Florida, like many other states, is facing quick startup growth. Many of the startups that were founded just 5-6 years back have already turned into multi-million or billion-dollar companies.

Similarly, there are many new VC firms as well as individual investors who aren’t just funding entrepreneurs but also hosting many startup events and incubators.

Do you want to understand who these investors are and how to pitch to them?

Well, the following list of the top 6 angel investors in Florida is definitely for you. 

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Top 6 Angel Investors in Florida

Although you may not find a lot of individual investors, remember that most individual investors have formed angel groups and operate as investment networks. 

Similarly, many of these firms and investors are located in Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Before pitching, do proper research on their official sites.

Let’s get started.

Florida Funders

Website: Florida Funders | Florida's Most Active Venture Capital Firm

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, AI, Sports and Consumer Products. 

Investment Stage: Seed

Florida Funders is the most prominent and active investment network in Florida. Headquartered in Tampa, the network was founded in 2013 by Candice Rezvanian, Kevin Adamek, Marc Blumenthal, Marc Sokol, and Tom Wallace. Ever since its inception, they have funded more than 150 companies, at the early and the seed stage. 

With more than 13 investors in the network, Florida Funders usually fund startups that have chances of growth and present unique market solutions.

They also conduct numerous startup events and mentorship programs to boost the startup ecosystem in the state. The investment range of Florida Funders ranges from $10,000 to $2M. Some of their portfolio companies are:

Gigantor Technologies: Gigantor Technologies is a developer of real-time AI acceleration systems. Their technology increases the speed of existing products without changing the neural network model’s accuracy. They have raised a total of $1M in funding.

Gemini Sports Analytics: Gemini Sports Analytics is a developer of a data management platform designed for making data-driven decisions in sports management. They have raised a total of $10.5M in funding4.

Shardone: Shardone is a developer of a data revolution platform intended to empower analysis in one SQL system. 

ValiCyber: ValiCyber is a provider of Linux cybersecurity solutions. Their ZeroLock security platform specifically addresses the challenges of Linux-based environments. They have raised a total of $15M in seed funding.

Andreas Penna

LinkedIn: Andreas Penna - Miami Beach

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Software 

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Investing for more than 8 years, Andreas Penna is one of the most experienced individual investors in Florida. He is also the Co-Founder and General Partner at West Quad Ventures.

When funding startups, Andreas Penna focuses on a wide range of startup sectors. He funds startups based on their idea market and low competition. Similarly, he also participates in many networking events, guiding new entrepreneurs and businesses towards success.

Andreas Penna usually invests around $600,000-$1.5M when funding startups. Some of his recent portfolio companies are:

LitPic: LitPic is a social network for creator monetization through subscription, “Lits” gifting and tipping, and brand sponsorships. It raised $1.5M in venture capital from a group of investors, including Andreas Penna.

99: 99 provides taxi services through its application software that enables users to request taxis by phone. It’s often referred to as the “UBER of LATAM” and was the first unicorn exit in Brazil.

FitOn: FitOn is a fitness app that offers free fitness classes. Andreas Penna invested in FitOn during its Series A funding round.

500 Global

Website:  500 Global

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests: Tech

Investment Stage: Seed and Late

Founded in 2010 by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai, 500 Global is a venture capital firm that funds startups globally. In 2021, 500 Global has backed over 6,000 founders representing more than 2,500 companies operating in 77 countries. They have invested in more than 2,800+ startups worldwide.

Moreover, the network has $2.4 Billion in assests under management, representing their dedication to the community. When funding startups, 500 Global funds startups that can generate at least 5-10x ROI and have unique ideas.

Even when they are headquartered in San Fransisco, 500 Global still invests in other states through their offices as they have more than 60 investors at the firm. 

The investment range of 500 Global can range upto several million dollars, depending on the startup type and its growth potential. Some of their portfolio companies are:

Canva: Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content. It was founded in 2013 and is one of the companies in 500 Global’s portfolio.

Twilio: Twilio is a cloud communications platform that allows software developers to programmatically make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and perform other communication functions using its web service APIs.

Talkdesk: Talkdesk is a cloud-based contact center, customer service, and customer experience platform. It allows businesses to have real-time, personalized interactions with their customers.

Grab: Grab is a technology company offering ride-hailing transport services, food delivery, and payment solutions.

Serena Williams

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Sports and Innovative Solutions

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Although the world knows Serena Williams as a famous tennis player, she also takes an interest in startup funding. 

During the investment, Serena Williams funds startups that are founded by women or ethnic minorities. She is particularly interested in startups that solve everyday problems through unconventional thinking and diverse points of view.

Aside from her investments, Serena Williams also participates in many startup events and meets with entrepreneurs who are willing to learn something new. She also arranges mentorship programs for her portfolio companies and provides them with the best advice.

The investment range of Serena Williams ranges from $50,000 to $300,000. Notable portfolio companies are:

Zigazoo: Zigazoo is a fun learning and video-making game designed to make screen time healthier and more enjoyable for kids. The company’s application helps kids and families respond to prompts with short videos.

Tonal: Tonal is a developer of a digital fitness platform. The company’s platform eliminates the need for traditional weights by delivering pounds of resistance in a device with sensors and a touchscreen display that keeps track of workouts in real time. They have raised a total of $450M in funding.

CoinTracker: CoinTracker is a portfolio and tax manager for cryptocurrency that enables seamless cryptocurrency portfolio tracking and tax compliance. CoinTracker automatically syncs transactions into one unified dashboard and helps users file their crypto taxes.

Alex Rodriguez

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Sports and Entertainment 

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Alex Rodriguez is also a famous individual investor who funds Florida-based startups. After founding A-Rod in 1995, Rodriguez has also started making individual investments related to sports and entertainment.

He often looks for startups that are at the early stage, have great ideas, and need funding. Unlike the traditional funding ways, Alex Rodriguez makes his investments through fundraisers or startups that are already looking for investments.

Although he doesn't attend a lot of startup events, it's still a good idea to create a network with him and secure the required funding.

The investment range of Alex Rodriguez can range upto $300,000. Some of his recent portfolio companies are:

Jump: A ticketing and fan experience startup from Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, which has raised $20 million to help get to market34. Jump plans to offer services across ticketing, e-commerce, content, and event experiences.

Bungalow: A real estate startup that offers a unique solution for finding affordable housing in some of the nation’s most expensive housing markets. 

New World Angels

Website: New World Angels Florida angel investors 

Investor Type: Angel Investors Group

Investment Interests: Healthcare and Energy

Investment Stage: Seed

Founded in 2003, New World Angels is an angel group that funds early and seed-staged startups. With 35 investments, the network aims to fund startups that have the potential to bring positive change and are led by experienced individuals.

With headquarters in Boca Raton, New World Angels conducts many startup events and pitching competitions. 

The investment range of New World Angels ranges from $500,000 to $3M. Some of their investments include:

Prana Thoracic: Prana Thoracic is a medical device company that specializes in early intervention in lung cancer. Prana Thoracic has raised a total of $1M in funding.

Clarke Valve: Clarke Valve is a developer of energy-saving shutter valves designed to work in a variety of industrial and aerospace applications. Their technology can be easily scaled or customized to meet many challenging requirements. Clarke Valve has raised a total of $5M in funding7.

VESTECK: VESTECK is a medical device company focused on bringing its proprietary technology to the aortic repair, structural heart, and GI markets. 

Wrap Up

So, there you have the list of some of the top-ranked investors in Florida. 

Although it's arguable that there are many other investors located in Orlando, Tampa, Jackson, and Miami. Remember that these investors fund startups all over Florida and, in some cases, throughout the world.

When pitching to investors, conduct in-depth research, understand the minds of your investors by knowing their portfolio companies, and remain confident through the screening tests.

Good Luck! 

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