Jim Thomas
Founder of Karman Line
Jim Thomas
Founder of Karman Line
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Overview
Work Experience
Founder & President
2022 - Current
At the Junction of Planet and Technology, we are at the forefront of pioneering innovative solutions designed to foster a sustainable, prosperous, and purpose-driven future. Our commitment lies in harnessing the power of technology to create impactful and lasting change, ensuring that progress and prosperity are accessible to all, while preserving the planet for future generations.
CoFounder
2022
At Karman Line, our mission is to Connect and Inspire Humanity through Space Exploration. We aim to foster a Global Community that advances the boundaries of innovation and knowledge, creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and cultural enrichment. By bridging the gap between space enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the curious public, we strive to ignite a passion for the cosmos and drive forward the frontiers of human potential.
Executive Advisor
2022
The U.S. Space Force Historical Foundation (USSFHF) aims to document, preserve, and educate the public on the history and achievements of the U.S. Space Force and space exploration, inspiring future generations and fostering a deeper understanding of our space heritage. Through robust educational programs, strategic partnerships, enhanced preservation efforts, public engagement, and celebrating contributions, USSFHF seeks to advance public knowledge and appreciation of space exploration, ensuring a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring future generations to contribute to humanity’s presence in space.
Competition Judge, Unicorn Battle & Unicorn Cup Finals
2020
The Unicorn Battles® is the largest online Startup Pitch Contest in the world. More than 260 Unicorn Battles have taken place in 50 major cities of 35 countries.
iTech Competition Judge
2019
NASA iTech drives innovation by fostering collaborative, inclusive, responsible, and effective partnerships. By connecting innovators with investors and industry leaders, we identify and propel forward the technologies shaping the future of space exploration. With no government funds involved and no ownership of intellectual property, we facilitate a dynamic ecosystem where ideas from diverse sources flourish, resulting in significant private investments and a growing repository of technologies for future missions.
Partner
2019 - 2022
Kirenaga invests in early-stage companies that have developed products and are on the verge of initial commercialization, at the stage we call “Post-Technical Validation and Pre-Commercialization.” Our investment partnership is in high-demand from Visionary Founders for these reasons.
Founder & CEO
2016 - 2019
Central Florida’s thriving tech industry and burgeoning startup scene drive innovation across various sectors, from space exploration to digital media. Collaborative efforts between companies, civic entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions are shaping the region’s future through educational initiatives, creative workspaces, and accelerator programs. The Central Florida Tech Alliance championed this growth by advocating for the tech community and fostering collaboration between established businesses and startups.
Executive Director
2015 - 2017
Orlando, Inc., the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, was a Five-Star Accredited Chamber – the highest level of achievement awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – and served the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the Central Florida Region. For over 100 years, Orlando, Inc., advanced an agenda of priorities and projects that were business-centric. Orlando quickly became a global leader in not only entertainment and tourism but also an ideal place to start, grow, or relocate a business, and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce was dedicated to leading that effort.
Executive Director
2015 - 2016
Orlando Trep was dedicated to amplifying the great work and people of Orlando and announcing that the region is the next great entrepreneurial and innovation hub. Orlando has a uniqueness to it that no other region or city possesses. From its great weather and quality of life to its collaborative and business-friendly environment, Orlando now stands as not only the top vacation and entertainment destination but the ideal place to live and work. Orlando is already a leader in industries such as simulation, gaming, healthcare, life sciences, aviation, aerospace, and energy solutions to name just a handful.
Director of Client Relations
2013 - 2015
Fifty & Five is a full-service social marketing agency that creates memorable conversations between leading brands and their consumers.