Newsletter 12.14.2023

Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay - we provide startup news clearer than your ex’s mixed signals

Here’s what we have for you today:

• St. Pete Pitch Night was a great success. 

• One man is trying to put Tampa Bay on the map with the help of USF

• AI writing tool makes it easier to secure government contracts

• This AI tool can predict when and where boats are going to move

• This company made a roaring comeback!

THE SPOTLIGHT

St. Pete Pitch Night Sparks Entrepreneurial Brilliance

Local startups illuminated St. Pete Pitch Night at Coastal Creative as five entrepreneurs showcased their ventures to judges and a vibrant audience.

Hosted by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Greenhouse, the event unfolded on a colossal 810-square-foot LED screen. Chamber President Chris Steinocher believes such initiatives make St. Petersburg a beacon for future business leaders, shaping the city as "the best place on earth." Despite friendly competition, FedScribe AI's Johnny Saye secured the top $5,000 prize for revolutionizing government contract proposal writing with artificial intelligence.

COMMUNITY

Join The Conversation

Is it a planner? A stand-up desk? What do you think »

STARTUP

Tampa Bay Tech Ventures Seek Spotlight with Techstars' Affiliate Event

Entrepreneur Will Freeman brings Techstars Startup Weekend to Tampa Bay after realizing the region lacked nationally recognized entrepreneurship events. The weekend, hosted by the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business, offers a platform for ideation-stage entrepreneurs to network, pitch, and develop startup plans. Freeman aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem and ultimately hopes to establish a full-fledged Techstars accelerator program in Tampa Bay. The event is scheduled for March 15-17, 2024, at the USF St. Pete campus.

St. Pete-Based FedScribe AI Wins $5K Prize at St. Pete Pitch Night

Johnny Saye, the co-founder of FedScribe AI, claimed the $5,000 grand prize at St. Pete Pitch Night for his artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to assist businesses in applying for Department of Defense contracts.

The tool, still in its early stages, uses an open-source large language model to recommend and tailor contract applications based on a company's goals.

Saye's experience and data from previous enterprises, particularly his consulting company Stale Chips, led him to identify the need for such a tool. The prize money will be used to establish a customer base for FedScribe AI.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I'm not a story, but I often get told, In a room full of people, I can be bold. I don't cost a thing, but I'm worth a lot, You'll find me in a joke, but I'm not a plot.

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

RECAPS

AI-Enabled Maritime Navigation Startup, Tocaro Blue, Anchors in St. Petersburg

Tocaro Blue, a maritime navigation startup, recently established its secondary headquarters at St. Petersburg’s Innovation District’s Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

Founded in Pensacola, the company, led by former Navy SEAL captain Tristan Rizzi, developed the Proteus platform—a 3D display and monitoring system leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to predict nearby vessel movements. 

With a focus on recreational boaters, Proteus enhances navigation by refining radar data, providing real-time NOAA and U.S. Coast Guard information, and offering predictive capabilities. Tocaro Blue anticipates a public launch in early 2024 with a pricing range of $4,000 to $5,000.

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

EVENTS

We’re Just Days Away!!

There are only 4 days left for you to get your ticket!

We’re getting ready to say✌️to 2023, and we’re going to go out with a bang!

Join us for the end-of-the-year party that is going to celebrate Tampa Bay and all it has to offer when it comes to tech and startups.

Time is running out to connect, explore new opportunities, and commemorate the achievements of the year.

Secure your spot today while tickets are still available!

Jabil, St. Pete’s Tech Manufacturing Titan, Rejoins S&P 500

St. Petersburg-based Jabil is set to rejoin the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, marking a significant achievement after a seven-year absence.

Removed from the index in 2014 when its market capitalization dropped to $3.9 billion, Jabil has since rebounded with a current market cap of $15.44 billion. 

Shares have surged nearly 420% in the past five years, and the company anticipates generating $31 billion in fiscal year 2024. Jabil's return to the S&P, effective December 18, is expected to enhance its visibility and credibility, potentially leading to lasting positive effects on its stock performance.

WHAT TO WATCH

$2.6 Billion Mattress Startup…

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

• Our event is the featured event of the month at Tampa Bay Inno

• Uh-oh… Ledger was compromised

• More hurdles for seed-stage startups?

• 🤩 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! Buy tickets here >

Brain Teaser Answer:

A punchline

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