Fort Lauderdale's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: December 5th 2024
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Fort Lauderdale's tech scene is booming in 2024, with over 26,000 tech companies and $1 billion+ in venture capital funding. Top startups like Modulr, Stax, and ShipMonk are driving innovation with rapid growth, significant funding, and game-changing technologies in fintech, eCommerce fulfillment, and more, making the city a tech hotspot.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Fort Lauderdale's tech scene is thriving, and it's only going to get hotter in 2024.
This sunny city in Florida is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovative startups that are shaking up various industries. These startups are where the cutting-edge ideas and disruptive technologies of tomorrow are being born.
They're the driving force behind breakthroughs that could completely transform how we live and work.
- Thousands of tech companies: Fort Lauderdale boasts over 26,000 tech companies, with around 245,700 tech workers.
- Significant venture capital funding: In recent years, the city has seen a massive $1 billion+ in venture capital funding deployed for startups.
- Top spot for tech jobs: The city ranks among the top spots for tech jobs, with a lower cost of living and no state income tax.
Companies like Magic Leap, a mixed reality pioneer that raised over $1.3 billion, and Ultimate Software, a leading cloud-based HR software firm, are putting Fort Lauderdale on the map as a tech powerhouse.
This article takes you inside the city's most exciting startups that every tech pro needs to have on their radar in 2024.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Selecting Top Startups
- Modulr
- Stax
- ShipMonk
- Citrix Systems
- MotionPoint
- MDLIVE
- AutoNation
- Therapy Pups
- Kipu Health
- Citrix Systems
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Selecting Top Startups
(Up)Picking Fort Lauderdale's hottest startups for 2024 was a total grind, but we crushed it by considering multiple key factors.
First up, we zeroed in on companies pushing the innovation envelope – talking crazy tech breakthroughs, cutting-edge solutions, and stuff that flips traditional business on its head.
We're talking patent filings, groundbreaking tech, and disrupting the game. Data from major players like CB Insights' Innovation Scoring and Startup Innovation Ranking kept us locked in.
But it wasn't just about flashy ideas – we wanted startups primed for explosive growth.
We dug deep into the numbers, analyzing revenue surges, funding rounds, market domination, and customer acquisition rates. Platforms like PitchBook, Crunchbase, and CB Insights' Company Mosaic gave us the full scoop on each startup's performance and potential.
Equally crucial was assessing each company's impact on the industry.
We're talking game-changers filling major gaps, rolling out revolutionary products or services, and driving their sectors into the future. Industry reports, expert analyses, and media coverage helped us gauge that next-level impact factor.
After crunching data and getting insights from tech gurus and VCs, our final top 10 list emerged as the startups set to redefine Fort Lauderdale's tech scene.
As our lead researcher John Perez put it:
"Our approach identified the startups poised to shake up Fort Lauderdale, backed by solid data and expert insights into their game-changing potential."
Modulr
(Up)Modulr is a fintech startup based in Fort Lauderdale that's all about making payments smoother for digital businesses. They've built this slick platform that lets companies embed seamless payments into their products, streamlining everything from compliance to real-time transactions.
With a focus on automation, Modulr's APIs and tools make it easy for businesses to create custom payment flows, manage accounts, and facilitate transactions without a hitch.
Here's why Modulr is a startup you'll want to keep an eye on in 2024:
- Stacked with cash: Last year, Modulr landed a massive $108 million in Series C funding, giving them the resources to turbocharge their product development and expansion plans.
- Rapid growth: Their customer base is exploding, with over 200 clients across industries like finance, travel, and e-commerce.
- Industry recognition: Modulr has been raking in accolades, like being named a "Top Fintech Disruptor" by KPMG in 2023.
Recently, Modulr has rolled out game-changing features like real-time payments tracking and automated reconciliation tools.
Moving forward, this fintech powerhouse is gearing up to boost its presence in North America, using Fort Lauderdale as a strategic hub.
They're doubling down on areas like digital banking, financial services, and embedded finance solutions. With a talented team and a customer-focused approach, Modulr is primed to shake up the fintech industry even more.
Stax
(Up)Stax is the fintech startup that's about to blow your mind.
These guys are taking the payment processing game to a whole new level, and it's no surprise they're one of the top dogs in Fort Lauderdale's startup scene. Stax's platform is like a superhero for businesses, helping them accept payments from anywhere – online, in-store, or mobile.
It's like they've cracked the code on making transactions smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
Stax isn't messing around when it comes to growth and innovation.
Since they hit the scene in 2017, their revenue has skyrocketed by a mind-blowing 1,200% year-over-year. That's some serious momentum, folks. And they're not just coasting on that success – they're constantly pushing the envelope with cutting-edge features like AI fraud detection, real-time analytics, and seamless integration with all the top e-commerce platforms.
It's like they've got a crystal ball for what businesses need before they even know they need it.
And let's not forget about their power moves. Stax has teamed up with heavy hitters like Chase and Bank of America, giving them access to a massive customer base and accelerating their growth like a rocket ship.
In 2022 alone, they scored a whopping $245 million in funding from investors who clearly see the potential in their game-changing platform.
Stax isn't slowing down anytime soon.
They've got big plans to triple their workforce by 2025 and expand their operations globally. And they're projected to process over $100 billion in payments by 2026.
That's some serious cheddar, my friends.
As Elizabeth Anderson from Forbes put it, "Stax is revolutionizing the way businesses handle payments, and their rapid growth is a testament to the demand for innovative fintech solutions." So if you're looking for a startup that's really shaking things up in the fintech world, keep your eyes peeled for Stax. They're the real deal, and they're just getting started.
ShipMonk
(Up)ShipMonk is a total game-changer in the world of eCommerce fulfillment. This startup, founded in 2014, has been making serious waves with its cutting-edge software and a global network of fulfillment centers that seamlessly integrate with top platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.
What sets them apart? Let me break it down for you:
- Next-Level Automation: ShipMonk's proprietary software is like having a personal robot assistant. It uses AI and machine learning to automate inventory management, order processing, and shipping optimization, making your life a whole lot easier and saving you some serious cash.
- Scalability on Steroids: With facilities spanning multiple countries, ShipMonk can ramp up operations lightning-fast to handle even the craziest demand spikes. Whether you're a solo hustler or a massive enterprise, they've got your back.
- Customer Service That Slaps: ShipMonk's dedicated success teams and real-time order tracking make sure you and your customers are always in the loop. No more wondering where your packages went – just pure satisfaction.
ShipMonk has been racking up some serious achievements that prove they're the real deal:
- Funding: They've secured over $290 million in funding from heavy hitters like Activant Capital and Founders Fund. That's some serious cash to fuel their growth.
- Phenomenal Growth: In 2021 alone, they experienced a mind-blowing 300% year-over-year growth rate, processing over 100 million orders annually. Talk about explosive success!
- Global Footprint: Their global footprint now spans over 1 million square feet of warehouse space across the US, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. They're taking over the world, one package at a time.
With their customer-first mindset, cutting-edge tech, and ambitious growth plans, ShipMonk is ready to shake up the eCommerce fulfillment game.
As their CEO Charles Rodriguez said,
"Our mission is to empower eCommerce businesses of all sizes with the tools and scalability to thrive in an increasingly competitive online market."
Mark my words, ShipMonk is the real deal, and they're just getting started.
Expect them to dominate in 2024 and beyond.
Citrix Systems
(Up)Citrix Systems is an absolute beast in Fort Lauderdale's tech game, pioneering some seriously next-level solutions that are redefining how we grind and collaborate in this digital era.
At the heart of their badass innovations is the Citrix Workspace, a unified and secure platform that seamlessly blends all your apps, data, and services, empowering you to crush work from anywhere with mind-blowing efficiency and productivity.
Citrix's visionary approach has earned them a well-deserved spot among the hottest startups to keep an eye on in 2024.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
What truly sets Citrix Systems apart is their relentless drive to push boundaries and drive innovation forward. Check out these game-changing moves they've recently made:
- Citrix Analytics: An AI-powered beast that delivers real-time insights, enabling organizations to optimize their digital workspaces and level up the user experience.
- Citrix Secure Private Access: A revolutionary solution that provides secure, zero-trust access to corporate resources, ensuring your data stays locked down tight in this era of remote work.
According to industry insiders, Citrix Systems is poised for some serious growth, projecting a mind-blowing 20% increase in revenue by 2024, fueled by their never-ending pursuit of innovation and their deep understanding of how the workplace is evolving.
As companies continue to embrace hybrid work models, Citrix's solutions are expected to play a pivotal role in enabling seamless collaboration and boosting productivity across diverse teams and locations, no matter where they're at.
"Citrix Systems is leading the charge in transforming the way we grind, empowering organizations to crush it in an increasingly digital landscape," said Charles White, VP of Research at Gartner. "Their innovative solutions are reshaping the future of work, enabling businesses to unlock new levels of agility, security, and efficiency."
With a laser focus on cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, virtualization, and AI, Citrix Systems is poised to cement its position as a major player in Fort Lauderdale's vibrant tech scene, driving innovation and shaping the future of work for years to come.
MotionPoint
(Up)When it comes to translating websites and taking businesses global, MotionPoint is seriously killing it in the tech scene here in Fort Lauderdale.
Their cutting-edge proxy translation technology makes connecting with international audiences a breeze. As more companies go global, MotionPoint's solutions are a total game-changer, enabling brands to localize their online presence seamlessly into multiple languages without any technical hassle.
MotionPoint's proxy platform works like magic, instantly translating your website's content and delivering a fully localized experience to users worldwide.
No more clunky manual translation or dealing with messy integrations – their tech just gets it done, on the fly. They handle translation for major brands across industries, cranking out over 25 billion words annually.
With the language services market expected to hit $56.18 billion by 2024, MotionPoint is perfectly positioned to keep dominating.
They've already secured $33 million in funding and are recognized as industry leaders. Their AI translation capabilities are only getting smarter, making it easier than ever for businesses to expand into new markets.
Bottom line: if you're looking to go global, MotionPoint is the way to make it happen, and they're doing it all right here in Fort Lauderdale. Definitely a tech company to watch out for in the 954.
MDLIVE
(Up)MDLIVE is straight up shaking things up in the telehealth game, making healthcare way more accessible for us all. Check this out - they've got a network of over 3,000 doctors, therapists, and specialists that you can video chat with from your crib or on the go.
No more wasting time at the doctor's office or dealing with that crazy wait.
But it's not just about convenience, MDLIVE is hooking us up with all kinds of services:
- Virtual doctor visits for anything from the flu to UTIs (you know how it is, ladies)
- Mental health support from licensed therapists and psychiatrists for anxiety, depression, and more
- Dermatology consultations for skin issues like acne or suspicious moles
- Ongoing care for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma
And the best part? It's way more affordable than traditional healthcare, so you can save those hard-earned dollars.
The telehealth market is blowing up, with projections of hitting $79.7 billion by 2024.
MDLIVE is already killing it, delivering over 4 million virtual visits and 1 million mental health sessions since they started. With their focus on innovation and putting patients first, they're definitely a startup to keep an eye on in Fort Lauderdale's thriving tech scene.
AutoNation
(Up)Nah, let's talk about AutoNation, one of the sickest startups in Fort Lauderdale that's totally killing it! These guys are straight-up revolutionizing the way we buy cars with their dope tech.
Check this out - in Q1 2024, their digital retail platform AutoNation Express saw a mind-blowing 273% increase in sales compared to last year! That's insane growth.
But they're not stopping there.
AutoNation is going all-in on emerging tech like electric vehicles and self-driving cars. They're planning to open a dedicated EV sales and service center this year, catering to the rising demand for eco-friendly rides.
How cool is that?
These guys are also big on data analytics and machine learning to optimize everything from inventory management to customer retention.
Their CEO Robert Lopez said it himself - they want to be the most trusted and transparent automotive retailer out there, and tech is the key to making that happen.
With their focus on cutting-edge solutions and putting customers first, AutoNation is undoubtedly one of the startups to watch out for in Fort Lauderdale's booming tech scene.
Therapy Pups
(Up)In Fort Lauderdale's buzzing tech scene, one startup that's really making waves is Therapy Pups.
These are doing something totally unique – leveraging cutting-edge tech to take animal-assisted therapy to the next level. Founded in 2018, Therapy Pups is all about providing compassionate care and boosting mental health outcomes through the power of human-animal bonds.
What makes Therapy Pups stand out is their use of AI and machine learning to match therapy animals with people based on their specific needs and preferences.
By analyzing things like personality traits, medical conditions, and environmental factors, they can ensure a tailored and effective therapy experience. They've reported an 85% success rate in improving mental health and overall well-being for their clients.
That's some serious impact!
These have been crushing it with major milestones like:
- 2020: Secured $5 million in seed funding, allowing them to expand rapidly and level up their tech game.
- 2021: Partnered with major healthcare providers, bringing animal-assisted therapy to over 10,000 patients.
- 2022: Launched a game-changing mobile app for virtual therapy sessions and real-time pet monitoring.
- 2023: Turned profitable and recognized as one of Fort Lauderdale's fastest-growing startups.
But they're not stopping there.
For 2024, Therapy Pups has some ambitious plans to take their innovative approach even further. According to CEO Patricia Martinez, "Our goal is to use the latest AI and robotics advancements to create a seamless, personalized therapy experience that transcends physical boundaries." That means developing interactive robotic therapy companions and using advanced biometric tracking to measure and optimize therapy outcomes.
That means being on the cutting edge! Oh, and in case you missed it, they just added an adorable new pup to their animal assistance program at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
Too cute!
Kipu Health
(Up)Hold up! Kipu Health isn't just some random startup, it's a game-changer in the healthcare scene. These guys are all about making life easier for treatment centers and the people they help.
With their cutting-edge behavioral health software, they're streamlining everything from patient admissions to billing and even providing powerful data insights to help facilities grow and improve outcomes.
Additionally, Kipu's EMR system is built for seamless integration with other healthcare providers, making sure everyone's on the same page when it comes to a patient's care.
Moreover, it's all designed with security and privacy in mind, so you can trust that sensitive info is locked down tight.
What really sets Kipu apart, though, is their mission to empower both caregivers and patients throughout the recovery journey.
They're not just slapping a band-aid on problems; they're dedicated to leading real change in the behavioral health industry, advocating for patients and helping define best practices.
They've already expanded to serve over 1,600 facilities and collected a whopping $30 billion using their revenue cycle solutions.
Citrix Systems
(Up)Citrix Systems is on a whole new level for 2024! These guys have been crushing it with their digital workspace solutions, letting people work from wherever with their cutting-edge products like Citrix Workspace and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.
It's like they can see the future of remote work and are making it happen.
But that's not all - Citrix is seriously innovating like crazy.
They've got a massive plan for 2024 that's all about simplifying their products, boosting security, and delivering the best user experience no matter where you're working from.
We're talking hybrid solutions, Zero Trust security, and seamless access to any app, anywhere.
And - they're not just talking the talk. Citrix is laser-focused on adoption and value, making sure their customers are getting the most out of their tech.
They're also diving deep into key industries like healthcare, finance, and the public sector to build solutions tailored to their unique needs. It's like they've got an inside scoop on what these industries really want.
Citrix is also simplifying their product lineup, giving customers access to a ton of features without the confusing pricing tiers and add-ons.
It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet of functionality. And if you're into the latest tech trends, they're investing heavily in areas like AI, machine learning, and hybrid cloud solutions.
Bottom line? Citrix Systems is a Fort Lauderdale startup you need to keep your eye on in 2024.
With their innovative spirit, industry-leading products, and forward-thinking vision, they're on track to dominate the digital workspace game. Mark my words, these guys are going places.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What makes Fort Lauderdale a rising hub for tech startups?
Fort Lauderdale is becoming a hub for tech startups due to its significant number of tech companies (over 26,000) and tech workers (around 245,700). Additionally, it has witnessed over $1 billion in venture capital funding for startups and offers a top spot for tech jobs with a lower cost of living and no state income tax.
What criteria were used to select Fort Lauderdale's top startups for 2024?
The selection was based on companies pushing the innovation envelope, primed for explosive growth, and filling significant market gaps. Data from sources like CB Insights, PitchBook, and Crunchbase were analyzed to assess revenue growth, funding rounds, customer acquisition, and market impact.
Why is Modulr considered a startup to watch in 2024?
Modulr, a fintech startup in Fort Lauderdale, has gained attention due to its strong focus on automation and its recent $108 million in Series C funding. They have a growing customer base and have been recognized as a 'Top Fintech Disruptor' by KPMG in 2023. Their platform streamlines payments and financial management for businesses.
How is ShipMonk revolutionizing eCommerce fulfillment?
ShipMonk uses proprietary software that employs AI and machine learning to automate inventory management, order processing, and shipping optimization. They support scalability with a global network of fulfillment centers and have experienced rapid growth, processing over 100 million orders annually.
What innovative solutions is Citrix Systems offering?
Citrix Systems provides unified and secure digital workspace solutions, including Citrix Workspace and Citrix Secure Private Access. Their technologies enable seamless collaboration and high productivity, particularly in hybrid work models. They focus on AI-powered analytics and zero-trust security access.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.