Newsletter 11.30.2023

Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay. Your one-stop startup shop for news, laughs, and everything in between.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Meet who is fueling innovation in Tampa Bay

• Small businesses struggle in Florida, but this might help

• Big win for decentralized infrastructure thanks to this local business

• Clearwater fitness app secures $5M!

THE SPOTLIGHT

Andreas Calabrese: Fueling Innovation in Tampa Bay's Startups

Andreas Calabrese, leading TampaBay.Ventures, is a driving force behind local innovation.

Managing a $20 million fund, he propels startups like Spontivly and Procoto. Calabrese's unique approach focuses solely on Tampa Bay-based companies, bringing a hands-on perspective.

Beyond funding, he actively collaborates with the 14 portfolio companies, pushing for a 10X improvement in innovation. Calabrese sees blockchain's inevitable role in technology, navigating through current regulatory challenges. Amid the crypto debate, he emphasizes the lasting impact of blockchain innovation, keeping a keen eye on the future.

ECONOMY

Florida Small Businesses Anticipate Boost from "Small Business Saturday" Amid Economic Struggles

Facing challenges from inflation and rising costs, Florida small businesses look to "Small Business Saturday" for a much-needed upturn.

The holiday season is pivotal for businesses grappling with decreased consumer spending.

Tampa Bay Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor emphasizes supporting local enterprises during this crucial period, highlighting their role as the economic backbone. In regions like Miami-Dade County and Tampa Bay, where inflation rates soar, this initiative aims to rejuvenate businesses and stimulate the local economy.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

FUNDING

Decentralized Infrastructure Provider Grove Secures $7.9M Funding

Grove, formerly Pocket Network Inc., a decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) provider from Tampa Bay, has raised $7.9 million in funding from investors including Avon Ventures, Placeholder Capital, and Druid Ventures.

The funds will be utilized to establish partnerships and drive DePIN toward broader adoption. DePIN employs blockchain and token incentives to create decentralized physical infrastructure networks, offering an alternative to platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, reducing costs for other projects.

Clearwater Startup Icons Club Secures $5M Seed Funding for Fitness App

Clearwater fitness app Icons Club secures $5 million in seed funding from a pitch event at The Ring Workspaces.

Founded by Daniels Ikajevs, co-founder of The Ring Workspaces, Icons Club aims to offer a subscription platform with personalized training programs from athletes and trainers, covering various sports and focusing on technique improvement and injury prevention.

The funds will fuel app development, brand marketing, team expansion, and growth strategies. Ikajevs, with a background in fitness, expressed gratitude for securing funds amid a challenging startup funding environment.

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

If You Had To Go To One Last Event This Year…

Join the Tampa Bay Tech Leaders Year-End Celebration at Aloft Downtown! A night of networking, idea-sharing, and fun awaits with fellow entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts. Early Bird RSVP Today 🐦

Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, DJ music, awards, and a raffle. Don't miss this chance to connect with Tampa Bay's vibrant startup community and explore new opportunities. Mark your calendars for an inspiring and unforgettable evening of celebration!

🐦Click here to get your early bird tickets »

A software development agency focused on emerging technologies including Blockchain, AI/Machine Learning, Mobile App Development (including Progressive Web Apps), IoT, and more.

Flexsible exists to build incredible technology that makes a positive impact among businesses, individual lives, and around the world.

Notable clients include Barnes & Noble, Simba, Sentinel and many Tampa Bay startups/companies.

For early-stage entrepreneurs and companies, Flexsible is the software development partner enabling you to take your idea from zero to market-ready.

For established companies, Flexsible is capable of upgrading existing systems or building new solutions that increase business KPI’s without disrupting current business operations.

When you need flexibility, talk to Flexsible!

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

• 💰 Crypto Market Bull Run? Cathie Wood explains why crypto market will explode ‘to $25 trillion in 2030’

• 📢 Pitch Your Startup at St. Pete Pitch Night

• 🤩 Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is seeking innovative solutions for rural cancer patients. Prize is $50,000 and support by TGH Innoventures and TGH Cancer Institute. Apply Today

• 🎉 Celebrate Tampa Bay Tech Leaders and Startups at the Tech Leaders Year-End Celebration! Early Bird RSVP here 🐦

Brain Teaser Answer:

An Echo

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