. This diverse group of honorees can only mean one thing – Florida is the place where entrepreneurs thrive!” 

Since the first awards celebration in 2011, GrowFL has honored 550 companies from throughout Florida with this prestigious award. With this year’s honorees, GrowFL has now recognized 600 companies throughout the state that are making a positive impact on the economy and the communities in which they live. Many of the past honorees have now grown their companies to stage 3 and stage 4 businesses employing more than 500. 

“These are some of the most vibrant and dedicated entrepreneurs in our state. They are the champions that keep our communities strong by stimulating the economy, keeping the workforce employed, and giving back in ways that will change the course of our state for years to come. Like all the classes before them, this class of GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch honorees truly embody success and I know they’re only getting started,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL founder. 

To qualify for the award, companies must be headquartered in Florida and have between 6 and 150 and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million. From 2018 through 2021, these companies generated $1 billion in revenue and added 881 employees, reflecting a 96% increase in revenue and a 104% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 24% average annual revenue growth and a 26% average annual growth in employees. 

These companies projected continued growth in 2022, with a 40% revenue increase and a 20% growth in employees compared to 2021. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $1.5 billion in revenue and added 1,233 employees over the last five years — a 174% increase in revenue and 146% increase in jobs since 2018. 

Below is the list of the 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees from South Florida & Treasure Coast:

  • 2TON Agency | Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services  (Palm Beach)
  • Affinity Management Services | Management Consulting Services (Miami-Dade)
  • Bug Bite Thing | Retail Trade (St. Lucie)
  • Casabianca Home | Wholesale Trade (Miami-Dade)
  • Earth And Sugar LLC | Wholesale Trade (Palm Beach)
  • FloSpine LLC | Scientific Research and Development (Palm Beach)
  • Misfits Gaming Group | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (Palm Beach)
  • Pharma Natural Inc. | Manufacturing (Miami-Dade)
  • Sloane Staffing | workforce staffing (Palm Beach)

One of those companies, Sloane Staffing, specializes in filling Marketing Technology, Digital Marketing, SaaS Sales, and Technology positions. The were founded in Palm Beach County in 2018. From 2018 – 2021, the company saw a 91% increase in revenue and 300% increase in employee growth.

When asked what’s his advice for entrepreneurs, Founder & President, Max Spanier, told GrowFL “Take the leap. It’s going to be scary. It’s going to be tough. You’re going to be anxious. You’ll probably get anxiety even if you’ve never had anxiety. But, if you have a good idea, why not give it a try? Otherwise, you might go through your whole life wondering what if. Failing at something is way better than never doing something.”

To read Sloane Staffing’s full interview with GrowFL, click here. 

 

 

 

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Endeavor Miami’s New Wave of Diverse Entrepreneurs with Spring 2024 ScaleUp Cohort
Growth Accelerator Fund Competition – Seaworthy Collective among 40 national winners to receive $50k
CAI accelerates business totaling $1.05 billion; Fortune 500 Clients & expanded programs
9 South Florida & Treasure Coast companies honored at GrowFL Awards 2023