Exciting News From The Florida Institute

Newsletters
|
Building Companies, Changing Lives

 

Issue 23- November 2014

New Study Unveils Economic Impact of Florida Institute
Programs Generated $210 Million over 4-Year Period

The Institute has announced the results of a new study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc.® (WEG), a boutique economic consulting firm led by nationally recognized business economist Dr. J. Antonio (Tony) Villamil. The study measured the economic impact of the Institute between 2011 and 2014, and concluded that the organization plays a catalytic and growing role in supporting Florida’s overall economic development strategy. According to the study, Institute-supported companies created 1,329 jobs, 80% of which are in targeted, knowledge-based industries. Institute programs also enabled entrepreneurs to raise in excess of $35 million, inducing capital into Florida companies that may otherwise have been invested outside the state. The study also noted external, intangible benefits for Florida residents, including talent attraction and retention, an increased standard of living, and creation of a globally competitive workforce. To view the study, click here.

Second “Doing Well While Doing Good” Seminar Held in Miami
Knight Foundation Supports Improving Access to Capital for Startups

                    

University spinout companies and local angel investors convened at the Miami Coral Reef and Yacht Club for the second event in the “Doing Well While Doing Good” seminar series which was launched by the Institute with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation earlier this year. The goal of the series is to educate participants on the power and promise of angel investing, with a focus on university-based startup companies. Three companies presented at the event: EyeLife, Inc., developers of a wireless, pocket-sized and cordless ultrasound device based on technology developed at Florida Atlantic University; Allogy, a healthcare information technology company that aligns clinicians, healthcare executives and IT providers to improve the overall healthcare experience, based on technology developed at the University of Miami; and Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, Inc., developers of novel drugs for cancer and other serious disorders, based on technology developed at the University of Miami. The goal of the seminars is to educate investors about the innovative products being developed in South Florida, and rewarding investment opportunities that the local market holds. Highlights of the event may be viewed here.


University Spinout Companies Present at Annual BioFlorida Conference

Several early and mid-stage companies participated at the annual BioFlorida Conference held in Fort Lauderdale in October. Representative university spinout companies included: EyeLife, Inc., Integene International Holdings, LLC, OB Medical Company, Kynder Med, and Aviana Molecular Technologies, LLC. Key stakeholders from emerging and established companies, research institutions, universities, and the investment and legislative communities met and highlighted Florida’s achievements in life sciences, and plans are underway for the 2015 Conference taking place October 11-13 at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate. More information may be viewed here.

             
Institute Participates in KSC Innovation Expo

In October, Institute Entrepreneur-in-Residence Dan Justin participated in the Kennedy Space Center Innovation Expo. With 380 people in attendance, Mr. Justin had the opportunity to network with potential NASA start-up companies and other members of the innovation community. Participating exhibitors included businesses that provide a variety of products and services, as well as representatives of NASA, the 45th Space Wing, and other government agencies who were available to answer specific questions about doing business with their respective organizations.
    
Knight Foundation's Matt Haggman Addresses Miami Grantees on November 4th

Startup Quest™ Regional Pitch Sessions Underway

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.

Pitch sessions in  Broward, Leon and Pinellas counties have commenced and top business plans and presentations developed in each region during the preceding weeks will be selected. Panels of judges comprised of local business leaders will rank participating teams to determine the top performers. Please contact Susan Scully at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
 
OwnForce Provides Services to Startup Companies

The Institute has partnered with Gainesville-based software company OwnForce to deliver business infrastructure solutions at affordable rates to start-up and growth companies. OwnForce is changing the way businesses manage their information and engage with employees by offering turnkey business process services comprised of a robust Human Resources Management System, Payroll, Benefits, and Legal Support Services, all provided in a single solution.  With OwnForce, entrepreneurs and the talented teams they hire can focus on their core strengths: developing and marketing their products and generating revenue. By putting back office business processes in place early on, entrepreneurs can take their products to market more quickly and investors can have confidence that the business is compliant and sustainable for the long term. For more information on products and services, please visit www.ownforce.com or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.