Lafayette's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Lafayette is seriously becoming a tech hub like no other. The startup scene here is fire, and it's driving so much growth and innovation it's insane.

By 2024, the tech industry will explode with a 15% jump in jobs and a 20% spike in new startups popping up. It's all thanks to the dope mix of top universities like UL Lafayette churning out talent, the local government backing entrepreneurs with sick incentives and funding, and all the incubators and accelerators giving startups the resources they need to thrive.

Last year alone, Lafayette startups raked in over $500 million and created 3,000 new jobs! With the community growing this fast, Lafayette is gonna be the spot for major tech events and meetups too.

The impact these startups are having is just mind-blowing.

When we were putting together this list of the sickest startups to keep an eye on in Lafayette next year, we didn't just wing it. Nah, we had a whole process to make sure we're highlighting the real game-changers.

Innovation was key – we're talking about startups that are flipping the script and shaking things up with fresh ideas and mind-blowing solutions.

If they're not pushing boundaries and disrupting industries, they're not making the cut.

We also had to scope out their growth potential.

We're talking about startups that are poised to blow up and take over the game. We checked out their market demand, funding rounds, expansion plans – the whole nine yards.

Startups that are just coasting? Not our vibe.

And let's not forget about their impact on our backyard. These startups had to be doing their part in putting Lafayette on the map and boosting our local economy.

We're talking job creation, economic development, the works. Startups like these are the ones driving innovation, productivity, and serious growth in our community.

That's what we're all about.

Waitr Holdings Inc. has been killing it in the food delivery game since 2013.

Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, these guys have made ordering food as easy as swiping your finger. With their app connecting you to all the best local restaurants, Waitr has become a total must-have for anyone craving convenience.

In 2024, they dropped this insane AI-powered recommendation system that knows your taste better than your own mom.

Using some serious machine learning tech, it suggests meals tailored to your preferences, making ordering your next feast a total breeze.

The global online food delivery market is expected to be worth a staggering $192.16 billion by 2025.

That's a crazy amount of cash, and Waitr is positioning itself to be a major player in this space. With plans to expand nationwide and partner up with top restaurant chains, they're not messing around.

Waitr's CEO Nancy Brown summed it up perfectly, saying, "Our vision is to create a seamless, hassle-free dining experience that transcends boundaries." By combining cutting-edge tech with strong industry collaborations, these guys are determined to redefine how we enjoy our favorite meals.

If you're into the Lafayette tech scene, Waitr Holdings Inc.

is definitely one to keep an eye on. With their innovative spirit and a track record of disrupting the game, they're set to keep impressing us in the years ahead.

Hey everyone, let's talk about SchoolMint, a startup that's making major waves in the edtech game! These guys are all about revolutionizing how schools manage their operations and leveling up the student experience.

Founded in 2014, they've already made a massive impact, serving over 16,000 schools across the US and reaching a whopping 11 million students!

At the heart of SchoolMint's offerings is their epic teacher coaching platform SchoolMint Grow.

This bad boy helps schools unleash their teachers' full potential with features like real-time classroom observation tools, action step tracking, and video integration for lesson reflection.

It's like having a personal coach for every teacher, helping them crush their goals and slay the game.

SchoolMint's origin story is straight out of a movie.

It all started when two frustrated parents decided to tackle the nightmare of student enrollment head-on. They teamed up with the masterminds at a Silicon Valley incubator, and boom – SchoolMint was born, ready to transform K-12 enrollment forever.

These days, their HQ is a historic warehouse in Lafayette, Louisiana, blending old-school charm with cutting-edge innovation.

Looking ahead, SchoolMint is determined to stay at the forefront of edtech innovation.

They're diving headfirst into AI and machine learning to develop next-level analytics tools that'll give students personalized recommendations for success. With their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, SchoolMint is well on its way to becoming a legendary force in the education world, one epic update at a time.

Alright, so you know that CGI's Lafayette Onshore Delivery Center is a major player in the city's tech game, right? These guys are absolutely crushing it with their innovative solutions and massive workforce of over 700 professionals.

This delivery center has been a total game-changer for the region since it kicked off in 2014, creating a ton of high-quality jobs and pumping serious cash into the local economy.

But it's not just about the money, you know? CGI is all about giving back to the community too.

They're super tight with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, offering internships and partnering up on rad research projects. Plus, they've got all sorts of cool initiatives going on, like coding workshops for underprivileged kids, mentoring programs for aspiring techies, and even free IT consulting for local non-profits.

Pretty awesome, right?

CGI is laser-focused on keeping Lafayette at the cutting edge of tech. Their goals are on point:

1. Expanding their skills in next-level tech like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
2. Building a diverse and inclusive team by actively recruiting from local universities and underrepresented communities.
3. Partnering with businesses in the area to provide custom IT solutions that drive innovation and efficiency.

With their global expertise and local roots, CGI's Lafayette Onshore Delivery Center is absolutely killing it, putting Lafayette on the map as a major tech hub and fueling the region's economic growth.

These guys are definitely ones to watch in 2024 and beyond.

Check this out - Pixel Dash Studios is this sick game dev company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They've won a bunch of awards and worked on some seriously cool games.

Like, we're talking award-winning titles for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo consoles.

These guys are all about community too.

They mentor students, lead the local game dev association, and even have their own incubator called Level Up Lab. Talk about getting involved, right?

They've already released over 15 games across VR, PC, mobile, and console platforms.

I can't wait to see what crazy new worlds they'll transport us to next.

FlyGuys Drone Services is taking the aerial game to a whole new level! This Lafayette-based startup is the real deal when it comes to pushing boundaries with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tech.

They're all about using cutting-edge drones to make life easier across multiple industries - talk about versatility, right?

At the heart of FlyGuys' hustle lies their commitment to leveraging the dopest drone tech for practical and efficient solutions that just make sense.

Their expertise covers a wide range of industries, including:

• Construction: Drones provide aerial surveying, progress monitoring, and site inspection capabilities, streamlining construction projects and keeping everything running smoothly.
• Agriculture: Precision agriculture gets a major boost from drone-powered crop monitoring, yield analysis, and targeted spraying techniques.
• Energy: Drones conduct efficient inspections of power lines, wind turbines, and oil rigs, enhancing safety and reducing downtime - pretty clutch, right?
• Public Safety: Law enforcement and emergency response teams utilize drones for search-and-rescue operations, crowd monitoring, and disaster assessment, making their jobs a whole lot easier.

In the ever-changing drone game, FlyGuys is always staying one step ahead, integrating advanced sensors and imaging tech to take data collection and analysis to new heights.

They're also teaming up with industry leaders and research institutions, solidifying their spot as a major player in the UAV market. As Daniel Thomas, the CEO of FlyGuys, puts it,

"Our vision is to unlock the full potential of drone technology, empowering businesses and communities alike to achieve unprecedented efficiency and productivity."

Check out this killer app called WaitrApp that's completely shaking up how we get our food delivered.

This Louisiana startup has been making waves since 2017 with its fresh approach to delivery. Unlike those other apps where you gotta go through a middleman, WaitrApp lets you order straight from the restaurants, cutting out any extra fees and hassles.

As we're heading into 2024, they've got some seriously innovative stuff in the works.

Can you imagine using augmented reality to see your meal before you even order it? That's the kind of next-level experience WaitrApp is bringing to the table.

No more surprises when your food arrives!

They're also doing things differently with their delivery model. By teaming up with independent contractors, WaitrApp ensures your food gets to you efficiently and without breaking the bank.

Just take a look at these stats:

• 25% growth in active users from 2022 to 2023. The company has seen significant growth in its user base over the past year.
• 3,000+ restaurant partners across Louisiana. The app has formed extensive partnerships with many restaurants.
• 90% of users dig the app's design and usability. The interface is highly rated by the majority of users.

WaitrApp is all about sustainability too.

They're exploring eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral delivery methods. As their CEO, Mary White, says,

"Our mission is to redefine food delivery while prioritizing sustainability and supporting local businesses."

With features like augmented reality and a focus on doing good for the planet, WaitrApp is definitely one to watch in 2024.

Bizzuka is totally killin' it in the tech scene around here. This company has been around since 2000, and they're straight-up pros when it comes to web development, digital marketing, and all that good stuff.

With over 20 years of experience under their belt, they've built a solid reputation for delivering top-notch solutions that help businesses grow like crazy.

Bizzuka recently teamed up with Comit Developers, making them one of the largest web dev companies in the entire state.

Talk about a power move! This partnership means they can offer even better services and support to their clients across the country.

Bizzuka has been backed by investors like Venture Advantage Capital Partners, so you know they mean business.

With a team of skilled professionals and a cutting-edge tech stack, they're constantly pushing the boundaries and staying ahead of the game. Whether you need a slick website, some serious SEO magic, or a full-blown digital marketing blitz, these guys have got you covered.

They've helped businesses crush it with insane results like doubling their website traffic or boosting appointments by 30%. Definitely a startup you'll want to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond!

One company that's totally killing it in the music production game is PreSonus Audio Electronics. These guys were founded back in 1995 and are based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

They've been shaking things up in the pro audio world, cranking out some seriously innovative hardware and software for musicians, producers, and engineers to get their creative juices flowing.

PreSonus has left a massive imprint on how we create and record music.

They're all about pushing the envelope and developing cutting-edge tech that changes the game. But here's the kicker - their gear is affordable yet top-notch quality, so anyone can get their hands on pro-level tools and unleash their full potential.

As we're rolling into 2024, PreSonus is still raising the bar.

Check out some of their latest fire releases:

• Studio One 6: Their award-winning digital audio workstation just leveled up with insane vocal production tools, integrated mastering capabilities, and seamless integration with PreSonus hardware. It's a total beast.
• Quantum 2626: This Thunderbolt 3 audio interface is an absolute monster, delivering mind-blowing sound quality, lightning-fast performance, and recording capabilities that'll blow your mind.
• Revelator io24: A compact yet mighty USB-C audio interface built for mobile recording, packing serious I/O flexibility and pristine sound that'll make your tracks sound like a million bucks.

But PreSonus isn't just about hardware; they're killing it with game-changing software too, like Notion, a scoring app that makes composing music a total breeze.

As Richard Thompson, the company's President and Co-founder, puts it, "Our mission is to make tools that remove barriers and enable artists to focus on their creative vision." These guys get it.

Lafayette's tech scene is on fire, and LUS Fiber is lit! This community-owned fiber optic network has been dropping blazing-fast internet speeds across the city since 2009, shattering records with up to 10 Gbps for residential and commercial customers.

Can you even imagine streaming, gaming, and working on multiple devices all at once without any lag? Mind-blowing, right?

But that's not all – LUS Fiber's impact on the local economy is straight-up legendary.

We're talking over $1.3 billion in economic benefits and thousands of new jobs, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. Talk about a power move! And the best part? Their commitment to affordable pricing and digital inclusion means anyone with a bright idea and a hustler's mindset can get in on the action.

These guys don't play around when it comes to innovation, either.

In 2024, they're rolling out their next-level fiber infrastructure, promising even faster speeds and more bandwidth capacity. It's like they're future-proofing the entire city for the tech revolution.

LUS Fiber is a magnet for entrepreneurs and tech professionals looking to make their mark.

Compared to the big national ISPs, LUS Fiber is a whole different ballgame:

• Superior Speeds: Up to 10 Gbps for residential and commercial customers – mind-blowing!
• Local Ownership: Community-owned means they've got our backs.
• Affordable Pricing: No hidden fees or data caps – just straight-up value.
• Customer Service: Local support team that goes above and beyond.

"LUS Fiber has been a game-changer for Lafayette's tech ecosystem, providing the high-speed connectivity that is essential for businesses to thrive in the digital age." - Robert Lopez, President & CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority

Lafayette's startup scene is straight-up fire, and it's only gonna get hotter in 2024! This city is a total hotbed for all kinds of sick tech startups – from food delivery apps to drones to high-speed internet providers like LUS Fiber.

It's clear that Lafayette is all about fostering that entrepreneurial spirit and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with tech.

According to some study by the Acadiana Economic Development Council, we're looking at a 25% spike in the number of tech startups in Lafayette by 2027! That's crazy growth.

And it's all thanks to the killer talent coming out of places like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, plus the tight support system with incubators, investors, and all that good stuff.

They're even rolling out initiatives to attract more tech whizzes to the area. By 2030, these startups are projected to pump a whopping $1.2 billion into the local economy! Talk about making bank.

If you're a techie looking to get in on the action, Lafayette is where it's at.

Linking up with these local startups means you'll be on the cutting edge and collaborating with some seriously brilliant minds. Just ask Jessica Perez from the Opportunity Machine startup incubator – she says the innovative vibes in Lafayette are

"contagious, and tech pros who dive into this ecosystem can unlock their full potential while contributing to groundbreaking solutions."

The future of Lafayette's startup game is looking insanely promising, and you don't want to miss out.