You’ve probably seen the cartoon where a dog is sitting at a computer. He’s looking down at his doggy friend, explaining to him, “On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” 

Similarly, on the internet you can be a big dog in online business, a computing superstar, and nobody knows you’re in Acadiana.

Like, for example, Doug Menefee.

Doug is a nationally recognized leader and innovator in technology. He’s advised companies like Amazon, Direct TV, and DropBox in the innovation of cloud computing. Doug’s a local Lafayette boy and avid kayak fisherman. 

Nicholas Laborde makes video games. In 2010 he founded his company, Raconteur, reportedly without knowing anything about computer programming. Today Raconteur has  6 employees scattered across the country while Nicholas pulls the strings from here in Lafayette. The company recently launched its first game, Close Order, which has already caught the attention of Microsoft Xbox. 

The cavalcade of stars of Acadian computing continues with Tre King, owner and developer at iCandy Labs. iCandy designs and makes software, specializing in custom-made apps for other companies – for phones and tablets. They also have a couple their own apps that you can get at the Apple App store. You might find one of them useful tonight. It’s called Ragin’ Out. It’s an app that lets you discover events and nightlife in the Acadiana area as well as hooking up with your friends who are out. 

Photos taken over lunch at Cafe Vermilionville.

For more information about Acadiana entrepreneurs – Innov8 Acadiana and The Opportunity Machine.