With its blend of Cajun and Creole charm, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and collaborative community, Lafayette, LA, is an ideal location for new, growing and relocating tech businesses.
Two key players in this endeavor are The Opportunity Machine (OM) and the newly established Lafayette Regional Technology Council (LRTC), both of which are paving the way for Lafayette, LA, to become a leading tech hub in the South.
OM is Lafayette, LA’s, flagship initiative for fostering innovation and supporting tech entrepreneurs. As a resource center dedicated to empowering startups, OM provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services, including mentorship, access to funding, and business development resources. OM tailors its programs to companies’ specific needs at every stage of growth.
“We’re focused on an ever-growing and diverse startup ecosystem,” says Destin Ortego, OM executive director. “That’s where opportunities come from, and tech startups add a positive energy to the entire region. Innovation is attractive and exciting, and supporting startups contributes to the economic success of our community.”
What sets OM apart is its ability to cultivate a tight-knit tech community that prioritizes collaboration and long-term support. By connecting startups with investors, industry experts, and established businesses, OM has created a dynamic ecosystem where ideas can thrive. From hosting pitch competitions that spotlight emerging talent to offering coworking spaces that encourage creativity and collaboration, OM serves as a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs turning bold ideas into successful ventures.
The impact of OM is evident in the success stories it has helped create. Keepers is a Lafayette, LA-based technology startup that launched through OM. Founded in 2022 by Carleena Andrepont, Keepers offers an automated platform designed to streamline housekeeping operations for short-term rental properties, such as those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. The platform connects property hosts with vetted housekeepers and automates tasks like scheduling, pricing and quality assurance. It integrates directly with booking calendars to dispatch cleaners after each guest checks out. This ensures properties are consistently guest-ready without manual coordination.
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