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§ Venture Capital · FL, USA
Early-stage venture capital firm and investor network funding and supporting B2B tech startups in Florida and the Southeast.
Florida Funders is an early-stage venture capital firm and angel investor network based in Tampa, Florida, that provides capital to business-to-business technology startups across the Southeast United States. The firm operates a hybrid investment model that combines traditional venture capital funds with a crowdfunding platform designed specifically for accredited investors. Operating with a dedicated team of 32 employees and generating under $5 million in annual revenue, the organization has deployed over $200 million in capital since its inception. The firm manages a growing network of more than 2,000 accredited investors and is guided by key partners including Kevin Adamek, Saxon Baum, and Michael Kadow. Its investment portfolio features various early-stage technology companies such as the artificial intelligence-powered lifestyle commerce startup CFY. Florida Funders was officially founded in 2018 by Tom Wallace and Marc Blumenthal.
Key people at Florida Funders.
Florida Funders has 1 tracked investment across 1 company. The latest tracked deal is $35.0M Series A in Betr in June 2023.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2023 | Betr | $35.0M Series A | Fuel Venture Capital, Eberg Capital, IA Sports Ventures | 10X Capital, 20VC, 305 Ventures, Abstract Ventures, Anti Fund, Astir Ventures, Banana Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, BITKRAFT Ventures, Bond, Buckley Ventures, Dragonfly Capital, Foundation Capital, Founders Fund, Gradient Ventures, Grit Capital Partners, Insight Partners, Kepler Operator’s Fund, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Long Journey Ventures, Pareto Holdings, Tampa BAY Ventures, Jaan Tallinn, Josh Mohrer, Kunal Shah, Louis Beryl, Roger Ehrenberg, Saxon Baum, Scott Banister, Shervin Pishevar, Ross Kestin, Jake Paul |
Key people at Florida Funders.
Florida Funders is a Florida-based venture capital firm and investor network focused on early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2013, it blends equity crowdfunding, angel investing, and traditional venture capital to help accredited investors invest in promising startups primarily in Florida and the broader Southeast. Its mission is to generate strong financial returns while fostering job creation and economic growth in the region. The firm targets sectors such as fintech, digital health, cybersecurity, e-commerce, AI, and SaaS, supporting startups from seed to Series A rounds with capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance[1][2][3].
Florida Funders was established in 2013 by tech founders and investors including Tom Wallace and Marc Blumenthal, who recognized a scarcity of early-stage capital for Florida startups, which often forced entrepreneurs to relocate. They created a hybrid investment platform combining crowdfunding and venture capital to mobilize local wealth and build a thriving tech ecosystem in Florida. Key partners like Kevin Adamek, Saxon Baum, and Michael Kadow helped evolve the firm into the Southeast’s most active early-stage tech investor, deploying over $200 million and growing a network of 2,000+ accredited investors[1][4].
Florida Funders rides the trend of decentralizing venture capital and democratizing access to early-stage investments through technology-enabled platforms. Its timing is critical as Florida and the Southeast emerge as fast-growing tech hubs, attracting talent and innovation outside traditional centers like Silicon Valley. By mobilizing local capital and expertise, Florida Funders strengthens the regional startup ecosystem, helping retain founders and scale companies locally. This approach aligns with broader market forces favoring distributed innovation and community-driven economic development[1][3][4].
Looking ahead, Florida Funders is poised to deepen its influence as the Southeast’s leading early-stage investor by continuing to expand its investor network, deploying capital into high-growth sectors like AI, fintech, and digital health, and enhancing its operational support for startups. Trends such as increased regional tech activity, growing investor interest in alternative venture models, and the rise of hybrid funding platforms will shape its trajectory. Florida Funders’ commitment to combining capital, expertise, and community positions it to catalyze the next generation of successful tech companies in Florida and beyond[3][4][6].