Newsletter Jan 2nd, 2025

In partnership with

🎉 Cheers to a Prosperous 2025! 🎉

Happy New Year, Tampa Bay Masterminds! 🌟 As we kick off 2025, we’re looking forward to another year of growth, connection, and opportunities. While the year is just getting started, there’s plenty to be optimistic about as we set the stage for exciting developments in our local tech and entrepreneurial community.

All the best,
Jon Tavarez
& the Masterminds Team

Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:

• Email Security Startup named Leader of 2024

• Exciting new edu initiatives for tech and finance

• Bridging the Cybersecurity gap between classroom and career

• Tampa Bay’s tech scene is on fire

• Proptech company opens local office

FEATURED

Egress Recognized as Leader in Email Security by Gartner

🔒 Egress, a KnowBe4 company specializing in adaptive AI-enabled email security, has been named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms.

“Email is the primary threat vector for organizations globally, and we feel Egress has played an influential role in delivering adaptive AI-enabled technology to prevent a broader array of threats,” said Tony Pepper, CEO of Egress.

This recognition solidifies Egress’s reputation as a key player in enhancing cybersecurity for businesses worldwide.

FINTECH

HCC Launches Florida's First Fintech Degree Program

📚 Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is set to make history with Florida’s first Associate in Science degree in Financial Technology (Fintech). Starting January 2025, the program will be offered at the newly launched Institute of Financial Technology on HCC’s Brandon campus.

The program will provide students with the skills needed for careers in the rapidly evolving fintech industry and will also offer a college credit certificate for focused studies. This initiative highlights HCC’s commitment to equipping students for emerging job markets.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I run the world without a crown,
Invisible, yet I hold things down.
I thrive on logic, never sleep,
Solving problems vast and deep.
What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

CYBERSECURITY

ReliaQuest Bowl Links Football and Cybersecurity Training

🏈 ReliaQuest is expanding its impact beyond the field by offering cybersecurity boot camps to universities participating in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Starting spring 2025, the two-day programs will bring hands-on training to the University of Michigan, the University of Alabama, and past bowl participants, building on its successful USF Labs program in Tampa.

The boot camps provide real-world cybersecurity scenarios, mentorship, and a direct path to careers at ReliaQuest.

“There’s no shortage of people eager to learn cybersecurity,” said Brian Murphy, ReliaQuest CEO. “It’s our responsibility to help close the gap.”

Through its bowl sponsorship, ReliaQuest raises awareness of cybersecurity's importance while celebrating the excellence of student-athletes and universities.

Where football meets cybersecurity innovation!

CYBERSECURITY

Tampa Bay Emerges as Florida’s Cybersecurity Hot Spot and Top Tech Hub

📈 Tampa Bay has been named the third-best tech hub in Florida, according to a new report by CommercialCafe. The study evaluated 20 Southern metro areas with populations over 200,000, using metrics like tech job density, median earnings, and quality of life.

Tampa Bay stands out with a 24% increase in tech employment since 2019 and median tech earnings of $92,903. The region ranks fourth for business growth and eighth for tech earnings increase.

“Tampa Bay has become a cybersecurity hot spot, led by firms like ReliaQuest, while programs like Tampa Bay Wave have fostered startups and surpassed $1 billion in funding,” the report highlighted.

Florida cities featured alongside Tampa Bay include Palm Bay (No. 15), Crestview (No. 17), Jacksonville (No. 19), and Orlando (No. 20).

With a thriving tech scene and growing opportunities, Tampa Bay continues to shine as a hub for innovation. 🚀

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

PROPTECH

Envera Systems Expands to Dunedin with New COO

🛡️Envera Systems, a leader in security technology, has opened a new sales hub in Dunedin, enhancing its Tampa Bay presence. Envera provides remote video monitoring, visitor management, and access control solutions designed for community associations.

The company also appointed Daniel Babb as Chief Operating Officer. With over 13 years in SaaS, Babb will help streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

“Daniel is perfectly aligned with our mission to deliver exceptional service and cutting-edge technology,” said CEO Dax Brady-Sheehan.

Headquartered in Coconut Creek, with offices in Sarasota and now Dunedin, Envera is dedicated to creating safer communities.

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY EVENTS

Upcoming: Exclusive Dinners for Entrepreneurs & Investors in 2025

Looking ahead to the new year, Masterminds Tampa Bay is thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting a series of exclusive dinners for local entrepreneurs and investors starting in January! These events are designed to foster meaningful connections, spark collaborations, and create opportunities within our vibrant Tampa Bay startup community. If you’re interested in joining us or want to learn more, let us know—we’d love to have you at the table!

Start learning AI in 2025

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, EVENTS, RESOURCES, ETC…

• 💀 RIP Photoshop. Gemini 2.0 now can edit image by talking to it, it's insane!

• 💰 The IRS delays crypto tax reporting rules to 2026

• 🤑 The Pelosi Trading Strategy

• 📅 Want to sponsor an upcoming Masterminds event? Register here!

Answer: An Algorithm.

Surprising yet true, algorithms power everything from business decisions to the tech tools entrepreneurs rely on daily.

Great job thinking it through! Networking is essential for entrepreneurs, especially as we head into the new year with new opportunities.

ADVERTISE WITH US // JOIN THE FB GROUP

*Please note that some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. We only recommend products or services that we believe will add value to our readers. Your support through these links helps us keep providing valuable content to you. Thank you for your support.