When Florida’s can’t-miss tech and innovation event returned to downtown Tampa in February, the energy was electric. Thousands of people came to connect with Florida’s top thought leaders, industry experts, and cutting-edge innovators at the 6th annual Synapse Summit. Innovators, investors, educators, policymakers and entrepreneurs traveled from around the state, the nation and the world to network, learn and be inspired. Many came to decide if the hype about Florida’s thriving tech scene is more than clickbait, and they did not leave disappointed. In the many conversations and reflections in the weeks since there were five consistent themes that make Florida standout.
1. Florida’s diverse range of innovation across various sectors is a strategic advantage. This allows for a more diverse range of ideas and businesses to flourish. Whereas some tech hubs may focus solely one primary expertise, Florida has strong expertise in many different industries including cybersecurity, fintech and health care, applications of digital technologies like augmented and virtual reality and blockchain. We also have dynamic innovators in the performing and visual arts, the culinary arts, sports and entertainment. As we become a more interconnected and collaborative state, innovation will continue to thrive as entrepreneurs find inspiration from connecting with others outside of their usual areas of interest.
Creating a space for innovators from different industries, technologies, and communities to engage intentionally and serendipitously sparks opportunities for inspiration and ideas we don’t have when we’re only in our silo.
2. There is a strong foundation of growth-stage companies in Florida whose founders are heads-down building their businesses, attracting top tech talent and quietly making an economic impact. Companies like Xendoo, a fintech from Fort Lauderdale, which won this year’s Synapse Innovation Award, and the runner-up Ruvos, a national leader in data intelligence for public health, founded in Tallahassee nearly 20 years ago, are just two examples.
Thoughtful founders like Lil Roberts of Xendoo and Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet of Ruvos are paying it forward by engaging with their local communities to support and inspire others. Investment banking firms like Tampa-based Skyway Capital Markets have a steady and growing docket of businesses in various industries they advise through sales and acquisitions. Sharing these success stories will inspire others to build and grow their businesses here.
3. Florida is rich with talent, and more is moving here every day. The state boasts many colleges and universities with strong tech programs, and creative new apprenticeship programs opening new career paths for those looking to upskill through direct-to-company training collaborations.
Many who moved to Florida to work remotely during the pandemic are now engaging socially and professionally through interest-specific meetups, networking events, roundtable discussions and large-scale events. Some who have been impacted by the tech layoffs of the past few months are looking for their next career move. This translates into growth opportunities for our innovative companies, especially those who make it a point to get involved locally and get to know their community.
4. Investors are more engaged in the local markets than ever. In the past, many investors may have overlooked Florida in favor of more established tech hubs. However, as the state's business infrastructure — including the network of incubator and accelerator programs — has grown and produced successful companies, investors are starting to take notice. For many, it wasn't just tax incentives that convinced them to invest in Florida or even move here; they were also convinced by the high concentration of growing companies, opportunities to meet with leaders of supportive incubators and accelerators, and the chance to network with other tech-focused investors.
In his keynote at Synapse Summit, Steve Case, AOL founder and the visionary behind the Revolution fund’s Rise of the Rest, reflected on the evident growth in the market since his 2019 bus tour across the state. This influx of tech-savvy investors will continue to transform our markets providing not just financial capital, but intellectual capital as well.
5. Corporations are building strong pipelines for incubating startups, creating strategic partnerships with growing companies, and “powering” the innovation ecosystem creating opportunity. Our utilities are a great example of this approach. Florida Power & Light's (FPL) 35 Mules Innovation Hub provides resources, mentorship and non-dilutive funding to early-stage companies in a variety of industries, and they support statewide innovation initiatives to drive collaboration. Duke Energy’s partnership with the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, ARK Invest, and PODS is providing support for companies building climate-tech solutions.
By reinvesting in the broader innovation ecosystem, corporate leaders supercharge growth with ripple effects for the entire community.
The future continues to be very bright for tech and innovation in the Sunshine State. As our community continues to celebrate, discover and engage, we’re deeply proud to share the stories to demonstrate that “Innovation Lives Here.”
To learn more about how you can connect with Florida’s innovation community visit www.synapsefl.com.
Synapse connects Florida's innovation communities creating opportunities for growth. Our nonprofit builds community year-round through purpose-driven events across the state. We host Florida's premier innovation and tech festival, Synapse Summit, the anchor event for Tampa Bay Innovation Week, attracting thousands of attendees to celebrate, discover and engage with Florida's most exciting thought-leaders and innovative companies.
Lauren Prager is the CEO of Synapse Florida.
