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Ray Leavitt envisions a future in which helicopters and vertical takeoff planes, routed by his software platform, shuttle commuters for a pricey fare around south Florida and other congested metros. The 25-year-old’s dream isn’t that far-fetched. The model for his EvoLux Transportation is based on research Georgia Tech conducted for the Atlanta Olympic games on an aerial transport system, which Leavitt is evolving with newer technology for commuter use.
Ray Leavitt
EvoLux Transportation
Founder, Boca Raton
[Photo: Scott Wiseman]
A graduate of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville and a kicker for Florida Atlantic University until he injured his kicking leg in a car accident, Leavitt had his aerial epiphany a few years back. He has since learned that investors like businesses more than concepts. So he runs taxijet.com, an Expedia for private plane reservations that allows small operators to compete with larger fleets. It earns 5% per trip it books. He hopes it will be a springboard to helicopter service for VIPs going between cruise ships, golf courses, hotels or business meetings via local airports and heliports. São Paolo, Brazil, with its nightmare traffic congestion, has such a service. “He’s one of the most passionate entrepreneurs I ever met,” says Jane Teague, executive director of the Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida.
Leavitt’s so hungry to be an entrepreneur that in 2007 he waited twice in a grip-and-grin line to see Virgin founder Richard Branson. He wanted to double his couple of minutes to pitch Branson. Leavitt posted the picture of Branson and him on his company’s website. For now, Leavitt works from an office he leases at the EDC-run incubator at the FAU research park. Bigger things are coming, he says. “I can see it. I can taste it.”
EvoLux Chosen to Present at Emerging Technology Business Showcase
COMPANY CONTACTS: Jane Teague Executive Director Enterprise Development Corp. (561) 620-8494 x15
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Enterprise Development Corporation Unveils Presenting Companies For 11th Annual Fall Technology Showcase Emerging Companies from Diverse Industries To Exhibit November 7, 2008 Boca Raton, FL - October 21, 2008 -- The Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida (EDC), a public/private partnership specializing in providing strategic business development services to emerging science and technology companies, announced today the event finalists who will present at the 11th Annual Emerging Technology Business Showcase (ETBS), which will be held in Deerfield Beach at the Hilton Hotel located at 100 Fairway Drive. "The theme of this year's conference is "Driving South Florida Innovation, and this year's companies are representative of some of the most exciting industries that are changing the global economy, including alternative energy, information technology, transportation/aerospace, and information technology," stated Jane Teague, EDC Executive Director. "For the eleventh consecutive year, technology companies, service providers, potential investors and research and development organizations will gather to strengthen and develop key alliances in the local community, and we are looking forward to learning how to build a successful company during these challenging times." The following companies are to present at this year's ETBS:
Accelogic, Weston
ACCU-BREAK Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plantation
Arkiva, Coral Springs
CardRoom International, Ft. Lauderdale
CHS Resources, Boca Raton
Curna, Palm Beach Gardens
Cyclone Power Technologies Inc., Pompano Beach
EvoLux Transportation, Boca Raton
Linxter, Plantation
RadWebTech, Plantation
RoboVault, Ft. Lauderdale
Script Rx, West Palm Beach
Virsona, Inc, Boca Raton
World Response Group, Florida City
Following the Keynote address by Christos M. Cotsakos, Former Chairman of the Board and CEO of E*TRADE Group, Inc. and Founder, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of Mainstream Holdings, Inc., each company will present to the audience before exhibiting their products throughout the day. Additionally, Jeff Krukin, a Space Commerce Futurist and Principal, NewSpace Business Development, will be serving as this year's luncheon Keynote speaker. For more information about ETBS or to register, visit www.edc-tech.org or contact Christine Cannon, at
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