Thriving startups expand in Tampa, adding nearly 1000 jobs


January 10, 2017



Tampa’s reputation as an excellent market for startups and hypergrowth companies gained more traction last quarter, as locally founded, technology-centric companies announced major expansion plans.

On December 14, CareSync announced plans to expand to a new headquarters in Hillsborough County. A leading provider of software and services for care coordination, CareSync recently added 150 existing positions to its new offices offering 51,000 square feet of space at Hidden River Corporate Park and plans to hire up to a total of 500 by the end of 2017. The company plans to invest $4.5 million in the news headquarters facility.

“As a company that believes Tampa Bay is a growing hub for healthcare and technology services and an ideal place to live, work, and play, the decision to continue our expansion plans in beautiful Hidden River Corporate Park was an easy one,” said Travis Bond, CEO and founder of CareSync. “Over the years, we have been very fortunate, growing to become the largest national provider of care coordination for Medicare’s chronic care management program. We are excited to share the next chapter of our success with current and future employees of CareSync.”

The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation assisted CareSync with connections to CareerSource Tampa Bay for workforce and training grant opportunities and to the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College and the University of Tampa for recruiting assistance.

BlueGrace Logistics continues to grow where it set up shop less than a decade ago in 2009. Governor Rick Scott visited the transportation management company in Riverview in November to highlight their recent job growth. Over the past year and a half, BlueGrace Logistics created nearly 300 new jobs, more than doubling their job creation goal announced in 2015. It was also announced that the company will continue to expand in its hometown, creating 300 additional jobs over the next few years.

The logistics company is a shining example of the kind of success tech-based companies are achieving in Tampa and Hillsborough County. BlueGrace Logistics, which recently received a $255 million investment from Warbug Pincus to help fuel their growth, is on track to have 1,000 employees within the next two years.

Earlier this quarter, Lukos, a veteran-owned provider of professional services to the government, announced it will expand its Hillsborough County-based headquarters. The expansion was driven by a new project that will deliver a mobile application for combat trauma care training to Defense Health Agencies and military users worldwide. Meanwhile, Eat Fresco made plans to build a new commercial kitchen and food service production facility in eastern Hillsborough County public. The expansion will create up to 50 new jobs and $1.5 million in capital investment.

“Since our launch in February 2015, Eat Fresco has experienced tremendous demand in Florida,” said Robert Povolny, president of Fresco Foods, Inc. “Working with CBRE and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC), we found an ideal location for a large scale production kitchen in Hillsborough County with access to the major interstates. The EDC also provided us with valuable support for our expansion, helping us to expedite our plans for growth.”

Earlier in the month, AKCA Inc. announced plans to expand in Plant City, retaining 80 jobs and creating 30 new jobs in the community. The EDC worked closely with the Plant City Economic Development Corporation to facilitate this expansion, including providing economic impact analysis to support Plant City in extending sewer service. Headquartered in Plant City, AKCA has grown to become one of the premier pavement marking companies in the Southeast since its start in 1978.

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