Lafayette, LA, Is Perfect for Tech Companies
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.
Fueling Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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.
Other notable companies that have grown with OM’s support include:
- FlyGuys, a leader in drone services with proprietary technology and nationwide reach
- Hampr, an on-demand laundry service simplifying household chores
These companies exemplify how Lafayette, LA’s, supportive environment continues to propel tech startups to new heights.
“Students graduating from high school and college are looking for jobs they can be passionate about, and positions with tech startups are attractive,” Ortego says. “We have tech companies innovating in the fields of energy, health care, virtual reality and home services. The opportunities created by these companies help keep local talent at home and attract new talent to our region.”
Elevating the Region’s Tech Profile
While OM focuses on nurturing local talent, the newly formed tech council is dedicated to putting Lafayette, LA, on the map as a destination for technology innovation.
LRTC aims to strengthen and grow the region’s technology ecosystem through four key priorities: talent development, fostering connections, promoting Lafayette, LA’s, tech capabilities and advocating for supportive policies.
Guided by a 15-member steering committee, the council includes leaders from private tech companies, academia, economic development and the startup community.
Chaired by Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services, LRTC officially launched during Innovate South, a two-day event that brought together tech startups, tech professionals and entrepreneurs, in April 2025.
CGI Vice President Will LaBar serves as vice-chair, and other members include tech leaders of private sector companies, including Digital Twin Studios, VieMed, Skylight, Qcerris, SchoolMint, LHC Group and S1 Technology, along with members of academia, economic development and the startup ecosystem.
“Bringing together the top minds in technology under a shared mission will create new opportunities and fuel long-term success,” Johnson says.
The concept for the council originated from One Acadiana’s Leadership Exchange trip to Grand Rapids, MI. One Acadiana is the region’s chamber of commerce. During the visit, local stakeholders highlighted their technology council as a key driver in transforming the region into a flourishing tech hub.
“We’ve got the right people in place to do something special in Lafayette,” Johnson says. “We learned how the initiative spurred job growth and investment from new tech companies. We realized we could do that here. There is both a desire and need for this type of initiative, and people are excited about it.”
One of the council’s primary missions is to position Lafayette as an attractive alternative to high-cost tech hubs across the nation. With a lower cost of living, a business-friendly climate and a high quality of life, Lafayette, LA, offers a compelling value proposition for tech professionals and companies.
“We have such a strong culture with music, food and festivals that people love to be here,” Johnson says. “We’ve got a solid tech community with support from the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, OM and our area colleges and universities. We are in a great position to strengthen and grow our tech sector.”
The council will organize events, job fairs and networking opportunities that connect businesses with top talent. These initiatives will strengthen Lafayette’s tech ecosystem and foster a sense of community among local professionals.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.