Building Companies, Changing Lives
Issue 38- January 2016
Two Companies Receive Follow-on Funding
The Institute has finalized a follow-on funding agreement with Paracosm, a Gainesville-based company with technology licensed from the University of Florida. Paracosm is a cloud-based software company founded in 2013 that transforms reality into 3D models. The company’s team of computer vision and 3D graphic experts has developed a cloud-based platform that uses consumer-grade depth cameras to replace expensive and complex 3D surveying and modeling workflows.
Additionally ClearSpec, a Boca Raton-based company with technology licensed from the University of South Florida has received follow-on funding. ClearSpec is developing advanced speculum solutions that enable improved cervical examinations and improve patient outcomes. Both companies achieved significant development milestones since initial funding.
Governor Scott Awards Altavian’s Thomas Rambo with
Young Entrepreneur Award
Governor Rick Scott recognized Altavian co-founder Thomas Rambo with the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award during a Florida Cabinet meeting. Thomas co-founded Altavian, an unmanned aircraft solutions provider that integrates engineering and manufacturing with services for federal, state, local, and commercial clients. The Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes young entrepreneurs for excelling in the workplace and creating jobs through innovative businesses. The company received seed funding through the Florida Institute in 2014.
TAO Connect Receives $1.1 Million Investment
TAO Connect, a medical technology company that provides online mental health treatment over mobile devices using an innovative set of integrated SaaS tools has received a $1.1 million investment from two Florida-based groups: FAN Investors I GP, LLC (FAN Fund) and New World Angels. The company was funded previously by the Florida Institute, and will use this new round for continued product development, marketing and sales, and talent acquisition.
Sherrick (Rick) Wassel Elected Chairman of
Institute Board of Directors
Rick Wassel has been elected chairman of the board of the Florida Institute, effective January 1, 2016. The board is comprised of business and academic leaders from around the state who share a commitment to the growth of Florida’s innovation economy. Mr. Wassel will also serve as chairman of the board of managers of the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, a subsidiary of the Florida Institute.
Institute Welcomes Two New Leadership Circle Members
The Institute welcomes James Moore, CPAs and Quarles & Brady LLP as the newest members of the Leadership Circle. James Moore, CPAs is a regional CPA and consulting firm that assists start-up and technology companies with services such as tax planning and preparation; accounting assistance, including bookkeeping, payroll taxes and sales taxes; financial statements – compilation, review or audit; stock options consulting, and research grant assistance.
Quarles & Brady LLP is a multidisciplinary AmLaw 200 legal services provider with about 475 attorneys practicing at the top of the profession in Chicago, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Naples, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tampa, Tucson, and Washington, D.C.
Institute Associate Elected to GAIN Board of Directors
Institute Entrepreneur- in- Residence Joseph Reddy has been elected to the Gainesville Area Innovation Network (GAIN) Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective January 2016. GAIN supports entrepreneurs and startups through a variety of educational events, networking opportunities, referrals to expertise and resources, and opportunities to pitch to potential investors. GAINnet.org, GAIN’s online arm, is the fastest growing network of entrepreneurs in the State of Florida with over 3500 members.
Register Today at a Discount for SUP-X: The StartUp Expo
SUP-X is a two day international conference and expo that brings together startup and early- stage entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists and related services providers from throughout North America. This year’s conference is being held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center on February 16-17, 2015. Some 1500+ entrepreneurs, investors, and services providers are expected to attend.
Discount codes for the conference are as follows: For General Admission: SUPXGA99 - with this code the cost is $99; For the All Access VIP Pass: SUPXVIP299 - with this code the cost is $249. More details and event registeration may be viewed here.
Hotel Deadline Approaching for UF Celebration of Innovation
The University of Florida will hold its tenth annual startup showcase, “A Celebration of Innovation” on March 8th at the Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center. The deadline for hotel reservations is February 6, 2016. The showcase offers a unique opportunity to see startup companies commercializing the latest life science, medical device, and cutting-edge technologies generated as a result of the more than $700 million research conducted at UF. The University has earned a reputation as a leader in commercializing discoveries that cure diseases, create jobs and make the world a better place. UF consistently ranks among the top universities for startup launches and licensing, and in the past 12 years, the Office of Technology Licensing has launched 157 biomedical and technology startups, generating more than $1 billion in private investment. This year’s conference is offering a panel discussion, Making a Difference: The Cycle of Innovation from Lab to Market, featuring special guests telling the story of one invention's journey from idea to product. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Save the Date for Moffitt’s Annual Business of Biotech 2016
Join the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Technology Management and Commercialization on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Moffitt Cancer Center for the 10th Annual Business of Biotech Conference. The conference brings together biomedical companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and investors for networking and partnership discussions. This year’s keynote address will be presented by Arie Belldegrun, M.D. President, CEO and Founder of Kite Pharma and Sam Donaldson former ABC news correspondent and member of the Moffitt Board of Advisors. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
About Us
Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida’s state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2B+ research base and form investable companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups. Forty-eight companies have been funded to date, and the Institute’s economic impact through June 30, 2015 was $379 million, a return on investment of 14 times to the State of Florida.
Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida’s state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2B+ research base and form investable companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups. Forty-eight companies have been funded to date, and the Institute’s economic impact through June 30, 2015 was $379 million, a return on investment of 14 times to the State of Florida.