Issue 21- September 2014
Florida Institute and Dawson James Securities
Complete Integene International Holdings Financing
The Institute has finalized a funding agreement with Integene International Holdings (Integene), a vascular biotechnology company that has developed platform technology for ischemia and associated complications. In order to qualify for Florida Institute funding, companies must raise matching private investment capital and Dawson James Securities (“Dawson James”, Member FINRA/SPIC) leveraged its vast retail investor network to raise more funding than what was required to match Florida Institute funds.
This transaction is the first to result from an alliance announced in December 2013 between the Institute and Dawson James, to augment early investment in promising emerging growth innovation companies.
SharpSpring Acquired by SMTP, Inc.
SharpSpring, providers of comprehensive sales and marketing management systems, has been acquired by SMTP, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMTP), a global provider of email delivery services. SharpSpring, with technology developed at the University of Florida, was funded through the Institute’s Seed Capital Accelerator Program at the end of 2012. It is the first company in the Institute’s portfolio to complete a successful exit event.
Several Institute Companies Gaining Recognition
A number of Institute-supported companies have been recognized recently in awards programs throughout the State of Florida. Grow Florida, a program that works directly with CEO’s of second-stage companies to help them identify their core business strategy, announced their winners for the2014 Florida Companies to Watch, and this year, Altavian and Shadow Health, both with technologies licensed from the University of Florida, were recognized. Florida Companies to Watch is an award program that celebrates privately held second-stage companies headquartered in the state.
Additionally, Innovation Coast announced their 2014 Innovation Awards Business Competition Finalists. Top ten finalists included Paracosm, with technology licensed from University of Florida, and VetCV, Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems (IRIS) and Robotics Unlimited, each with technologies licensed from the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Companies will compete on November 7, 2014 for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at $215,000 and present their business cases before a live audience including venture capitalists, angel investors and financiers.
Startup Quest™ Sessions Commence
Startup Quest is a 10-week entrepreneurial training program that pairs unemployed and underemployed professionals with yet-to-be commercialized technology and experienced entrepreneurs, to learn how to develop business plans, pitch to investors and build successful companies.
Last month Startup Quest Broward County kick-started their 10-week entrepreneurial training program with an informational session attended by over 200 people, including potential participants ready to begin their journey, along with mentors and judges. Sessions throughout the state are underway.
Regional Program Managers across the state are seeking mentors, judges and other program participants who wish to be involved. Please contact Susan Scully at
KeriCure™ Received FDA Clearance
Summer Angel Investor Gathering Held in Miami
The Institute, with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, hosted “Here for the Summer” an Angel Investor event at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. An evening of cocktails, conversations and networking took place, with members and guests making plans for future events.
September 29- October 1, 2014
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Join state business leaders, industry experts and elected officials at the largest gathering of CEOs in the state as they discuss and explore how to secure Florida's future. This year’s program features top level executives from several state agencies and identifying connection points and partnerships that will make Florida the state with vibrant communities, high-wage jobs and endless opportunities for global competitiveness.Register today and be a part of the conversations that will help Florida stand out as the best state to live, learn, work and raise a family.
Don’t Miss the BioFlorida Annual Conference
October 12-14, 2014
Harbor Beach Marriott, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Connect with more than 500 life sciences professionals including company executives, scientists, investors, and federal and state lawmakers at the premier event for Florida’s life sciences community. Hear industry leaders discuss current trends in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and bio agriculture, and contribute to advancing the growth of the industry in Florida! Registration is now open and applications for emerging and established companies to present are being accepting.
About Us
The Institute delivers company building and funding programs to facilitate new venture and job creation through commercially-viable technologies in major industries that are driving the global economy. In addition to providing company support services, the Institute manages the Seed Capital Accelerator Program launched in 2011, and the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund launched in 2013. For more information, visit www.florida-institute.com.