CEI launches Gator100
The University of Florida is on an entrepreneurial mission: To find and recognize leading entrepreneurs around the world who are also UF alumni.
Warrington’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to launch the inaugural Gator100, which will recognize and celebrate the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world each year.
“CEI is excited to honor top Gator alumni entrepreneurs from schools and colleges across the UF campus,” said Nola Miyasaki, Director of Gator StartUps. “The Gator100 exemplifies one of CEI’s core values of contributing to a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship across our campus and the Gator Nation.””
To be considered for the Gator100, companies (corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships) must meet both of the following criteria:
- Have been in business for 5 years or more as of September 1, 2014, and
- Have had verifiable annual revenues of $100,000 or more every year since calendar year 2011.
The companies must also qualify under the leadership criteria (Gator-owned or Gator-led), defined as meeting one or more of the following:
- A University of Florida alumnus or group of alumni must have owned 50% or more of the company from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013, or
- A University of Florida alumnus must have served as the Company’s chief executive (for example chairman, CEO, president or managing partner) from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013, or
- A University of Florida alumnus must have founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.
“The Gator100 is an important initiative that recognizes entrepreneurial excellence,” explains Dr. Michael Morris, the Academic Director of the entrepreneurship program at UF. “It is open to any and all companies founded or run by Gator alumni, and recognizes those who are achieving growth, innovating, and making a difference in their communities.”
The Gator100 will be ranked by compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). Nominated companies will be asked to provide baseline financial information about their organization via tax returns that will enable calculation of its CAGR.
Financial information will be kept strictly confidential and entrusted exclusively to an independent accounting firm approved by CEI and the Warrington College of Business Administration.
