Building Companies, Changing Lives
As 2016 comes to a close, the Florida Institute wishes to thank all of our partners and friends, with best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Issue 49- December 2016
SharpSpring Leaps to Number Two in Agency Market Share per 2016 Mirren - RSW/ US Report
SharpSpring, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHSP), a global provider of cloud-based marketing technologies, experienced dramatic growth in marketing automation platform preference in the past year according to the New Business Tools: 2016 Annual Report published by Mirren and RSW/US. The Mirren report summarizes information gathered from more than 200 agency executives on the effectiveness of business tools they use to support and grow their businesses, including marketing automation platforms. The report indicated that there has been a significant shift in platform preference among agencies that are marketing automation users. In addition to seeing the highest growth rate in 2016 usage levels compared with competitors, SharpSpring also absorbed the highest proportion of available market share, increasing its agency market penetration by 440% in 2016 over the previous year.
BioFlorida Annual Conference a Success
The 2016 BioFlorida Annual Conference, held on December 11-13, 2016, attracted hundreds of entrepreneurs, company executives, investors, scientists, researchers, and lawmakers, and showcased recent scientific advancements and business achievements, discussed the future of innovation for the industry, and explored public policy issues of interest.
The Conference addressed Florida’s distinct areas of strength in the life sciences, such as precision medicine, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, cell therapy and regenerative medicine, pediatrics and women's health. More information about BioFlorida and the Annual Conference may be viewed here.
Florida Institute Leadership Council Continues to Grow
Gulf Power, an investor-owned electric utility that serves more than 450,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida, has joined the Florida Institute’s Leadership Council. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening the communities it serves. Additionally, existing members James Moore & Co and the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University have renewed their Council membership for 2017.
The Leadership Council is comprised of leading corporations, foundations, and service provider organizations throughout Florida who share the Institute's vision for a vibrant and diversified economy across the state. More information about the Council, including information about how to get involved, may be viewed here.
Register today for the Florida Venture Capital Conference
Join the Florida Venture Forum for the 26th Annual Florida Venture Capital Conference being held on February 2 - 3, 2017 at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, FL. The Florida Venture Capital Conference offers numerous networking opportunities, and programming that features top investors and deal makers active in the state. The conference also showcases 20-25 of Florida’s most innovative and fast growing later stage, private companies. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Register today for Moffitt’s Annual Business of Biotech
Join the Moffitt Cancer Center Office of Technology Management and Commercialization on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Moffitt Cancer Center for the 11th 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 George Golumbeski, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Celgene Corporation, and Sam Donaldson former ABC news correspondent and member of the Moffitt Board of Advisors. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Register for the SUP – X: The Start-Up Expo
SUP-X is a two-day international conference and expo that attracts 1500+ startup and early-stage entrepreneurs, angel and VC investors and related service providers from throughout North America. This year’s conference is being held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center on March 6-7, 2017. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Save the Date for the University of Florida
“A Celebration of Innovation Startup Showcase”
This year the University of Florida (UF) will hold its eleventh annual startup showcase, “A Celebration of Innovation” on April 4, 2017 at the Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center. The showcase is 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 in research conducted annually at UF. Those interested in licensing, commercializing, investing or otherwise becoming involved with getting new discoveries to the marketplace will want to mark their calendars to attend. More details and event registration may be viewed here.
Save the Date for Innovation Awards 2017
Join Innovation Coast and the Office of Economic Development and Engagement (OEDE) at the University of West Florida for the Innovation Awards being held on April 12-13, 2017 at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. Registration is now open for companies willing to compete. Selected companies will compete for cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 before a live audience of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential investors. 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. Sixty-two companies have been funded to date, and the Institute’s economic impact through June 30, 2016 was $630 million, with an annual return on investment of 22 times to the State of Florida.