The Tech Startup Ecosystem in Tallahassee

The Tallahassee tech startup ecosystem is anchored by Florida State University (FSU).

December 25, 2022

CAMERON JACOX

Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is home to a thriving tech startup ecosystem. Located in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is home to a number of universities, research institutions, and tech companies, making it an ideal location for tech startups to thrive.

Key players in the Tallahassee tech startup ecosystem

The Tallahassee tech startup ecosystem is anchored by Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), which are both located in the city. These universities provide a wealth of resources for tech startups, including access to research and development facilities, a talented pool of workers, and a supportive entrepreneurial community.

In addition to FSU and FAMU, Tallahassee is home to a number of research institutions, including the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. These institutions provide valuable resources for tech startups, including access to cutting-edge research and development facilities and expertise.

Tallahassee is also home to a number of tech companies, including software development firm Fujitsu, data analytics company Blackboard, and cybersecurity firm Defense Point Security. These companies provide opportunities for tech startups to collaborate and gain access to industry expertise and resources.

Support for tech startups in Tallahassee

Tallahassee has a number of resources and support systems in place to help tech startups succeed. One key resource is the Florida State University Innovation Hub, which provides office space, mentorship, and resources to help tech startups get off the ground. The Innovation Hub is home to a number of tech startups and provides a supportive community for entrepreneurs.

Tallahassee is also home to a number of co-working spaces, including Domi Station and The Zone, which provide office space and resources for tech startups. These co-working spaces provide a collaborative environment for tech startups and offer access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

In addition to physical resources, Tallahassee has a number of organizations that provide support and resources for tech startups. The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and the Florida State University Research Foundation both offer resources and support for tech startups, including access to funding and business development resources.

Success stories from the Tallahassee tech startup ecosystem

Tallahassee has a number of successful tech startups that have emerged from the local ecosystem. One notable example is Appalatch, a sustainable clothing company that was founded in Tallahassee and has since gained national attention. Appalatch has received funding from the Florida State University Research Foundation and has been featured in publications such as Forbes and Inc. Venture Capital investment into the city is growing.

Another successful tech startup from Tallahassee is Invisible Girlfriend, a dating app that was founded by students at Florida State University. Invisible Girlfriend has received funding from the Florida State University Research Foundation and has been featured in publications such as TechCrunch and Mashable.

Tallahassee is home to a thriving startup scene, with many innovative companies based in the city. Here are some of the most successful Tallahassee startups:

  1. Visibly: This digital health company offers an online platform for connecting patients with eye care professionals. Founded in 2015, Visibly has raised over $7 million in funding and has partnerships with major retailers such as Costco.

  2. SightPlan: This property management software startup provides solutions to help owners and managers improve the performance and efficiency of their properties. Founded in 2014, SightPlan has raised over $12 million in funding and has partnerships with major property management companies.

  3. Dabbl: This mobile app allows users to earn rewards for participating in brand surveys and other activities. Founded in 2015, Dabbl has raised over $1 million in funding and has partnerships with major brands such as Nestle and P&G.

  4. RedEye: RedEye is a software company that specializes in developing solutions for the transportation industry. The company was founded in 2006 and has since grown to serve clients around the world. RedEye's software is used by airlines, airports, and other transportation companies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

  5. Everglades Angels: This investment group helps fund and mentor early-stage companies in the Florida panhandle region, including Tallahassee. Since its founding in 2007, Everglades Angels has invested in over 50 companies and helped them raise more than $50 million in additional funding.

  6. Prodigy Education: Prodigy Education is a tech company that provides a free, interactive math learning platform for students in grades 1-8. The company was founded in 2013 and has since grown to serve millions of students in more than 200 countries. Prodigy has received funding from investors such as Nautilus Venture Partners and Reach Capital.

  7. Peerfit: Peerfit is a health and wellness company that provides an online platform for booking fitness classes and personal training sessions. The company was founded in 2012 and has since grown to serve more than 300,000 users across the United States. Peerfit has received funding from investors such as Florida Venture Forum and Florida Angels.

  8. BenchPrep: BenchPrep is an education technology company that provides a platform for delivering online test preparation and professional development courses. The company was founded in 2010 and has since grown to serve millions of users around the world. BenchPrep has received funding from investors such as New Markets Venture Partners and Kapor Capital.

  9. Rocket Digital Health: Rocket Digital Health, founded in Austin, Texas but moved to Tallahassee, is the leading startup commercialization firm for digital health.

  10. RecycleTrack: This startup provides a recycling and waste management platform that helps businesses and municipalities increase recycling rates and reduce waste. RecycleTrack has raised over $3 million in funding and has received recognition from organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the National Waste and Recycling Association.

  11. Relativity Technologies: This company provides software solutions for the aerospace and defense industries, including advanced simulation and analysis tools. Relativity Technologies has received contracts from major aerospace and defense firms and has been recognized as one of Florida's fastest-growing companies.

  12. Blaise: This startup offers a platform that allows businesses to collect and analyze customer feedback in real-time. Blaise has raised over $3 million in funding and has been recognized as one of the top startups in Florida by organizations such as the Florida Venture Forum. Founded in 2015, Blaise AI has attracted significant investment and has partnerships with major companies such as Google and Amazon.

  13. SwiftMeals: This company provides a meal delivery service that uses AI-powered algorithms to create personalized meal plans for customers. SwiftMeals has raised over $1 million in funding and has been recognized as one of the top food and beverage startups in Florida.

  14. Imagine Software: This startup offers a cloud-based platform for managing and automating the workflow of construction projects. Imagine Software has raised over $2 million in funding and has been recognized as one of the top construction technology companies in the Southeast.

  15. Black Dog Salvage: Black Dog Salvage is a company that specializes in salvaging and repurposing architectural elements and other unique items. The company was founded in 2003 and has since become a popular destination for antique hunters and home renovation enthusiasts. Black Dog Salvage has also been featured on the TV show "Salvage Dawgs," which has helped to increase the company's visibility and success.

These are just a few examples of the many successful startups based in Tallahassee, Florida. The city's thriving tech scene and strong support for entrepreneurship make it an attractive place for startups to launch and grow.

Categories: Innovation & Technology

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