Revolutionary research

Tarpon Springs-based White Cloud Electronic Cigarettes still sees itself fighting a David vs. Goliath-type battle against large tobacco companies. The only difference is the 80-person company sees its smaller size as an advantage, allowing it to innovate more nimbly, according to White Cloud Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Robert Burton.

The company's revenues are up 30% from last year, with expected revenue of $18 million for 2014. The bulk of White Cloud's sales come from its Internet business, and November was the company's biggest month ever for sales. Over the four days from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the company made $400,000 in sales.

In October, the company became part of the University of South Florida incubator program. It was a strategic move so the company could move all of its research and development in-house, instead of contracting for the work. The company invested $2.8 million in research and development over the last two years, according to an interview with Burton in July.