Florida Tech and Growth

Today we discuss the role and importance of a Chief of Staff, what it takes to be great at the role and why businesses need one. Big thanks to Scott Thompson, Emily Whiting and Samantha Talucci. Takeaways The Chief of Staff role is dynamic and multifaceted. Effective communication is crucial for a Chief of Staff. Balancing strategic and operational tasks is essential. Measuring success can be comp...

In this conversation, Mike shares his journey from working in a profit-driven environment to a culture-focused startup, emphasizing the importance of truth and communication in business relationships. Takeaways Grouper Social Club emphasized the importance of company culture. Transitioning from profit-driven to culture-driven was challenging. Truth in communication is essential for team dynamics....

In this conversation, Garima shares her journey of building Biller Genie, a fintech startup focused on accounts receivable automation. Takeaways Surrounding yourself with talented people is crucial. Education is key to overcoming market challenges. AI can significantly enhance business operations. Company culture is the heart of a successful business. Celebrating both wins and losses fosters a str...

Today we welcome Todd Albert, Paul Cassell and John Fly to explore further the Impact of AI on Software Engineering. Takeaways AI has shifted from novelty to an essential tool in software engineering. Productivity has increased across all levels of software engineers due to AI. AI tools can assist in troubleshooting and debugging, replacing traditional methods. There is a need for caution in over-...

In today's episode, we're joined by Francisco Benedito, Co-Founder & CEO at ClimateTrade. Francisco shares insights into how ClimateTrade is revolutionizing the carbon credits market with its innovative use of blockchain technology and discusses the importance of sustainable solutions for combating climate change. Takeaways Climate Trade has created a user-friendly marketplace for carbon credi...

Today, we are joined by Gerry Poirier, CEO and founder of AngeLink, a woman-powered social fintech company that empowers individuals through crowdfunding. Takeaways Crowdfunding is a vital tool for urgent needs. Women are the majority of both fundraisers and donors. AngelLink has facilitated over 5 million in transactions. AI enhances user experience and platform security. The crowdfunding market...

Today we are joined by Bill Grieco, CTO at Innventure. Bill is an engineer, an entrepreneur, an innovator and a phenomenal leader. He knows how to create team dynamics that foster innovation. Takeaways Creating trust among team members is crucial for success. Consistency and transparency build trust within teams. Middle management faces unique challenges in team dynamics. Respect and understanding...

Today we are joined by William Hawkins from Lonestar Data Holdings. Lone Star Data Holdings is designing and deploying data centers on the lunar surface and in cislunar orbit to protect humanity's data off Earth. The team consists of experts in licensing communications for space, orbital mechanics, data center build-outs, space investment, and space law. The need for data centers on the moon a...

Jose Restrepo, founder of Ecotropics, discusses his background and the development of his company in the carbon credits market. He explains how the carbon credits platform works and its impact on the environment and businesses. Takeaways Jose Restrepo has a background in ecology and environmental science and technology, which led him to work in the carbon credits market. Ecotropics has developed a...

Today we are joined by the CEO & Co-Founder of Lit Thinking, John Rajchert. The goal of Lit Thinking is to create safer, healthier, and more productive indoor environments. By funding state of the art research, Lit Thinking is setting the new standard for applying Far-UVC light and other new technologies safely and effectively. All powered by proprietary software that enables, informs, and emp...

In episode 011, we are joined by Erick Gavin, Executive Director at Venture Miami. We discuss Erick’s journey, what sets Miami apart from other tech hubs, challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs and the communities face, the secrets and approaches for long-term success and much more! Takeaways Miami's tech ecosystem is still in its early stage, with a focus on supporting and nurturing...

Today we are joined by Carol Houts, Chief Strategy Officer at Germfree. Germfree is a pioneering laboratory & cleanroom manufacturing company. They build world-class mobile & modular cleanrooms, labs & equipment. Takeaways Germfree technology addresses drug shortages and improves access to therapies by providing infrastructure and operating systems for manufacturing at the point of car...

Eva Palatinsky, the founder of GlobalFy, shares her journey of helping international entrepreneurs set up businesses in the US. GlobalFi offers services such as company registration, virtual addresses, registered agents, tax filings, and accounting services. Takeaways International entrepreneurs face challenges in understanding US regulations and adapting their products/services to the local marke...

This week's episode includes a fascinating conversation with Dr. Carlos Mata, CTO at Scientific Lightning Solutions, about how lightning impacts multiple industries, and the innovative solutions SLS has developed to enable companies to minimize lightning-related risks. Takeaways Lightning can cause severe injuries and disruptions in operations for companies. SLS has developed lightning-specifi...

In this week's episode, Ashok Kartham, Founder and CEO of Circuitry.ai, talks about how utilising technological transformations and applied AI can enable businesses to better serve their customers and improve customer experience. Takeaways Focus on what will not change in the next 10 years to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of AI solutions. When hiring new team members, prioritize custo...

Michel Triana is a serial entrepreneur, with experience in building and scaling tech startups, from bootstrapping to raising capital. Specifically, Michel is in the business of money, both in how it's made and in building the tools that make it move. Now the Co-Founder of Supersafe, Michel has a unique perspective on Florida Tech Eco-system. Takeaways Bootstrapping can be valuable in the early...

In this episode we discuss The Impact Of AI On Software Engineering with: Nack Kyoo Jun, CTO at Influur Michael Lehmbeck, CTO at BankUnited Zach Wills, Head of Engineering at Haven Takeaways AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor have significantly impacted software engineering workflows, increasing efficiency and reducing human errors. Proper training and caution are necessary when using AI tool...

I am a huge fan of Unnat Bak and RevScale. He is a serial entrepreneur, who has taken account of the lessons he has learned along the way, implemented them into his strategy, and now built another very successful business called RevScale AI, an innovative sales-focused platform. They have just closed their latest round of funding. Takeaways Sales is crucial in every stage and size of a business, r...

In Episode 003 of Florida Tech & Growth we talk Crypto with Dave Weisberger, co-founder of CoinRoutes. Dave and his son have set up an incredibly successful and exciting crypto trading platform in CoinRoutes and in today's chat, Dave shares how they have done so and how they have overcome the challenges that have come their way. Takeaways Navigating the regulatory landscape in the crypto i...

In Episode 002 of Florida Tech & Growth, we welcome the absolutely inspirational Raechel Canipe, the Founder and CEO of Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship & CMO of RevStar Raechel has built something truly remarkable, and in this conversation, she shares the hows, the whys, and the impact, providing resources and support for women in tech. Takeaways Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship is a...

In the first-ever episode of Florida Tech & Growth, we kick things off with a bang. Introducing Anya Freeman, the Founder of Kind Designs, a company focused on 3D printing living seawalls to combat rising sea levels. Takeaways Anya's journey from law school to founding Kind Designs is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and innovation. The development of 3D printing living seawall...