Embarc Collective is helping more than 35 local startups and has partnered with 50 organizations across the nation, and now in true startup fashion it is looking to add coffee to the mix.
The innovation hub slated to open the beginning of 2020 is partnering with Roberto Torres, owner of Blind Tiger Cafe, to create an entrepreneur-focused coffee brand "Endeavr." The brand will include a coffee shop within Embarc Collective that is also open to the public. The cafe will serve coffee including cold brew, and nitro brew, tea, kombucha, salads, sandwiches and acai bowls.
Embarc Collective CEO Lakshmi Shenoy said she wanted a space in the 32,000-square-foot building for the entrepreneurs to collaborate with the community.
“In building a central landing zone for tech entrepreneurship, it was critical to provide a place for food, coffee and conversation — open to the public — which complements the vision of Embarc Collective and helps new ventures flourish,” Shenoy said in a statement.
The long-awaited space, backed by longtime startup supporter and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, is slated to open early next year. Embarc Collective has 37 members it is working to mentor, along with a slew of national partners and an upcoming partnership with Junior Achievement. Endeavr's opening date, full menu and hours have not been announced.
Torres first began speakeasy-inspired Blind Tiger with a space in Ybor City in 2014, eventually expanding to Seminole Heights, suburban Westchase and inside Westshore Plaza. He is also the owner of The Lab Coffee and apparel brand Black & Denim. He worked with Tampa-based creative studio Pep Rally Inc. to develop the Endeavr brand.
"When developing Endeavr, it was important for us to intentionally design a space where startup talent and the broader community could collaborate,” Torres said. “Creating places where like-minded people can share ideas and build ventures is key to strengthening the startup community in this region.“
