The Launchpad: Redefining How Businesses Connect with Technology

For Tonya Turrell, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a mission. As the founder and CEO of The Launchpad, Tonya has combined decades of experience in B2B lead generation with a visionary approach to technology matchmaking. Her story is one of innovation, resilience, and a relentless drive to create an ethical, efficient platform for IT buyers and technology vendors. Today, The Launchpad stands as a game-changing solution in the IT industry, connecting businesses with the right technology partners while disrupting outdated practices.

Tonya’s entrepreneurial journey spans more than 25 years, with roots in Florida’s vibrant business community. After selling her previous company in 2015, she couldn’t shake the idea of creating a marketplace for IT buyers and vendors. “The world has evolved, but this industry hadn’t kept up. There were no efficient, ethical channels for connecting IT buyers with solutions,” she explains. The idea took shape in 2020 when Tonya brought together her core leadership team to launch The Launchpad. “We saw a gap in the market and knew we could fill it. We wanted to create a platform that protected IT buyers’ privacy while delivering actionable leads to vendors.” With this clear vision, Tonya and her team developed a platform inspired by dating sites, where users receive curated matches tailored to their needs. ensuring quality and trust.

The Launchpad’s proprietary AI-powered matchmaking engine ensures that IT buyers and vendors connect in a way that feels seamless and intuitive. Buyers create profiles, outline their needs, and are matched with vendors who meet their specific criteria—without being bombarded by cold calls or spam. “Our model is designed to let buyers take the lead,” Tonya explains. “They control the process, choosing when and how to engage with vendors.” For vendors, the platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions in a transparent, user-friendly format. Vendors subscribe to the marketplace, create detailed profiles, and connect with buyers genuinely interested in their offerings. This approach has already yielded impressive results: some vendors report conversion rates five times higher than traditional lead generation methods.

Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience

Launching in February 2020, just weeks before the global pandemic, presented unexpected challenges—but also unique opportunities. As businesses pivoted to remote work and scrambled to address supply chain disruptions, The Launchpad became an indispensable partner. “Our clients needed to find IT solutions quickly and efficiently, and we were there to help,” Tonya recalls. The company’s ability to adapt during a tumultuous period allowed it to grow rapidly, doubling its initial revenue projections within its first year. Tonya’s commitment to reinvesting every dollar of profit back into the business underscores her long-term vision. “Developing the technology has been harder than I imagined, but the response has been phenomenal. We’re excited to take the platform out of beta in 2024 and expand its reach.”

At its core, The Launchpad is a people-first company. Operating out of Orlando, the team of nearly 40 employees embraces a hybrid work model that prioritizes flexibility and collaboration. With a development team comprising talent from top organizations like Electronic Arts, the company is laser-focused on innovation. Tonya’s leadership philosophy revolves around vision and alignment. “When everyone is tuned into the same vision, it creates a powerful sense of purpose and direction,” she says. This clarity has guided the team through challenges and kept the company focused on its mission to revolutionize the IT buying experience.

As The Launchpad prepares to exit beta and launch its enterprise platform in 2024, the company’s growth trajectory is clear. Tonya’s ambitious goal is to transition entirely to a subscription-based model by 2025, scaling the company’s revenue and building enterprise value. Long-term, she envisions expanding globally and even applying the platform’s methodology to other industries like healthcare. “Our ultimate vision is to transform the way technology is marketed, bought, and sold,” Tonya shares. “We’re committed to making truth-based marketing the standard and creating a platform that fosters authentic, efficient connections.”

Tonya Turrell’s story is a testament to the power of vision, integrity, and innovation. As The Launchpad continues to grow, its impact on the IT industry—and the broader business community—is undeniable. By championing ethical practices and creating a platform that prioritizes user needs, The Launchpad is not just a company to watch—it’s a company that’s leading the way.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Being named a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch honoree is a meaningful milestone for Tonya and her team. Nominated by Jeff Holder of G&A Partners, The Launchpad is proud to represent Florida’s dynamic tech ecosystem. “This recognition validates the work we’ve done and inspires us to keep pushing boundaries,” Tonya says. For those embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys, Tonya emphasizes the importance of clarity and resilience. “Start with a clear vision,” she advises. “Challenges will come, but if you stay focused on your North Star, you’ll know what to prioritize and what to let go.” Tonya also highlights the importance of building a strong team. “You can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and empower them to lead.”