Newsletter 4.18.2024

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Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay, the newsletter that gives you the same exhilarating feeling as popping your head out of a limo’s sunroof.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Is this the best bank for SBA loans?

• Which event are Tampa Bay AI leaders converging on?

• Which health business scored $4.5M in funding

• Tampa Bay & New York are teaming up

• This Tampa business is pushing creativity, globally

LENDING

St. Pete Bank Leads in Small Business Loans

St. Pete's own BayFirst bank is killing it in the small business lending game, ranking as the top U.S. Small Business Administration lender in Tampa Bay and snagging the second spot nationally for the number of loans they dish out.

Kiril Dimov, the small business loan director, says they're mostly hooking up small-dollar loans, like under $150,000, which are a big deal for local mom-and-pop shops that might get overlooked by big banks.

With their Bolt product, they're making SBA loans up to $150,000 happen lightning-fast, helping businesses grow without drowning in debt. BayFirst is all about giving the little guys a fighting chance and boosting local economies one loan at a time.

Join Us This May 15th

​Join us for an immersive dive into AI, not just for knowledge but practical tools to supercharge your projects and career. This isn't just an event; it's your ticket to future-proofing and embracing the AI revolution head-on.

Our expert panel includes:

• ​Ken Pomella, CEO of RevStar, known for leveraging AI to enhance business growth and scalability.

• ​Lenar Mukhamadiev, from IdelSoft, focusing on GenAI solutions for organizations and developing an AI-powered startup.

• ​Joey DeVilla, a seasoned AI and Python expert known for his innovative teaching and tech event management.

• ​Sat Ramphal, CEO of Maya AI, a serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in AI applications in regulated industries.

To get your tickets, click here »

FUNDING

LunaJoy Health Scores Big with $4.2M Boost

St. Pete's LunaJoy Health just hit the jackpot, scoring an extra $4.2 million in funding to amp up their telehealth therapy game for moms across the country.

Co-founders Dr. Shama Rathi and Dr. Sipra Laddha are pumped, especially since they didn't even plan on raising more cash yet. This fresh influx of funds means they can speed up their expansion plans without any distractions.

The money's coming from some big names like Founders X Fund, Goodwater Capital, and even Y-Combinator, which is a major win for LunaJoy. Despite being based in St. Pete, they've been rocking the venture capital scene, proving you don't need to be in Silicon Valley to make it big.

With the support of their local community and top-notch investors, LunaJoy's on the fast track to revolutionizing maternal health care, one therapy session at a time.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I'm the secret weapon, a sales tactic sly. Through word of mouth, I amplify. Happy customers spread my name. Bringing in sales, like a well-played game.

What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

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MERGERS

Satisfi Labs Takes Broadway by Storm with New York Merger

Tampa's Satisfi Labs just made a power move, merging with New York's Broadw.ai to dominate the Broadway ticketing scene.

Led by CEO Donny White, Satisfi Labs is known for its AI-powered chatbots, while Broadw.ai specialized in sales and marketing for Broadway events. This merger means big things for both companies, with a focus on revolutionizing live event ticketing.

Micah Hollingworth, Broadw.ai's founder, now joins Satisfi Labs to lead their entertainment division, bringing his Broadway expertise to the table. While financial details weren't disclosed, the merger is a win-win, benefiting investors and customers alike.

With backing from heavy hitters like Jeff Vinik and Google, Satisfi Labs is poised for even greater success. Plus, with headquarters in Tampa's Embarc Collective, they're bringing the Broadway spotlight to the Sunshine State.

STARTUP

Vu Technologies Goes Global: Accenture-Backed Tampa Firm Expands Worldwide

Tampa's Vu Technologies, renowned for its cutting-edge LED screens, is making waves with its latest move: expanding its network of studios across the globe.

With 16 new locations in major cities like New York, Tokyo, and Paris, Vu Technologies is democratizing virtual production on an international scale.

Led by CEO Tim Moore, the company aims to push creative boundaries and make virtual production accessible worldwide. Each new studio underwent rigorous vetting to meet Vu Technologies' standards, ensuring access to its innovative screens and digital production tools.

This expansion follows a successful funding round in 2022 and a recent partnership with Accenture, signaling even greater growth on the horizon.

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WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

• ₿itcoin Halving on 4/20: An event that occurs every four years, where the number of new coins going into circulation is reduced by 50%. This creates scarcity as it reduces the pace new Bitcoin can enter the market.
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